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with dave heumann on guitar and vocals, corey allender on bass, daniel franz (also sometimes seen with beach house) on drums, and steve strohmeier on guitar, 'song of the pearl' is more earthy and direct than the band's previous efforts. while 'rites of uncovering' seemed to peer down from a vantage point far above, 'song of the pearl' reaches out from within the mire itself. the songs seem to have more immediacy and urgency than that of its predecessor. paradoxically, the album exudes hopefulness, even though the songs' protagonists are often ultimately and intrinsically doomed. arbouretum's sophisticated songwriting often has roots in the folk music of the british isles, but it's treated in a manner such that these songs are split open by an explosive rhythm section and the dueling guitar lines of dave heumann and steve strohmeier. the crispy burnt sounds of the capoed baritone guitar intersecting with the brighter tones of steve's fender and hollow-body guitars push tracks like 'infinite corridors' and the epic 'the midnight cry' into the realm of heavy rock. the expository, yet emotionally resonant lyrics of dave heumann at times recall songwriters such as richard thompson, fred neil, and even bob dylan. the cd version is presented in a four panel, mini lp style jacket. on thrill jockey.....release date: 09/03/2009
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