Uncover A Gem
Rites Of Uncovering isn't just an album, it's a journey, one that takes you on an almost spiritual voyage into the unknown, bending time until everything seems to stand still and somehow nearly an hour has past without you knowing. Yes, Arbouretum are a band not to be rushed and whilst the modern world is busy buzzing and charging around them this group of musicians have effectively taking their foot off the accelerator, choosing instead to take their time with each song, allowing each track to steadily open up without any rush and whilst usually this laidback drawn out process would grate and frustrate, Arbouretum have made seem like the norm. Visceral and introspective, Rites Of Covering takes its time to encompass the likes of blues sprinkled with jazz before delving into some stoner rock and tribal beats that radiate spiritual relaxation until even the most tightly wound person will be a mess of chilled out calm. From the distorted fuzz of Black Sabbath to the guitar wizardry of Hendrix, Arbourteum covers all the bases.
As the sluggish pace of opener 'Signposts And Instruments' tentatively heralds the start of the album, it is clear that Rites Of Uncovering is not going to a be brash fast in your face album but instead one to take your time with. Infused with the rock folk weary vocals of David Heumann, 'Signposts And Instruments' almost harks back to the days of operatic rock where everything was otherworldly and masked in a veil of mystery to unflinchingly entice. It's left to 'Pale Rider Blues' to sweep in and steal the show however as the near on nine minute slow blues jam gently grabs hold of your heart. Choosing the path of simplicity, 'Pale Rider Blues' beautifully makes a subtle entrance with Heumann's rough and weary vocals teaming with gentle guitar riffs before distortion kicks in and the electric switch is hit. From here Arbourtem lets a grass roots blues vibe entwine itself perfectly with a classic rock vibe that builds momentum, escalating into a three minute break akin to the best piece of Zeppelin worshipping you are ever likely to hear. You'd be forgiven for thinking they didn't make them like this anymore!
Recorded mostly live, Rites Of Uncovering is an album for which time has forgot; an album that perfectly captures classic rock and puts a slightly new spin on it to insure it excites. For those who like their songs to stick to the more conventional time frame best give Arbouretum a wide berth, for everyone else sit back and let time and space melt into the background as Arbouretum take you on a journey you'll never forget.