There’s a great deal of existential wisdom in ‘Home (is a folk-rock mixtape)’. Penned by London-based troubadour Oaken Lee, the album takes a deep and heartwarming look at the concept of ‘home’, something that we are all eager to get away from – until we are not. Such a potent and meaningful theme is deeply tied to the cycle of generations and the ever-changing outlook on the world. We suspect such an outlook has changed for Lee too in recent years.
Hailing from rural Shropshire and based in Tottenham, London for the past 10 years, Oaken takes a rather meaningful and wholesome approach to his musical output. It’s not art for the sake of art; rather, art to hypnotise fellow humans and share poignant messages. From a sonic standpoint, Lee’s lyricism is often drenched in gentle and intimate folk-like energy, then counterpointed by more eclectic arrangements. ‘Home (is a folk-rock mixtape)’ is the strongest evidence of that, oscillating between hazy, indie pieces and acoustic, soothing gems.
Delving deeper into the ethos behind the album, Lee explains: “It explores our changing relationship with the idea of ‘home’. As young adults we often leave our family homes in a rush of freedom, excitement and becoming. By the time we reach Home, at the end of the album, we are looking to make our own home – to remake what we were so desperate to get away from.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Home (is a folk-rock mixtape)’ on Spotify:
