The OaKs Our Fathers and the Things They Left Behind by: Liam Tracey Wed:13-Feb-08 Label: Independent Year: 2008 WB rating 52 out of 100

Humanitarianism and music are so closely linked in today’s music scene that it is almost to the point where household names like Bob Geldoff and Bono have become as well known for their altruism as they have for their tunes. Today, more than ever, musicians are using their exposure and influence to help others and for the most part there is only praise to be given for doing so. Florida-based band The OaKs are one such act doing their bit for charity, pledging that 50% of all album sales for their debut Our Fathers and the Things They Left Behind be given to help widows and refugees in Afghanistan. The Oaks then take this act one step further with album tracks reflecting these humanitarian causes, blatantly revealing tales of self sacrifice and introspection. The finished product is an inspirational 10 track record that is moving lyrically but unfortunately lacking musically.

To the credit of its collaborators, Our Fathers is the work of two men, not many more as press photos might insinuate. While live The OaKs have a line-up of six or more members, this record is the work of multi instrumentalists Ryan Costello and Matthew Antolick, who both collaborate and provide a diversity of instrumentation. By far the driving force behind this project, however, is Costello who was influenced by several years helping refugees in Afghanistan.

Additionally, there are two tracks here dedicated to Hugh Thompson – the helicopter pilot renowned for his role in curtailing the My Lai Massacre. The representation of the upmost respect for the man and his heroism are among the most moving moments on Our Fathers and demonstrate Costello’s lyrical edge – the self-proclaimed influence of Jeff Buckley, Sigur Ros and Sufjan Stevens on show, the storytelling poetic.

It is s a worry that while the intentions of Costello are pure, he blurs his own vision between making a musically worthy record and one that delivers a deeper meaning. While for the most part such inspiration is a moving tribute, there are moments where the music and the message are too far apart, such as ‘Survey for a Distribution of Winter Clothing’. The sounds of village people simply emitted through this track veers far away from the folk/pop guitars of the record, as though Costello is telling the listener to pay attention instead of allowing them to simply enjoy the music. It seems almost as though Costello has been so caught up in his Afghan experience that he must force it upon the ears of others.

Moreover, the album seems to have sacrificed a lot of what The OaKs had to offer musically. Among the traditional folk elements here is an array of additions worthy of the listener’s praise. The addition of horns and electric organ in sections take the folk base to a new level, and the music emerges as a strange pop style unique to this record. What is unfortunate is that The OaKs do not grasp the full potential of such originality and too often revert back to simplistic acoustic guitar to backdrop their poetry.

As a debut Our Fathers lacks many strong points that would make The OaKs stand tall among their contemporaries. While their message is strong and focussed, the duo have not created a masterpiece to ensure their words are heard. A couple of clever pop tunes will satisfy the listener here and there but overall The OaKs have not created a solid footing on their first recorded efforts.