Burr Oak is the brainchild of Chicago-based singer/songwriter Savanna Dickhut, borne from the ashes of a tumultuous breakup. Her debut release, Late Bloomer, dives into Savanna’s relationship with depression, trauma, and acceptance through indie folk sounds.

Now a four-piece band with a lineup including Tony Mest (drums), Kevin Sheppard (guitar), and Meredith Nesbitt (bass), Burr Oak is always changing and evolving—just like a burr oak tree—transforming and adapting with the seasons.

The band has quietly been gearing up for their sophomore release: a five-song EP titled Annabelle, slated for release via Easy Does It Records near the end of summer 2024. Departing from their previous album Late Bloomer, which showcased a more personal approach to songwriting, Savanna Dickhut (vocals and guitar) and Tony Mest (drums) craft a conceptual piece centered around the character of Annabelle.

Across five tracks, the EP unfolds Annabelle’s journey—beginning with the toxic relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Adam, marked by emotional abuse and an unexpected pregnancy in “Rainclouds.” As Annabelle grapples with single motherhood in the title track “Annabelle,” and post-partum depression in “No Time to Dream,” the EP delves into the depths of her despair and isolation. However, amidst the darkness, there is resilience and hope. “Fine, Fine” sees Annabelle reflecting on her hardships, finding strength within herself to persevere. Finally, in “Like a Dream,” Annabelle discovers companionship and love, signaling a new chapter of healing and happiness in her life.

Through poignant storytelling and emotive melodies, Annabelle evokes themes of love, loss, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection—a fictional story inspired by the chilling and very real overturning of Roe v. Wade. It is a narrative-driven EP that speaks to the genuine struggle of so many women today who are being deprived of their fundamental human right: the right to bodily autonomy. Annabelle encapsulates the universal experiences of women in America today—overcoming adversity and finding hope amidst life’s challenges.