There is a lot to be learned about human nature by simply immersing yourself in it. This biggest lesson in life is not about what happens to you but how you react to it. Character is the measuring stick of life. Australian alt-rock group Poison Oak recently released their EP 1996; a hexology of coming to terms with the true nature of humankind.
In terms of writing about relationships in a musical capacity; if it’s not coming from a place of love, it comes from a place of hurt. For Poison Oak, the latter is the case. The bouncy instrumental of opening track ‘Waiting’ was designed to trick the listener. “You’re a disease washed through my blood” bares the venom of this poison oak, infected by the flaky behaviour of a person meant to love you. The brit rock vocals are bathed in the desperation of validation from the love interest. Rolling drums mimic the motion of the train the protagonist sits on as they travel toward another potential bump in the track. The listener begs him to turn and never look back, but the trickle of lighter guitars in the closing moments spark the modicum of hope we all have; maybe this time will be different.
The notion of hoping for change is something which drives us all, no matter the scale. In order for something to change, reflection has to take place. Self-examination is integral for that. It’s how we and Poison Oak realise maybe not everything in the garden is rosy. Previous single ‘Sarah’ takes us on a journey of processing old traumas, breaking through to the other side of betterment. Doing this can also allow you to see the negative side of the human race. Against a back drop of sexy guitar riffs, ‘Let You Down’ warns of a narcissist and manipulative woman. We’re never privy to if this cautionary tale falls on deaf ears, but it does beg to be listened to for the listener’s own sake.
Looking back isn’t always a source of pain. Nostalgia fuels the title track. “I used to feel like such a hero in 1996” speaks a truth many of us may not want to acknowledge: we just aren’t where we want to be in life. Bouncing guitars and pounding drums case a rose tinted filter over a montage of the past we wished away.
Closing track ‘Still Thinking Of You’ ruminates on the “what if” which comes with leaving a romantic connection behind. The harsh vocals drip hurt over a gentle piano melody. This minimalistic structure tears the soul apart and leaves it all on the table. “Haunt me ‘cause I’m still stuck on you” begs the ghost of loves gone by to possess us as it means they can still be part of us. Many would rather a ghost of a person than nothing at all. Piano and slivers of guitar melt into a sad saccharine melody as Poison Oak come to the realisation “I think I’m moving on, sad to say”.
1996 imitates the fact of life that there isn’t always a happy ending to the chapter we’re currently writing. Being exorcised of a phantom which once consumed your life will sting. Though when the pain subsides in days, weeks, or even a months time, the good memories will linger on. Poison Oak serve up an EP of bittersweet hope for a better tomorrow that might go down well with a drink or two.
1996 is available now across all major streaming platforms. For the latest Poison Oak news, including new releases and tour dates, you can visit their social media linked below.
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