We get boatloads of e-mails on a weekly basis promoting a variety of bands. Some are home runs and others don’t capture our attention. There hasn’t been a more interesting story than that of Ryan Costello of The OaKs. Post 9/11, Ryan set off to Afghanistan and wound up working with the locals in effort to advance their agricultural doings. At night he would pull out his acoustic and pen songs based on his daily experiences, which I’d imagine were exhausting, exhilarating, and a bit frightening at times. It’s such a great story, worthy of a post on its own, but the music on Songs for Waiting delivers as well.
When Costello returned home, he hooked up with college buddy, Matthew Antolick, and started framing out the tunes. What they have done where is put together a unique and lush album that is full of layers of instruments. At some points it just drifts by you and gives you a nice easy feeling. Other points are so lovely that it just makes you stand up and take notice. Its a real nice balance and adding in Costello’s engaging voice makes for quite the enjoyable listen.
A couple of my favorites are “Masood,” “War Changes Everything” and “The Heart Is a Lonley Hunter,” which has a nice jazzy jam mixed in there. If for nothing else, check the album out for the good that Costello has tried to instill in the world today. I’m pretty sure that when you get there, the music will win you over.
From previous album, Our Fathers and the Things They Leave Behind:
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This is lovely! Thanks for the intro!