Sea of Trees

This German group capture a unique sound that combines punk, drone, garage, European folk, goth, and psychedelia. They've been largely unknown since their inception in 2006, but the band's friendship with Brian Jonestown Massacre leader Anton Newcombe led to him assisting in the production of 2012’s excellent Narcotica, which received wider notice. A Sea of Trees is the follow-up; it was recorded in 2013-14 at studios in Berlin by Fabien Leseure and the band. The addition of harmonium lets the drones be more effective. Songs like “Mutter” and “Woods (Sea of Trees)” take on a churchlike solemnity, with Nils Ottensmeyer acting as much as a priest as a singer with his monochromatic delivery. When the band pick up speed, they emulate the darker pulses of Joy Division; “Walls” nails the awkward rhythm and martial delivery to the point where the song could be mistaken for a long-lost JD track. Much of this can be attributed to Joy Division’s interest in German sounds; Blue Angel Lounge bring the influence full circle.