True Red Dirt Rock: The Smokin' Oaks
Yukon, Oklahoma group supports American Slang at the Iron Horse Pub in Wichita Falls
In their official bio, The Smokin’ Oaks are characterized as “True Red Dirt Rock,” and vocalist Colton Blake and lead guitarist Slaid Cross are listed as “relatives” of Grady Cross, guitarist for Red Dirt legends Cross Canadian Ragweed. In fact, Slaid is Grady’s son, and Colton Blake is Slaid’s cousin. It is not surprising with a pedigree of that nature that this young Yukon, Oklahoma band shows natural musical skill.
We attended a recent gig in Wichita Falls, as the opening act for American Slang, and we noted the Oaks perform with a work ethic and approach their songwriting with thoughtfulness.
The Oaks are rounded out by bass guitarist Conner Pattison, and drummer Noah Morris, and there are some who would characterize The Smokin’ Oaks as hard country or Red Dirt music. The Smokin’ Oaks’ website describes them simply as a “rock” group, but it’s not important to label, because their set stuffed with original music brought many genres and influences to mind.
Put Aerosmith and Lynyrd Skynyrd in a jar, throw in some Seattle-sound stop-and-start rhythms and touches of progressive songwriting, then pour in a mixture of Johnny Cash, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Hank Williams — fill it right up to the brim. Close it, and shake it up.
Take a long pull off that, and you might get the flavor of The Smokin’ Oaks.
Colton Blake’s voice is mature and his lyrics sincere, and he has a decidedly country tone that adds something cool and unique to the Oaks’ rock sound. Blake’s contribution as a rhythm guitarist allows Slaid Cross to lay down fat, Southern Rock and blues leads at will. Check out their single, presently their most popular on Spotify, Please Accept Me.
When I first heard “Call Me Demented,” it occurred to me that I could have traveled through time and I was listening to Sister Hazel or Gin Blossoms. A minute later, I got the pleasant nostalgic feeling of listening to classic Eddie Money or the Marshall Tucker Band. On nearly every song I caught myself thinking it’s all in there. Call Me Demented, a song Blake wrote before he joined the band, has become one of my favorites. [Spotify | Apple]
The Smokin’ Oaks are young and hungry and just getting started. I’d follow them on your favorite streaming platform now, and get ready to tell your friends you knew about them before anybody else did.
Have you seen The Smokin’ Oaks? Tell us about it in the comments.
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