Black Oak is a new band formed around singer-songwriters Geert van der Velde (The Black Atlantic) and Thijs Kuijken (I am Oak). Just like the name of the band is a synthesis of both songwriters‘ other band names, so too the music a synthesis of the best that both The Black Atlantic and I am Oak have to offer musically.
In 2015 Black Oak wrote and recorded their debut album Equinox which will come out in April of 2016. Just like the equinox is the moment that night and day are of exact equal length, so too Black Oak’s album encompasses the moods of night and day. I am Oak’s moody, nocturnal folk blends perfectly with the skyward day time grandeur of The Black Atlantic’s melodies.
Black Oak’s music is full of this contrast. Beautiful, earthly acoustic guitar work and soaring melodies create a balanced atmosphere. And then of course there’s that magic combination of two of indie folk’s distinct voices working together in the best tradition of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Fleet Foxes or Bon Iver.