Florida's indie-pop/alt-rock band Del Pelson released a new single today, titled "Oak". A bright, upbeat and happy-sounding song reveals a heart-breaking story hidden within the lyrics, coming as a cautionary tale to the dangers of drinking and driving. While incredibly catchy, the track becomes an intense and personal revelation of sadness building into a powerfully moving and intimate single.

"Part of the story here is that even though death can be tragic when it happens and you might think you’ll never move on, life tends to carry on anyway and things will get better – and you can move on," shared guitarist/vocalist Cal Nelson. "The protagonist in this story actually feels guilty for how easily he can move on with his life after some time has passed, and how the woman he accidentally killed will never experience a lot of the things that he gets to experience."

The band took the narrative story inspiration from Wayne Cochran’s/Pearl Jam’s “Last Kiss" which shares a similar tale of a car crash and sudden loss. Bands such as Vampire Weekend and afro-pop sounds provided direct inspiration for the groovy, hook-ladened melody. "Oak" premiered on Everything Is Noise, who noted, "The deep and vivid lyrics are only amplified by the driving beat and subtle melody behind them," with the bridge providing a "shining point in the song."

"While much of the song is about moving on, part of the story is that drunk driving is an unforgivable crime – especially by the mother of the daughter who is killed," said Nelson. "Driving drunk is such an easily avoidable act, yet the story of someone getting killed by a drunk driver is such a terrible cliché." The vocals take a forward-leaning role in the track without over-production, encouraging listeners to listen close to the moving message.

"Oak" comes as Del Pelson's second single this spring, following their track "Heather Lou" released last month. They celebrate the new release tonight with a show at Robot Brewing in Boca Raton, and a number of upcoming shows throughout Florida; Del Pelson has opened for national acts including Kurt Travis and Brent Walsh, and performed at 2016's UndertowJam. "Oak" is out everywhere today including Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play.

UPCOMING DATES:

4/19 Robot Brewing - Boca Raton, FL
4/26 Dada - Delray Beach, FL
4/30 Boynton Beach Film Festival
6/5 Bayside Marketplace - Miami, FL
7/6 Grandview Public Market - West Palm Beach, FL
8/7 Bayside Marketplace - Miami, FL