Photo Review: Arbouretum, James Blackshaw, Meg Baird

Arbouretum's CD release party for their phenomenal Song of the Pearl was last night at the Talking Head. Incredible shots were captured, and are yours for the viewing above.

Opener James Blackshaw displayed his inner and outer acoustical genius, plucking his way through the kind of set that makes you wonder if it is even possible for someone to be that amazing at guitar. His songs were well-structured, and certainly left folks wanting more from the British virtuoso.

However the night belonged to Arbouretum, as the crowd grew once the headliners took stage. Their new LP sounds larger than life, but seeing the band live is huge on a whole other level. Dave Heumann's voice is godlike, while Corey and Steve's guitars create sounds that would seem more at place on the peak of a mountain. Daniel Franz is a ridiculous drummer, and his beats bridge the gap between all the talent onstage.

If you missed last night's incredible show, your next chance might be when Arbouretum hit the road with Band of Horses. The tour makes stops in Virginia at the Norva on June 10th and in Baltimore at Rams Head on June 12th. Tickets may be selling fast too.

Arbouretum: Song of the Pearl

Arbouretum have been steadily climbing to an album of this magnitude since 2003. Song of the Pearl consists of one epic folk anthem after another, with the band’s sound bigger than ever before. This is by far the band's most cohesive work to date.

Previous efforts Long Live the Well-Doer and Rites of Uncovering eluded to greatness, culminating into what is to be released via Thrill Jockey on March 10th. Having crooned my ears for weeks now, this album is a grower that is majestic even upon first listen.

The album portrays vast sounds of indescribable doom, with no thought left unanswered. The LP is clean and crisp, but with a dark and jagged feel in all the right places.

I highly recommend indulging in this record. Vinyl is limited to 1000 pressings, but it will be available digitally as well. Arbouretum's CD release party will be this Tuesday, March 3rd. The show is at the Talking Head, with Meg Baird and James Blackshaw opening. It would not be a good plan to miss this one.