World Cafe premiered Heal’s first single, “Goshen ‘97” - Writing about it for the Cafe and NPR Music, John Vettese said:
Goshen ‘97 “moves fast and rocks hard, exhibiting an urgency we haven't heard from Strand of Oaks in the past. Showalter describes it as a joyful punk song, with lyrics revealing the little details of life in Indiana at age 15. He hides his packs of menthol cigarettes and lip-syncs to Smashing Pumpkins songs in his mirror. He hangs out in his parents' basement, writing, and discovers his father's tape machine — "and that's where the magic began."
On his past albums, Showalter spun surreal tales about alien abduction and John Belushi’s drug dealer. HEAL is Strand of Oaks’ most personal album, and it rocks.
Strand Of Oaks recently played Non-COMM. They’re playing Free At Noon on Friday, June 27th, and wrap up their Fall tour at Boot & Saddle on September 19th.
