After spending 2 years with a humanitarian organization in Afganistan and teaching agriculture to recently-returned refugees, Ryan Costello returned to the states with a number of songs inspired by his experience. Partnering with longtime friend and former bandmate Matthew Antolick, they started The Oaks. The songs are very well-written, and the band does a stellar job of encompassing guitars, drums, horns, bells, organs, and mandolins into a big beautiful sound. The vocals are perfect, only adding a strong element to each piece and never taking away from anything. Go buy their debut album, Our Fathers and the Things They Left Behind, as the band is giving 50% of each sale to Global Hope Network. Listen

3 Responses to “ONLINE MUSIC: The Oaks”

1. 

   On 10/9/06 6:52 PM, jen curtis said:

   i listened to the mp3 of ‘the oaks’ and it was really heart touching. really. i mean it is a big sound- really emotional a powerful, but it has something that a lot of bands lack- the oaks have lyrics that mean something. not all that wishy-washy he loves me i want to get with her shit, but real meaning of life deep stuff that inspires me daily. makes me think. really touches deep. good work with the writing.

3. 

   On 10/10/06 5:03 PM, Angela said:

   Listen to these guys! I had the pleasure and honor of watching this cd evolve and seeing the intent grow as the project did. As many times as I have heard these songs, the hair still stands up on the back of my neck. Thank you Oaks guys for this gift to our ears, hearts, souls and planet.

5. 

   On 10/24/06 2:58 PM, Drew said:

   Great work guys! We miss you Matthew. Love the sound. Good to see that Art is still in your heart.

   Peace.

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