Friday, November 07, 2014

Band Review: Talking Trees


Talking Trees is an alternative band from Clinton Township, Michigan. They came to my attention through the drummer, Kyle Serruys.

Their profile also lists Emo as a genre, which was interesting because it's really rare for a band to claim that title for themselves. With the music being extremely personal, and a low-key instrumentation, it does seem appropriate. The first thought will probably be that it is folk-adjacent in terms of what is going on instrumentally, especially with "Going Home", which is practically a lullaby. However, emotionally it is more personal than folk.

There are just three members. Along with Serruys, Natalie Green does secondary percussion and some vocals, and Brandon James Ellis rounds out the trio with vocals, bass, and guitar.  That could make for a pretty minimalist sound, but there are complexities to the accompaniment. It is nonetheless very low-key.

Fans of Celtic music may enjoy the band as well. That is just a hunch, but listen to "Weary Eyes" and see if it doesn't make sense.

They are doing some experimentation as well. You can hear a remix of "Where Did We Go Wrong" that is more electronic, and ends up being a bit moodier and more unworldly. The original version feels more anchored.

Talking Trees is working on a full-length debut, but there is not a date posted at this time. Current music is available via iTunes.



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