The alt-folk sounds of Oaken Lee and electronic tones of CutWires synergize beautifully on new single “Footprints,” a thorough success from the collaborating Tottenham-based duo known as Oaken Wires. The track also compels in its themes of perseverance — specifically described as being “about sticking together in dark times, about the sense of an ending and of it being time to pass the baton.” The project first got underway this past summer, when CutWires’ remix of Oaken Lee’s “Reach Out” prompted the duo to work together on new material; “Footprints” represents their first track, and it’s certainly a winner.
An electro-folk entrancement takes hold right away, as fragmented guitar tones and colorful electronic flourishes move intermittently amidst Oaken Lee’s lush vocal presence. “It’s all right and it’s okay,” they let out during an effervescent, blissful melding of dreamy piano and glimmering textures, reminding fondly there of Beck’s prettiest works, and also The Avalanches’ folk-infused efforts. An especially magnetic section compels as the three-minute mark approaches. There, buzzy electric guitars and folk clanging build with caressing impact. Harmonious vocal layers then emit a gorgeously spellbinding send-off as the track comes to a wholly satiating close. “Footprints” is a standout success from Oaken Wires, thoroughly succeeding in blending folk and electronic aspects alongside immediate, melodic songwriting and serenely absorbing vocals.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
