After I tell you about Oak & Gorski, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t heard of them before. Oak & Gorski (formerly Ken Oak Band) is about to release their fourth studio album Love Destroyer, they raised $13,368 in 30 days on Kickstarter, they’ve toured the US ten times and are currently in Asia on their first overseas tour, and their music has been placed in the hit movie She’s The Man, Lifetime’s “A Nanny Secret,” and CSI:NY.
Now you’re wondering how you could have possibly missed them, right? This dynamic cello and acoustic guitar duo have created their unique genre of “cello rock.” Ed Gorski’s strong, soulful, and twangy vocal styling brings an americana vibe to the duo. Ken Oak’s cello-playing along with his soaring harmonies balances the music perfectly and makes it clear why the two have been performing together since 2005. Their influences range from Ryan Adams, to Depeche Mode, to the Indigo Girls and the diversity is incorporated into Love Destroyer simply and beautifully.
On the opening track of Love Destroyer, “If I Could Tell You,” Gorski’s vocals bring the record to a field of tall grass and the smell of home cooking. The track swings into harmonies for the chorus that bring together the sweet and sultry into a warm and soothing concoction. “Mountains,” the second song on the new record, is my favorite. It opens with finger-picking of an acoustic guitar and immediately breaks into the harmonies of Oak and Gorski. The solid Americana folk influence is the most present in this song. And with the song about the beautiful landscape of the blue sky and mountains, it’s easy to imagine that these guys migrated to Los Angeles from some beautiful places. “New York” sings a love song to the the majestic bustling of this crazy city. It paints a contrast to the previous track “Mountains” and illustrates the beauty they find in all landscapes. “New York” is followed by the title track of the album “Love Destroyer.” This song is the most “rock” you’ll find on the record with the intro of the staccato bass notes of the cello breaking into the minor key haunting of the acoustic guitar. Although the song sounds upbeat, the lyrics are tinged with regret, singing “I’m a love love love destroyer / There’s got to be someone better for ya.” The record closes with the lullaby of “Burn the Bridge.” Singing promises to a lover and reeling in the listener, this track is another showcase of vocals and acoustic guitar picking laid over the sweeping cello. This song is seemingly influenced by country pop songs like Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss’ “Whiskey Lullabye.”
Love Destroyer shows originality while showcasing the duo’s talent and promises that although the duo are already on their fouth album, Oak & Gorski are just getting started. While they consider themselves “cello rock,” you’ll love Oak & Gorski if you enjoy americana, folk, and country pop. They’ve already shared the stage with popular artists Sara Bareilles, Meiko, Gary Jules, Mumford & Sons, Greg Laswell, and Far East Movement and it clear that with the release of Love Destroyer, they’re not going anwhere.
You can pick up Good Advice, Bad Advice now or wait until December 14th for Love Destroyer.
