What's in a name? The Utrecht singer / guitarist Thijs Kuijken originally came from Bergeijk and therefore did not name his folk project after an ordinary poplar or beech tree, but after an oak. The first album is released by the sympathetic Snowstar Records from Utrecht, on which the interesting CDs of The Subhuman and The Secret Love Parade are also released. With the first notes of On Claws, the
… listener falls into a warm bath of close harmony vocals, gently plucked on guitar strings and some additional tastemakers such as the banjo, synth pads and percussion. Kuijken, who mainly works from home, knows how to let his songs excel in a beautifully subdued mood. Unfortunately, halfway through, it is noticeable that Kuijken has few surprises in store. Hopefully Kuijken can put some more dynamics in I Am Oak in the future, because he is a great talent. The warm bath will now become a little lukewarm towards the end and will also give you wrinkled skin. Well, some people like that. (JE)more
