Naturally progressing from a series of uniquely thoughtful, retro-style singles – The Acorns come forth with a full length album of originals, and it makes for a refreshingly creative, contemplative listen.
Introducing the classically free-flowing, almost spoken-word style raps recognisable as The Acorns, an ambient and hypnotic Wake Up In The Mountains starts things off – an extensive intro with a beautifully world-music-kissed air of natural colour and energy to it.
There’s a superb switch of pace at the half-way mark, where both the soundscape and the vocal outpouring elevate themselves. A dance rhythm ensues, the vocal speeds up – the poetic details multiply and captivate all the more so. The track suddenly moves from mellow and peaceful to engaging and immensely impressive. A superb way to start, and a piece that urges you to listen more than once before you move in to the rest of the album.
As Oak Strong continues, the musicality proves all the more artistic and interesting. The vocal is always recognisable, in tone, personality, and in the quietly mixed fashion in which it appears. The lyrics are majestic, but they ask you to come in closer to truly take them on.
The Skip-Along-Song is musically entrancing and offers precisely this quality of drawing you in to really connect with an unusual and intriguing concept. We get a catchy, simple hook, and the underlying sentiments of Oak Strong are referenced here, so the threads between tracks begin to show themselves.
Appearances from the wonderful Paved Red and Heat Wave help keep things familiar. Certain higher intensity moments re-energise the playlist – Xmas List is a subtle example.
We’re also blessed with plenty of smoother, more dreamy and intimate moments, like an unexpectedly pop-kissed Don’t Stop (Show Em What You Got), and a similarly colourful and light A Song Called Nap (which has an incredible amount of value during a recent multitude of lazy days indoors).
Baby Blue is a musical highlight for its Massive Attack-esque sound-design and compelling story. The fascinating details of a spacious yet lyrically bold How It Feels To Be A Problem also stand out well.
The whole playlist is so easy to let ring – a fine fusion of home-made, authentic good vibes and hints of a more complex and thoughtful array of ideas. A pleasure to venture into.
Download or stream the album Oak Strong here. Check out The Acorns on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
