‘The Light’ is the first single from Americana-gazing Oxfordians, ToLiesel, released back in July 2012. Granted, it’s been floating about for seven months or so, but the warm glow of the track has helped to keep the wintery weather at bay.

The track showcases not only the quality of the group, but the depth of inspiration that the amalgam of sounds that Americana can provide. In some circles, Toliesel have been described as having a folk edge to their sound, but ‘The Light’ helps to show off their rock and roll colours. While the verses feature spindly handpicked guitar lines, the bridges come with heavier chords and sharper drums.

‘The Light’ pulls off a neat trick of sounding easy and uncomplicated, and not overworked. This is no mean feat, considering it’s the first piece of music that the group has offered up to the world as a single. It’s a charming piece of music that opens up the possibilities for what the group can go on to do. Since its release, the band has also released a cover of The Beatles track, ‘Dear Prudence’, further showcasing the malleability of their sound. The Beatles they may not be, but they’ve found a knack of making the track their own.