Philly’s epic folk teller Strand of Oaks is making a return home tonight, if only for a brief spell. Strand of Oaks a.k.a. Tim Showalter is currently out on a 50+ date tour with Joe Pug where he and his hauntingly effected guitar are playing tunes largely from his latest stellar LP Pope Killdragon. The album finds a deep sincerity within a world of fantasy. The demos from the album are beautiful and effecting in their barest state, but the warm synthesizers and backseat drumming turned this album into one of the finest local releases in recent years, and one of the best folk records around for that matter. (BTW: He just made the demos available for download at "name your own price" HERE.) Showalter seemed a bit stuck, largely because of media portrayal, in his sad sack musician stage, but at his recent vinyl release show, he seemed like he couldn’t be more at peace with his situation, appreciative of friends and excited for the future. Since he is home tonight I think that barring some scheduling conflict, there is a good chance you’ll see Chris Ward behind the skins with him again, but I guess you will just have to go and see. Strand of Oaks have also been churning out some pretty sweet covers, like Damen Jurado’s “Ohio” and the Joe Pug’s “Hymn #101” so maybe he will throw a cover into his set. While Joe Pug might be the headliner, chances are JB’s will fill up for Strand of Oaks homecoming, so it will be best to get there early. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Adam G.
Strand of Oaks – "Ohio" (Damien Jurado Cover) by TwentyFourBit.com