Although it has a suggestively cold and lonesome title, Lost In The Trees’ reissued sophomore release, “All Alone in an Empty House”, is anything but stark.
In fact, between the dense, classically influenced instrumentation and alluring vocals lies a focus and depth that’s a rarity in modern pop.
Chapel Hill native Ari Picker and his ever-changing band of musicians are back with a well-proportioned blend of string arrangements and folksy guitar picking, as well as two new tracks.
It’s a warm, layered sound the band has branded firmly as its own.
The speed and ease with which the band switches between quiet acoustic guitar and soaring violins is nothing short of breathtaking.
From the dark title track about burying dead children and hating a loved one’s soul to “Walk Around The Lake,” a film score with a cathedral-like chorus and heavy string section, Picker and company present a range of complex instrumentation without ever sounding overstuffed or chaotic.
The conservatory-trained frontman transitions effortlessly during the second half of the album. “Fireplace” marks a harder, rougher sound with its choppy electric guitar and potent, shouted vocals. It’s a different and equally effective side of a band that’s demonstrated its skill in manipulating softer, gentler melodies.
“A Room Where Your Paintings Hang,” one of the added tracks, features jangly guitar as the backbone for Picker’s orchestral arrangements.
Although classical music has a heavy influence on the album, it never shifts enough to alienate listeners who favor guitars over violins.
