“Growing hurts. But planting roots in who you are now… heals.”
Indie Folk From Colorado Springs
The indie folk duo Hakken Krax Howl—a husband-and-wife pair based in Colorado Springs, CO, USA—has just released their latest single, “Overgrown”, an intimate song that explores the journey of outgrowing the place you’re in or the person you once were, facing the disorientation that follows, and ultimately planting firm roots in who you are today.
The track stands as an honest reflection on personal growth, life-altering transitions, and emotional rebuilding, delivered with a vulnerability that resonates from the very first line.
In the words of Jefferson Oakey:
“Last year my wife and I almost foreclosed on our house, we had one of our cars repossessed, and we were on the brink of not being able to feed our kids all because we didn’t want to work for corporations that don’t care about their people anymore. We lost friends, and were chastised by our family, but we gritted our teeth, worked hard, and found that if we just believed in ourselves, we’d find a path forward. Ultimately the song is about embracing pain as a lesson, and growing beyond people’s judgement.”
More About Hakken Krax Howl
Hakken Krax Howl is an acoustic husband-and-wife duo who simply love making music that “feels like something.” Their sound is rooted in raw nostalgia, heartfelt harmonies, and untamed energy that hits you right in the gut.
Inspired by music that transcends decades, their artistry pulses with the spirit of the ’80s and ’90s, where melody meets emotion and every song cuts straight to the soul.
Together since 2014 and musically inseparable since 2024, they discovered their chemistry wasn’t just personal—it was sonic. Whether stripping songs down to their rawest core or channeling millennial angst into originals that feel like a journal entry come to life, they perform with passion, grit, and authenticity.
As they put it: “We laugh, we cry, we croon, and we HOWL—because music is meant to be felt.”
Beyond their originals, they maintain an ever-evolving catalog of covers spanning genres and eras—because, as they say: “We play whatever we want!”
“But Never Free Bird!”
Overgrown • Hakken Krax Howl • Indie Valley Music Review
“Overgrown” is a song deeply rooted in American acoustic folk and indie folk, projecting from the outset a soundscape that is calm, nostalgic, warm, and profoundly authentic. Its emotional honesty embraces the listener immediately, creating an intimate and vulnerable space.
The instrumental arrangement is exquisitely balanced: acoustic guitar and piano weave chords and arpeggios with dynamic, emotive phrasing; the drums are subtle and creamy, providing rhythm without intrusion; the bass is precise and restrained, adding depth and warmth. The result is a sound that is comforting, intimate, and enveloping.
The opening verses alternate between male and female vocals, each carrying their own narrative thread. The female voice gains slight prominence in lyrical presence, lending the piece an even more fragile, emotive, and human quality.
Around the 1:23 mark, magic happens: the chorus begins, sung in harmony by both voices. It’s a deeply moving moment—authentic, sincere, and close—with a melodic and lyrical line that lingers in memory. The vocals sit slightly above the instrumentation (a hallmark of balladry), becoming the true protagonists without overshadowing the musical richness beneath them.
After the first chorus, an electric guitar with minimal distortion—in the folk-rock tradition—enters with dynamic solos and arrangements, elevating the energy of the following verses. The identity shifts toward folk-rock/ballad territory, yet never loses its original sensitivity.
At 2:35, the second chorus arrives with greater vibrancy and energy: the instrumentation expands, the dynamic range widens, and the drums gain a fuller, more assertive presence—all in perfect harmony.
At 3:00, an instrumental interlude takes center stage: solos, harmonic hums, and warm melodic lines weave an immersive, ethereal, and deeply indie folk/folk-rock landscape, extending until 3:36.
After a brief moment of calm, the song unfolds its emotional climax: a final section of verses and choruses where the emotional weight peaks, especially in the vocal delivery.
At 4:25, the lyrics fade, giving way to an intimate, serene instrumental outro that concludes the piece at 4:50, leaving a sense of resolved peace.
“Overgrown” is, without doubt, a dynamic, masterfully arranged, and exquisitely produced composition. The vocals, lyrics, and delivery elevate the song’s intention, essence, and concept at every turn.
Technically, the production is impeccable: frequency balance (lows, mids, highs) is expertly handled, and the mixing and mastering are top-tier, resulting in a sound that is crisp, deep, immersive, ethereal, and comforting—ideal for any playback system.
The song begins with emotional timidity but grows subtly and masterfully, unfolding a hopeful sonic energy guided by an emotional and sonic crescendo that feels authentic, honest, and healing.
“Overgrown” is a unique, sincere, reflective, and masterful work—a anthem for those who’ve had to get lost to find themselves.
It’s a great honor for us to present the single “Overgrown” by Hakken Krax Howl. Go listen to it on your favorite streaming platform.
“Overgrown” by Hakken Krax Howl is now available on all digital platforms
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