Within the panorama and filmic landscapes that open up from the music, stories and fragments of stories are told, about people, the spaces they occupy, their closeness and the distance that lies between them. Written and recorded over 3 years in London, Switzerland and in an ancient barn not far from their Midland’s roots, founding members Simon and Justin Jones who form the core of ‘And Also The Trees’ with Maverick drummer Paul Hill are joined for the first time by Grant Gordon on bass guitar and Colin Ozanne on clarinet. Their inclusion brings a twist to this band’s subtle yet intriguing evolution.
‘And Also The Trees’ have been performing live and creatively developing since they formed in rural Worcestershire at the beginning of the post punk era in 1980. Other than a period in their early years when they attracted attention from John Peel, the British music press and The Cure with whom they worked and supported on tours, they have operated mainly under the radar of the media and music industry as a whole, drawing inspiration from the dark underbelly of the British countryside and touring each of their 14 albums across Europe and as far afield as the USA and Japan. It follows their 2016 release ‘Born Into The Waves’ an album that many considered to be their most accomplished. A rare accolade for a band of such longevity.
In a bed in Yugoslavia builds up slowly with a typical post punk sound. I hear some fragility in the vocals who towards the end seems to have lost the right direction.
Beyond action and reaction starts with a rambling bass that could have been picked out from a doom metal track. But swiftly after the rambling bass intro we get the vocals and more instruments. The sound feels a bit eclectic and totally not mixed. I know this band long enough to be able to say they do this on purpose as they want to sound like that. Polishing every track and producing tracks like you hear 1000 of them on the radio is simply not their aim. It’s a bit their own punk attitude!
The seven skies has a Spanish touch and goes into the direction of a tango. The sound is ok. I hear a bit of a fatigue in the vocals. I also hear a bluesy kind of a guitar touch. The song feels like the last song you record before leaving earth and reaching out for the sky and die with a smile on your face.
The girl who walks the city gets Greek touch (listen to the music), as if it was written and recorded in Greece. It’s a slow track with an almost neo folk vibe.
The book burners follows almost automatically after the previous song and works with almost the same instruments and musical touch. I also hear a bit of jazz in this song.
Across the divide sounds like a perfect song to listen to at night when it’s dark and you are alone. The guitar play is excellent (with an 80’s touch) and the vocals sound a bit different. The drums get a bit into a jazzy sound.
Another town another face gets a more folk and western minded sound. The tempo is like a gentle sea breeze: gently weeping.
Last of the Larkspurs is a nice song with a good tempo guided by the right instruments and good vocals. It mixes pop/rock with post punk.
The Bone Carver is the title track of the album and starts with a blues & rhythm feel. I get a touch of Cowboy Junkies (listen to the guitar).
Sun of Kashiva is the last song on this album. It’s a beautiful song that gives you a nice feeling. The song is over before you know it, although it’s not at all a short song. You just get that feeling and is a compliment towards the band. It’s a really good end song!
I have a feeling this album is not as strong as the previous one, but still has some jewels and diamonds. I suppose it’s a matter of personal appreciation.
Don't miss the on stage in Belgium, 15/09/2022:
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