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Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
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Music Tue Aug 17 2010

Lost in the Trees @ Pritzker Pavilion, 8/16

Gapers Lost in the Trees 5.jpg

Seven piece Lost in the Trees returned to Chicago last night after having played a few smaller clubs previously. They're releasing their album All Alone in an Empty House on ANTI- Records and were filled with a blissful sort of energy as they took the stage, playing for a rich 75 minutes on one of the last warm nights of the summer.

Lost in the Trees

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It makes perfect sense that lead singer/songwriter/composer Ari Picker would talk about how he loves classical music considering the lush composition of many of the songs. It's like a mini orchestra accompanying all kinds of Grimm fairytale-esque sorts of visceral lyrics. Without the strings, the words certainly wouldn't seem as melodramatic. Two cellists and a violinist, who flailed their bows as theatrically as the lyrics would warrant, played on Picker's right. In addition, baritone tuba, xylophone, autoharp, french horn, guitar, and drums were all used to create a lavish sort of musical tapestry.

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Unlike other bands of their size, such as Dirty Projectors , there is less of a sense of unpredictability and chaos when Lost in the Trees play. Instead of overly demonstrative vocal range, for example, a more heartfelt anguished lullaby takes over. This isn't to suggest that Lost in the Trees don't have fine vocal abilities, however. In fact, Picker's voice seems aptly paired with the voices of many of his female counterparts on stage who back up his "Oohs" and "Aahs" with fleeting soprano into a similar symphony corresponding to the strings of the mini-orchestra on stage.

Gapers Lost 4.jpg

Most of all evident, however, is the essence of sincerity that the band gets across. It's the idea that every word sung has a deep meaning and one to leave a lasting impression. Ultimately, It's the sort of pronouncement that leads audience members to wonder somberly if their lives will ever be the same and can be filled with the trivial after such an experience.

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Chase / August 17, 2010 11:55 PM

Great band with a great sound!!! Glad to see they are finally getting the attention they deserve.

Charles / August 18, 2010 6:59 PM

Ari Picker's "genius" is yet to be recognized. He has lived his songs. Can someone write about the other members in the group and what their lives, their experiences were and how they came together with Ari venturing into this new musical horizon? Can't wait to see them again in person!

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Architecture Tue Nov 03 2015

Paul Goldberger Describes the "Pragmatism and Poetry" of Frank Gehry's Architecture in His New Book

By Nancy Bishop

Architecture critic Paul Goldberger talks about Frank Gehry's life and work in a new book.
Read this feature »

Steve at the Movies Fri Jan 01 2016

Best Feature Films & Documentaries of 2015

By Steve Prokopy

Read this column »

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A/C is the arts and culture section of Gapers Block, covering the many forms of expression on display in Chicago. More...
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