Arbouretum

Arbouretum has traded in their folk-ridden tunes for a heavier, fuzzier sound. Creating a vintage 70s flashback, the Baltimore-based clan has taken on a deeper voice and heavier tone in their newest release, The Gathering, from Thrill Jockey.Inspired by "The Red Book" by Carl Jung, Arbouretum's newest release takes lyricism to a whole new level. The group prides itself on creating something unique without the common structured flow of a song. Seeming almost as lengthy poems, each song tells an in-depth story that can only be recognized after continuous listening.In the opening song "The White Bird," lead singer Dave Heumann's voice echoes in a deep undertone throughout the rambling psychedelic guitar riffs and remains in a similar melody throughout the majority of the album. However, in the cover of "Highwayman," the group takes on a more tranquil tone and uses smoother vocals and instrumentals than the original by The Highwaymen. Sounding more poetic and graceful, Arbouretum returns back to their folk roots for just a moment to reincarnate a song which was song by some of country's greats."Song of the Nile" brings vintage rock back in full force. Inspired by Gnostic mythology, the sporadic lyrics string the epic song together without seeming too lengthy. The 10-minute guitar jam is the perfect signing-off for the quartet.