Arbouretum The Gathering

• The White Bird
• When Delivery Comes
• Destroying to Save
• Highwayman
• Waxing Crescents
• The Empty Shell
• Song of the Nile

 Arbouretum have been holding down the guitar-driven, classic-rock end of the spectrum for Thrill Jockey since their 2007 debut on the label, Rites of Uncovering. Yet, as the band’s fourth proper full-length, 2011's The Gathering, indicates, to label them as merely a rock band, is not only limiting, but somewhat inaccurate. Dave Heumann and company employ a familiar rock line up, adding keyboardist Matthew Pierce to the mix, to create a dizzying sonic architecture that has its roots in the familiar but seeks to explore the more ineffable aspects of art and creation. Heumann, in particular, continues his inward journey here via his swirling, expansive guitar playing.  

Abstract by Nate Knaebel