Listen to Chicago Folk-Artisan Verluna: The Narrow Road to Oku

This is a wonderfully ambitious production that takes its time, flowering from a simple Nick Drake-style intro to a full roots-band pocket. Wait for that drum groove, because once it locks in, the destination is clear. Life is the process of following clues - as to who we are, what we want, and where we belong.

How do we find this information? Who lights the way? Perhaps there is a shadow of love itself, that lives inside each of us, that only becomes apparent when we move towards our destiny.

Echoes of voices across the lakes
I see my reflection, I see my mistakes.

We only get one chance; let’s make it count. This dreamy combination of syncopated snare, personal clarity, and acoustic backbeat, makes for a beautiful moment of self-reflection. The Narrow Road to Oku, the latest from Chicago folk-artisan Verluna, represents the process of sharpening our personal edges, and whittling ourselves down to what is vital.

Alex Katsaropoulos, a songwriter and producer from Chicago, was inspired by a poetic journal by Matsuo Basho called The Narrow Road to Oku. After 3 years of writing, performing, and recording this album it was released on September 21st, 2018. This song is featured on our Roots Collection playlist.