I’ve been intrigued by Wye Oak for a few years, partly because they’re called Wye Oak (the ancient oak tree in Maryland that died a few years back) and partly because they’re from my old home town of Baltimore. “Civilian” was one of my favorite tracks of 2011 and now they’re back with “Spiral,” a haunting and urgent piece with a vocal that reminds me for all the world of Chrissie Hynde from 20 years ago. Always a fan of marimba, “Spiral” features a minimalist mallets part repeated a la Steve Reich into the infinity of fade out. I don’t know what the song is about but I love to listen to it. You may too.
Find this and other free Wye Oak mp3s at: