With a little more than a month to go before folksy duo Wye Oak releases its fifth full-length album, the band has released its first official single from the collection on SoundCloud. “Glory,” may technically be the second single released, since the first song from Shriek, “The Tower,” ended up on YouTube earlier this year.
“Glory” is catchy and upbeat, with a sophisticated guitar line backing up Jenn Wasner’s dreamy vocals. It also has a stronger drum beat than the top songs from Civilian. Synth influences and a dynamic bass line round out the best instrumental effects of the new single. “Glory”‘s release follows Wye Oak’s much-talked-about Hype Hotel Set at SXSW, which they headlined along with Against Me! and followed acts like Albert Hammond Jr. and Together Pangea. They also appeared at the festival playing Fader Fort and BrooklynVegan’s Saturday day party. No longer strictly a folk band, Wye Oak is proving to a wider range of fans that they can work with a slightly different genre and bring out the same success.
Formed as Monarch in 2006, Wye Oak quickly changed its name and released first album If Children before eventually signing to a label and releasing The Knot, My Neighbor, My Creator and finally Civilian in 2011. After having songs featured in several different TV scenes and trailers, including one for hit AMC show “The Walking Dead,” Wye Oak’s April 29th release of Shriek is almost certain to debut to a wider fan base than ever before.