Album Review
Arbouretum – Coming Out Of The Fog
It is immeasurably difficult to find a moment on the fifth studio album by Baltimore alt-rockers Arbouretum to truly sink teeth into. Despite traversing the opposite line to boredom, ‘Coming Out Of The Fog’ is a contender for of the most bleak releases of early 2013. Although this may conjure up ideas of droning soundscapes such as that on the recent minimalist-fest that was Swans’ ‘The Seer’, Arbouretum instead incite a similar atmosphere while sticking to a marginally more accessible formula.
Descriptions such as “bleak”, “stoner”, “down-tempo” and the like do little to successfully classify ‘Coming Out Of The Fog’. The record largely avoids pigeonholing by delivering a unique twist on Americana fusions – taking elements from progressive rock, the aforementioned stoner rock, a twist of indie sensibilities and overlaying it with a distinctive 70s feel. It may sound messy, yet the actual result is far from it; instead providing a downtrodden pace dominated by monotonous and repetitive riffs, all pinned together by Dave Heumann’s American rock inspired vocals.
In its subject matter, ‘Coming Out Of The Fog’ does little to install positivity. The eight tracks (seven of which contain lyrics) surround the conflict between the self and forces out of one’s control. Each track speaks of powerlessness and struggle. By the time the title track closes the record the introduction of sustained melody is as refreshing as it is necessary. As the album and track title would suggest, it captures the conjoined feelings of relief and resurrection – sitting in direct contrast to the eerie and claustrophobic atmosphere running through the vast majority of the record.
Accessible as the album may be – Arbouretum have opted to stick below the seven minute mark as opposed to previous epic compositions – the record is as difficult a listen as Heumann and co. have intended. ‘Coming Out Of The Fog’ leans heavily on its density, both in terms of lyrical content and the drudgery of the tracks. Attention may not be immediate; however perseverance pays off as the band manage to take the audience on a contemplative and ultimately enlightening journey. This will not be a record you will be playing at dinner parties anytime soon, but by that, Arbouretum have undoubtedly achieved what they set out to do.
Venue: Coming Out Of The Fog
Support Band: Thrill Jockey