THE DEAD TREES > King of Rosa

Though their names suggests something hollow and gone, their music is anything but. Born in Boston before moving westward to Portland, the music of the Dead Trees is vital and true. “Shelter,” their inaugural single, celebrates the human spirit, gleaming with major-chord gospel fervor.Label: MILAN
[Rating: 3.5 STARS]

Though their names suggests something hollow and gone, their music is anything but. Born in Boston before moving westward to Portland, the music of the Dead Trees is vital and true. “Shelter,” their inaugural single, celebrates the human spirit, gleaming with major-chord gospel fervor. Sonics throughout cut like words on rough-hewn stone – not so polished that the human touch is missing, but with a gentle luster glowing underneath each track. “My Friend Joan, She Never Asks” skates by in waltz-time like a Ben Folds ballad performed by the Velvet Underground. Its ascending bridge, in other hands, would sound way maudlin, but here it’s unexpected and smart. “Loretta” is an archly gentle rocker-drums crisp, guitars biting, lyrics knowing and funny, and a structure solid and right. “Twin Cities” is a touching heartland tribute a beautiful serpentine melody – it’s sad and happy, complex in its simplicity. The shining counterpoint of vocals on the chorus, accented by warm drum-rolls and clean guitar filigree, is like frosting on a great cake made from scratch. This is music made by guys who love music, and it’s a love that’s genuinely infectious.