CD: AATTCD05
RELEASED: 2005
LABEL: AATT

01. Talk Without Words
02. Scarlet Arch
03. Macbeth's Head
04. Red Valentino
05. A Room Lives In Lucy
06. Paradiso
07. Feeling Fine
08. Nailed
09. Dialogue
10. Gone...Like The Swallows
11. Missing
12. Virus Meadow
13. Jonny Lexington
14. Shaletown
15. Mermen Of The Lea
16. Prince Rupert
17. Slow Pulse Boy (Live)
18. In My House

At the very beginning of their career and without having released an album yet, AND ALSO THE TREES went on to tour as support act of THE CURE by personal choice and wish of Robert Smith. It was only four years later (1984), that this quartet released their first album, produced by Laurence Tolhurst (again of THE CURE). The band has gained a very solid and loyal fanbase since and in order to celebrate their 25th band anniversary, they decided to release a first, much overdue BEST OF album, that compiles songs spanning over all their career from the very early days of 1980 til today. To describe And Also The Trees is quite difficult and would most likely do the band an injustice trying to limit them within the confines of any genre. Since their inception in 1980, the band has developed significantly and has produced a wealth of stunning material. The rapturously poetic baritone of Simon Huw-Jones narrates dismal scenarios involving characters that seemed to have sprung from the pages of 19th century authors Thomas Hardy or Oscar Wilde, with the willowy imagery and colours of a Pre-Raphaelite canvas as the backdrop. One could compare Simon's vocal delivery and tone to Nick Cave as well as Jim Morrison, ranging from partially spoken lyrics to angst-ridden freak outs and breakdowns. Simon's intensely theatrical performances and lyrics are perfectly complimented by guitarist and brother Justin Jones. Justin's technique and sound is as unique then as it is now, with tremolo picked guitar lines awash with heavy flange, chorus, and delay effects. His playing is fluid, and pulsates in waves of ghostly gloom, highly distinctive and innovative. Behind all this, pulsates the tight rhythm section of Steven Burrows and Nick Havas. Steven's bass lines come across as both lulling and rhythmic but also provides a solid melody similar to Peter Hook's influential playing in Joy Division. Nick's dense and thick drumming snaps and punches behind the band, with the energy of post punk but a proficiency and flavour found only in jazz. For the curious this is album is probably the best place to start as it shows AATT in it's full and glorious strength.

Influences / Similar Artists:
The Cure, Clan Of Xymox, Joy Division, The Chameleons, Cocteau Twins