Review Summary: Don't let me fall apart.
Taking on a task as large as communicating such feelings as Ari Pickers' to song is no easy task. As evidenced by Lost In The Trees' 2012 release
A Church That Fits Our Needs, not only was the sound and atmosphere achieved of beauty in tragedy, but also the story of that record became in a sense, the band's identity (in ways both good and bad). So the question then is how the band follows what is arguably their "magnum opus". The recognizable orchestral folk instrumentation Picker and his band play so well still remains prominent in the music, and is expanded on in new ways, presented along with silky piano and driving melodies. In addition,
Past Life is a brand new beast, successfully combining these familiar elements with electronic synthesizers, and brand new stories documenting the whirlwind of emotion that is Ari Picker.
Where previous releases were marked by Picker's evident classical background, the project at hand is discernible by more apparent elements you'd find in contemporary indie folk releases in this day and age. Song structure is driven by repeating piano lines versus swooning crescendos of horns and classical instrumentation. Yes, those elements are still present, and that is most certainly what gives the band a big piece of its appeal and individuality in music, but songs are structured around the familiar, those beautiful, simple melodies. There is easy piano to hook the listener in, the build up often times coming and going. Furthermore, listeners are treated to domineering drums that offer something completely new coming from Lost In The Trees as a band, and the result is oh so refreshing.
Lyrically,
Past Life flourishes in top-notch form as always. Where
A Church That Fits Our Needs was marked by the aura and eeriness about Picker's mother, and the darkness surrounding her last days on earth, here the songs take a more lively turn. It's almost as if a door is closing with Picker being able to personify his thoughts and perceptions contiguous with such great tragedy, and turning to a new light, looking forward to stranger, yet more optimistic days. Think of someone such as Peter Silberman of The Antlers.
Hospice was a concept album centered around someone terminally ill, and that individual ultimately died.
Burst Apart, the follow up, was a step beyond the concept of death, moving on to whatever may come after. Obviously, those records aren't based directly on real people like Lost In The Trees is, but take it as you will within a songwriter’s inner thoughts delving into a new sort of song writing. What better follow up to such a sad, reflective piece of art, and Picker does it so well. Songs are introspective of the past in places, but I believe
A Church That Fits Our Needs perfectly set the stage for this new release.
Past Life solidifies its progression in the bands sound, the addition of new and old elements, and the diction of breeding new life, love, and ultimate peace.
