On previous Strand of Oaks albums Tim displayed his knack for moving and dark folk and now on HEAL we see growth and change into an immersive sound with loud, punching guitar riffs and synth-heavy hooks akin to his recent touring show. Showalter says “I’m inspired by bands that go the distance, to a dangerous place…there’s an uncertainty to ‘HEAL’ that makes me nervous and excited at the same time. It’s sad, but it sounds like a celebration, like I’m crying and laughing and sticking both middle fingers in the air all at the same time.”
“Goshen ’97? is an ode to his hometown of Goshen, Indiana and first finding music in his parent’s basement. It features Tim duelling guitars with rock god J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr..