Between The Trees – Spain

 

Artist: Between The Trees
Album: Spain
Label: Bonded Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: August 11th, 2009

Overall: 9
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9
Production: 9

Very few musicians today are creating what would be called inspiring music; many different bands have tried to make songs with a message and have fallen short or have come off as to “over the top”. It’s hard to pull off an earnest song that can evoke emotion and be listened to again and again, at least for a newer band that is. Between The Trees and their new record Spain is just that: Inspiring. These major label turned indie band have been through a lot and it shows in their music, as they try to conquer an even more mature sound then their debut The Story And The Song.

The album starts off with lead single “We Can Try”, and while this song is very well crafted and catchy it falls on the weaker side of things when compared to the album as a whole. While it makes for a good single it doesn’t match the beauty of other songs on the album. Following tracks like “Spain”, with it’s collapsing chorus with layered vocals and “One Last Time (Darlin’ II)” with it’s quivering vocal delivery and beauty really shine through and put this album as a top contender already out of the box.

The rest of Spain flows so perfectly that it’s unbelievable, as every single track has something to offer and nothing could be considered as filler. Something that really emphasizes their ability to craft great songs is from lead singer Ryan Kirkland, whether it be in the falsetto led chorus of “Miss You” or the passion behind his voice in “Scarecrow” that could make any grown man cry when the soaring chorus is first burst out on top of the slow-moving piano. His voice takes the music to a whole new level and makes the album that much more special.

It’s no doubt that Spain is one of the best albums of 2009, with beautiful lyrics and inspiring sentiments they envelop the listener and make you feel anew. There is a time where music must be listened to as a whole and truly appreciated, and Spain is a record you should do that with.