Watch Strand of Oaks’ powerful performance of “JM” for Out of Town Films

Philly’s Strand of Oaks released a session with local music videographers Out of Town Films today, an intense performance of their song “JM.” Earlier this year, the band released the critically acclaimed album, HEAL, where the song comes from; last week, it released a dark video for “Same Emotions”; they also played an intense set at this year’s XPoNential Festival and a phenomenal Free at Noon. Tim Showalter, lead singer, recently did a cover of Gillian Welch’s “Time (The Revelator)” live on WXPN with Dan Reed.

“JM” is one of the more emotional songs on HEAL – it’s an homage to the late Jason Molina of Magnolia Electric Company and Songs: Ohia, one of Showalter’s favorite songwriters – which may explain why it’s so mesmerizing to watch him perform it with his band during their Out of Town session. Recorded right before HEAL came out, it’s easy to see that Showalter is passionately performing, from his hand motions to his controlled vocals. He slowly builds the song up on guitar, before descending into an epic two minute. Watching the performance is like watching a wild animal being unleashed; it’s just that powerful.

Watch the session below. The band plays two sold out 21+ gigs at Boot and Saddle on September 19th and 20th, but tickets are still available for its all-ages show at Arden Gild Hall in Delaware on September 18th.