Propelled by the narrative songwriting of Michigan-born artist Jordan Keller, musical collective The Okay Lakes impress with their first two singles. Releasing ahead of their debut LP in late November, “Sleeveless Hearts” and “A Cross on a Gravel Road” present a moving rock sound with resonating, anthemic vocal and structural qualities. Their expansive arsenal is warmly elaborate, with folk, rock, and chamber-pop resonance achieved via cello, viola, piano, guitar, synths, and beyond throughout the upcoming album.
Finding a lovely middle ground between dream-pop atmospherics and chirpy indie-rock, “Sleeveless Hearts” is a stellar debut single from the band. Pulsing guitars and suave vocals drive to a glistening, serene hook with easy replay-inducing appeal. The guitar-laden expressiveness rounding the two-minute mark reminds fondly of Beach House, while the acoustical-laden verses emit an autumnal lushness reminiscent of Fleet Foxes.
The second single, “A Cross on a Gravel Road” reminds fondly of The War on Drugs with its gradual development. Lush acoustical strums and twangy guitars surround a subdued vocal presence, perking up prior to the two-minute turn with piano-driven effervescence and an added vocal reflection. The “be the one to bring you flowers,” plays with sentimental, heart-tugging fervency following the satiating vibrancy of the hook.
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These two tracks and others featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2022’ Spotify playlist.
