Artist – She’s In The Trees
Album – The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter
Released – 11th November 2024 (Lucinda Records)
Reviewer – Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic
‘The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter‘ is the debut album from alternative country folk outfit She’s In The Trees. The three-piece is fronted by vocalist Amy Scott-Samuel; who has resided in Spain for a number of years. Returning to Liverpool in 2021, Amy teamed up with guitarist Julian Watts and violinist Tristan Apperley. Interest in the group has led to them being signed to Lucinda Records in Madrid. Described by the label as “haunting and ethereal”, their live shows in the UK and Spain have attracted a devoted following.
The material was written and recorded in Liverpool over a two year period post-lockdown with Jules Watts producing. The songs address familiar themes of love and heartache, with Amy’s lyrics painting a stark and often bleak picture of the human experience through love and loss. Amy has described the album as “a reflection upon what it is to love and be loved; and the all too visceral, almost-tangible imprint that remains in the wake of loss or grief.”
The thirteen tracks that comprise the set have a warm organic feel, highlighted by Amy Scott’s earthy vocals and The Trees tasteful musicianship. The opening track Prairie Wind is a mood piece, highlighted by expressive guitar lines that David Gilmour would approve, while Honey Boy picks up momentum with a spirited performance that has elements of Fairport Convention (circa 1969). The Changes Between Us serves as an effective showcase for Amy’s voice and is probably the best track. This is followed by the atmospheric ballad Sweet Blue, which was one of the singles preceding the album. Their single releases are worth seeking out for their impressive artwork.
Mamma I Have Sinned is a bleak spiritual blues lament in which the characters confession to murder leads to an inevitable conclusion, with guitar and violin solos heightening the dramatic tension. The mournful country flavoured sound of Bitter Wind is another highlight; with electric guitar and saxophone trading effective lines (courtesy of saxophonist Andrew Myers). The string arrangement on The Things I Love is also worth listening out for and provides another effective vocal performance. Me And My Baby helps to lift the mood, with the violin and saxophone adding a jauntiness to the proceedings; before returning to familiar territory with the melodic ballad Old Sal. All This Time concludes the atmospheric mood, with chilled hypnotic sounds and engaging vocal lines.
Listening to She’s In The Trees can be an emotional experience that never feels in any way forced. There’s a natural feel to the music that will draw the listener in. The sequencing of the songs flows well and it’s clear that they gel together as a group. The impressive performances strongly indicate that their music will also be appreciated in a live setting.
The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter is hardly The Last Dice for She’s In The Trees, who have only just begun their musical and spiritual journey.
Review © 2024 Stuart Todd for Liverpool Acoustic