Scattered Trees
Sympathy
(Roll Call)
Although they can hardly be considered purveyors of melody in any traditional sense, the young combo from the suburbs of Chicago that calls themselves Scattered Trees are obviously adept at conveying tone and texture in a most eloquent way. Melding obtuse soundscapes to low-gazing vocals, they demonstrate a sensual style that’s positively intoxicating, even though it mostly remains remarkably subdued. From the opening hum and drone that becomes a choral cascade on “Bury the Floors,” to the mellow yet majestic turn of “Five Minutes,” Sympathy is a joy to behold, all beguilingly beautiful invention that takes subtle shifts into elevated terrain. “Where are you Jesus,” they implore over the pulsating tempo of “I Swear to God,” as if devoid of faith and filled with futility. It’s doubtful their prayers will go unanswered, because within these mesmerizing passages, there’s a grace and sense of purpose that’s all but impossible to resist. Given its obtuse structure and experimental designs, Sympathy wouldn’t seem like an obvious draw initially, but it quickly asserts itself and becomes a mesmerizing sojourn throughout. – Lee Zimmerman
Lee Zimmerman is a contributor to a variety of publications, including Blurt, M Music & Musicians, New Times, Goldmine and Amplifier
This review appears courtesy of Amplifier, 50,000 Watts of Non-Stop Indie Rock http://amplifiermagazine.blogspot.com/
