Lost In the Trees Performs Tonight at the Mohawk
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There is a most striking face on the cover of A Church That Fits Our Needs, the second full-length release from North Carolina band Lost In the Trees. It looks more like a painting rather than a photograph, with an ethereal quality to it. The stare is haunted. She’s beautiful.
It is the mother of frontman and vocalist Ari Picker. Later in life, she had been battling cancer. In 2009, not long after Picker’s wedding, she took her own life. However, rather than completely lose himself in despair, Picker decided to pay tribute to her as he sat down to compose the music for the album, with this very photograph before him, at his desk.
There’s no denying that this powerful array of folk, pop, and classical music presents to the listener an emotionally overwhelming farewell, which can be challenging to listen to. But Picker reveals much more optimism and triumph within these tracks than one might assume. It’s a poetic and enthralling celebration of his mother’s existence, her creativity, even what she possibly could have been.
Do not miss Lost In the Trees when they perform tonight at the Mohawk, 912 Red River. The bill includes North Carolina folksters Midtown Dickens, and Austin’s own Shakey Graves. Very impressive all around. Doors open at 10 p.m. Highly recommended.
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