On the bands Facebook page, Lost in the Trees states Radiohead and growing old and fear of death as two of its influences, both of which ring true on the groups third effort, A Church That Fits Our Needs. The album is as intricate and well-crafted as a Radiohead release, with highly emotional content that was inspired by the recent suicide of frontman Ari Pickers mother. Picker said he wanted to give her a space, in the music, to be, and to become all the things she didnt get a chance to be when she was alive.
The outcome is an expansive collection of thematically and musically complex songs that serves as a beautiful dedication to the musicians mother, whose photo graces the albums cover. The record is filled with tracks that illicit comparisons to Radiohead, Bon Iver, and Sigur Rós, and the classically trained Picker could pass for an American Jónsi. A Church That Fits Our Needs is strong from start to finish, though it picks up speed on the dreamy fourth track, Golden Eyelids, which is filled with sophisticated string arrangements and harmonies.
The next song, Icy River, begins with subtle sound effects, like trickling water and an eerie crow, that make you feel like youre actually lost in the trees (touché, Picker and Co.). Similar cinematic moments pop up throughout the album, such as the 37-second interlude Moment Two, which features similar sounds. From there, This Dead Bird Is Beautiful (whose title is reminiscent of Ricky Fitts in American Beauty) pays homage to Pickers mother more obviously than other tracks with lyrics like, Dont you say she was weak/Ill carry her/Because she breathed, I breathe. The vocals on the song, along with those on Garden, shine, not because Pickers talent is lost on other tracks, but because most of the time, the songs are so beautiful as a whole that its easy to forget what a talented singer he is.
The last song, “Vines”, is the albums shortest (aside from music-less Moment One and Moment Two), and also one of the most simple. But it serves as the perfect closing as Picker sings, She came down and put her song into my mouth, again referring to his late mother who he says was an artist in her own right. He goes on to sing, There are things that songs cant say, but Picker and the rest of Lost in the Trees have said plenty while also crafting a unique album that blends classical music with contemporary flair.
Essential Tracks: “Golden Eyelids”, “This Dead Bird Is Beautiful”, and “Vines”