Oakwalker are a Memphis, USA alternative indie group who have just hit my radar thanks to the release of their debut album Tiger Sun Moon.

By Graeme Smith

Led by Victoria Dowdy on vocals and guitar and Ethan Baker on violin and mandolin, Oakwalker give us the perfect showcase of their sound with Tiger Sun Moon. The album brings together their acoustic duo compositions with richer, full-band arrangements meaning we get to hear both sides of what they have to offer.

Consisting of twelve tracks, it opens with its lead single Didn’t Know and it’s a lively start. Rousing Americana builds the atmosphere before Victoria’s charismatic vocals come in. They are instantly arresting as they deliver emotional, poetic lyrics that suggest heartbreak and empowerment.

From there we get a varied collection with some memorable melodies and some timeless compositions. It’s for lovers of alternative country, keeping the story of traditional folk while modernising the themes. Bad Decisions and Ladybugs shows us the dark side of love while Heroes calls out gatekeeping in the the world of music. I’m Not Alone gives us some honest self-reflection while Highway rounds off the first half of the album by taking us on the road with some stripped-back melancholia.

The album’s second half pushes the Oakwalker sound even further, giving us some starker contrasts between intimate moments like Waxing and Waning and Scorched Earth with cantering crescendos like Red Wine and Creature of Habit. Things end strongly with the punchy and poignant duo of Dead Tigers and Sunset.

I don’t think I’ve heard many debuts as well-written as Oakwalker’s. Victoria and Ethan have combined forces to create something that’s one-of-a-kind, modernising Americana while not losing any of the elements that make the genre so enduring. Tiger Sun Moon is a must-listen.

You can stream the album below.