There isn’t really a correct way to interpret Wye Oak The Baltimore rock band, comprised of singer/guitarist Jenn Wasner and drummer/keyboard player Andy Stack, doesn’t mean to give the wrong impression, but there’s no reconciling the sonic inconsistencies between its albums, nor the divergence between the sound of the record and the setup of the live show.
It’s also nearly impossible to believe that Wasner, who in person is disarmingly friendly and animated, owns the heartbreaking voice behind the majority of Wye Oak’s catalog — a depressing array of songs that touch on everything from family turmoil and religious doubt to the trials of a failing relationship.
During “I Hope You Die,” Wasner sings, “Was it deafeningly loud, or was it peace — sweet peace?” With Wye Oak, it’s always at least one or the other, and most of the time, it’s both. MORE