Double Exposure Photo by Briana Raucci & Michael Vaspasiano

The setting is a warm Thursday evening in Hamden, CT. Erratic sprinkles of rain cascaded the area, peppering the urban environment with just a hint of dampness on the slightly eroded pavement of The Outer Space. This small venue has had its fair share of big name artists and bands throughout the years. The all too inviting neon sign in front of the business, illuminates the weathered ‘craft beer and live music’ sign, that has become accustomed to the eyes of regular venue patrons. The clock continuously did its magic, drawing the crowd inevitably closer to the stage inside. That night, June 16th, The Ballroom was to house the notorious Baltimore duo, Wye Oak. This was the second time the band graced Hamden with their presence; previously playing at The Space, just across the parking lot.

Wye Oak, the indie/alternative rock group is composed of the lovely Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack. Jenn commands the stage with not only her silk-like voice but freeing movements and psychedelic guitar licks. Andy, on the other hand, plays in a seemingly calculated manner, remaining poised as his confident drumsticks strike with precision – while simultaneously managing the synth. No one person is more important than the other; they feed off one another as they form a perfect yin and yang of musical talent.

The group formed a decade ago and released their debut album If Children, in 2007. Eventually, they were on the radar with the release of their second album, The Knot which provided an alternative yet country vibe all wrapped up in a psychedelic cocoon. It was not until the launch of Civilian in 2011 that garnered their much-deserved fame in credit. The title song of the album, Civilian, landed Wye Oak mainstream acclaim. Appearing in shows such as Being Human, Longmire, One Tree Hill and most notably, The Walking Dead. The song was featured in both the Season Two promo trailer and episode 18 – Miles Out. On top of television, the song was also featured in two films, Safety Not Guaranteed, and The Odd Way Home. These ventures cemented the duo into the hearts and minds of many in need of their lyrically and musically unique, passionate style.

The doors opened at eight, allowing the general public to come in and become situated with the local food and multitude of beverages. Their opener, TEEN, an alternative band from Brooklyn, entertained the crowds with songs from their new album, LOVE YES.

At around ten, Wye Oak made their way on the stage, humbly thanking everyone who made the trek out to their show. Excited to reveal their new album, Tween, Jenn announced it was the first time the songs had been heard by “human ears.” And, just like a rocket, they blasted off. Working fluently and powerfully together cause the entire energy of the small venue to merge into one; connecting all those who had no entitlement or connection to each other. (Continued Below.)

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Wye Oak’s movement on stage stood as a beacon, creating an atmosphere of pure joy, and drawing all to watch with intensity, as the base pounded and resonated within the audiences’ chest. As the crowd swayed, Andy seamlessly switched drumsticks while effortlessly tickling the ivory of the synth on his left. Jenn’s voice echoed beautifully throughout the room while she too changed instruments and poured her soul out onto the stage. The warm temperature of the Ballroom only heightened the preverbal vibes flowing outward from the stage, ensuring those that this was unlike any show or sound heard before.

Sadly, around midnight, the final beads of sweat and pulsing of the electronics dried up. Like a tornado, they came in with a powerful force of energy, leaving every person there wanting more. Their first stop on the tour was crossed off, paving the way for dozens more to come. Be sure to see if Wye Oak is coming to a city near you, as they put on a show you won’t want to miss. Wye Oak is here to stay.

Wye Oak 2016 Tour Dates:

Find Wye Oak online at www.wyeoakmusic.com

Listen to their new song off of Tween, Watching the Waiting.

Review by Michael Vaspasiano. Photos by Briana Raucci and Michael Vaspasiano.