Arbouretum release Rites of Uncovering as a debut album that promises to be “broad in scope, musically, lyrically and texturally.” As mission statements go that takes some beating.

The brainchild of David Heumann, Arbouretum deliver some white man blues at times akin to a distant relative of Nick Cave. Lyrically this is pretty heavy going and the stripped bare backing is a perfect accompaniment. This is the soundtrack to those late night card games that disappear in an atmosphere thick with smoke and stale whiskey. As with all good bluesmen we are treated to some excellent guitar work. The eight minute “The Rise,” is noteworthy, but too often the vocals don’t match the artistry of the six string expertise, the vocal refrain in “The Rise” being a perfect example. “Pale Rider Blues” is another highlight built around a haunting deep south blues rumble and for once the vocals matching the music.

For now, Arboretum don’t reach the heady heights of their manifesto, but when the agenda is to provide, “a sense of religiosity that is not tied down to a particular moral or ecclesiastical approach, but rather proto-religious feelings such as awe in the face of something greater,” one has to marvel at the sheer magnitude of their expectations and desires.
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Links
Arbouretum [official site] [myspace] [buy it]