From the first hollowed-out chords and reverbed vocals of Arbouretum's second album, Rites of Uncovering, it's clear that it's going to be a somber, serious record. Bandleader Dave Heumann cites the writings of Paul Bowles, where sheltered Americans violently confront their naiveté in hostile foreign lands, as the album's primary influence, so you know off the bat it's not going to be a barrel of laughs. Throughout the first couple of songs, the jury stays out on whether it's to be just serious or overly serious: "Signposts and Instruments" and "Tonight's a Jewel" display all the stylistic tics that some listeners, myself included, will have to work a little to get past.  Full text...

The dark alt-country ballads of Arbouretum’s second album are only likely to interest those with an acquired taste. If you’re looking for straightforward rock ‘n’ roll, then you’ve come to the wrong place.  Full text...

Led Zeppelin, Television, Frank Zappa, Will Oldham and Jerry Garcia, along with some impressive original talent, roll into one to create a rich, creative album.   Full text...

Unfortunately, “The Rise” is the only moment on Rites where Heumann’s quasi-religious rigidity is truly justified. The album isn’t a wholly squandered opportunity: by its end, the band’s monochromatic six-string reliance seems less like a crutch and more like the blunt instrument of questioning Heumann desires.  Full text...