Time Drifts. I Am Oak

It's been five years since I Am Oak's last album release and six where an album containing new songs was concerned, 'Osmosis'. The waiting is over. After a few singles, released in the past months Time Drifts is here.

Just days ago, I wrote about Shane Alexander's new album, 'Forever Songs'. Alexander had a hard time focusing on finishing his new ideas for songs after the pandemic. It seems Thijs Kuijken, the principle artist behind I Am Oak, had the same issue. Luckily for the world he managed to write new songs and record them. The result is the extremely pleasant new album, Time Drifts.

What has not changed is the modest way in which I Am Oak presents itself. Kuijken is a singer who seems to prefer standing in the shadows. He does everything not to draw attention to himself but to his music instead. In that he succeeds gloriously.

The music on Time Drifts can be called classic I Am Oak. The music is serene and beautiful. Soft-toned songs, sang with a soft voice, that flow organically. An electronic keyboard often is the lead instrument of choice. Add some synths and percussion. It is enough to be mesmerised by I Am Oak. In other songs it may be an acoustic guitar. The effect on me is absolutely the same.

Between songs the approach may differ a little. A few notes spells a solo on an electric guitar. Background vocals give a modest pop vibe to another song. There's even a gamelan kind of sound found on Time Drifts.

My conclusion on the music, classical I Am Oak, is somewhat opposed to what Thijs Kuijken says in the bio accompanying the album. He says that he approached the songs from another angle where the topics are concerned, more contemplative and observations. This translated into approaching the songs dorm a different sonic point if view as well. It may be, and yes, I do hear some new sounds/instruments, I stand by my conclusion.  It doesn't really matter. Time Drifts contains several songs that I immediately rank between my favourite I Am Oak songs.

Time Drifts is a fine album for everyone who likes to listen to soft songs that take you with them. Songs that allow you to step into another world for a short while. Undisturbed by life and unexpected noise eruptions that cut into your zen state. Thijs Kuijken has done it again.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght

 

 You can listen to and order Time Drifts here:

https://snowstar.bandcamp.com/album/time-drifts