Like Badly Drawn Boy, Dakota Oak consists mainly of just one chappy – Dave Tyack, although some of his mates have been roped in to contribute to some tracks. But unlike BDB there are hardly any vocals accompanying the laid back music that trundles along andante. The simplistic arrangements of Dakota Oak, usually consisting of keyboard/piano, cello/violin, drums and synths invoke a child-like simpleness and playful explorativeness. I’m tempted to close my eyes during this album and use it as a soundtrack to some obscure plasticine animations, especially during the tracks with people’s names in them.

‘How Danny’s Friends Became a Force for Good’ _kinda reminds me of the music that usually accompanies the bit in Sesame Street where they have a video of a kid looking at animals in a park or visiting his Dad’s workplace. _‘Deister Waltz’ is a baroque style arrangement of simple piano, horns, oboe and what sounds like a fugel horn.

I have a feeling this album could be especially effective walking through the countryside, getting away from it all, but although ‘Am Deister’s’ relaxing air can really take you away from any pressures or stress in your life, it’s melancholic tone may prove slightly depressing if played in the wrong mood, especially if you play ‘My Only Train [is the one that takes me to you]’ after splitting up with your girl/boyfriend.

_ ‘Am Deister’ is a journey. Through song titles like _‘I Love Buses & Girls’, ‘Over The Bridge’ and Johnny & Browny [with Jimmy & Matty] a picture is built of an illustrative Charlie Brown-type boy and his perception of the world around him. This album can be quite interesting when you add a bit of imagination, kinda like what The Muppets used to do, to these purely instrumental compositions.

This is the first and last Dakota Oak album as all further records with be released under his real name David Tyack. Recommended for all the moody retro Indie kids.