On “High Sign”, Oklahoma Uprising taps into its folk side to offer a mostly acoustic affair. Sentimental fiddle and steel pedal (Braden Russel and Joel Day, respectively) complement a humble drum rhythm as Mosman’s vocals contrast the cold dark of loneliness with the warmth of peace, hope, and love.

Though Mosman is at the mic and has historically been the band’s lead songwriter, it is drummer and bandleader Wiederstein who brought “High Sign” to the table. The lyrics play on the title phrase, seeking “a sign from up above” rather than sending a signal of approval, as the term’s traditional usage would assume. In other words, it replaces conditionality with grace. What a beautiful twist on what it can mean to be “okay.”

There are other nice lyrical plays here, too, like the write/right homonym in the second verse, but “High Sign” never intends to show off. Instead, it trucks along the proverbial road it references, offering a common hand or ear to vagabonds along the way. The mixing and mastering (Stephen Pettyjohn of Ethereal Mastering) understand this as well, offering just enough production to deliver the message on sweet, easy-going soundwaves.

“I believe this is an important message for what is going on in the world,” Joel T. Mosman said regarding the new single. “We get so caught up in ‘taking care of number one’ that it takes away from our investment in others. I feel like if we can put more value in one another then we can be a stronger community.”

If there’s ever a playlist to be made around the spirit and identity of “Keep Oklahoma Friendly,” it won’t be complete without “High Sign”. Oklahoma Uprising is an embodiment of the very notion, looking to mend the divisions in society and build community through, as the band puts it, “radical love.”