One of 2022’s highlights was ‘The Epic Tale of the Stranded Man’, a 12-song collection from AUK-favourite VanWyck. Christine Oele, who performs as VanWyck, demonstrated her fine songcraft in this narrative album that told the tale of a mysterious stranger. Without any memories of his previous life, he finds himself stranded on an isolated island and is taken in by the local people. The story-songs that unfold present us with questions about his existence; in particular, it explores who might pose the greatest threat: the island’s inhabitants or the man himself. It is a measure of Oele’s ability as a writer and performer that she manages to create an epic concept album so convincing and effective that the original version received a rare 10/10 review from AUK – check it out here.
Therefore, it’s great news that a new, expanded version of ‘The Epic Tale of the Stranded Man’ is released today, 17th February 2023. The expanded version features four new songs that serve as interludes and shed a new light on the narrative of the album.
We are delighted to premiere the short movie created by VanWyck to accompany the release of the album’s expanded edition. In itself, this video is a piece of art, reinforcing the myth and magic of VanWyck’s songs. As we watch, we feel on the edge of revelation, touching some greater mystery. For anyone who enjoyed ‘The Epic Tale of the Stranded Man’ – an album that must be listened to in its entirety, in a quiet space, to fully appreciate its depth and quality- this short video is an accompaniment full of meaning, a piece of cinema and story that both enhances the music and stands alone in stark beauty. Thank you VanWyck. Epic.
