May 2013 sees the release of their debut album, 'Roots, Shoots and Leaves'. In November 2012, More Like Trees released their debut EP, 'Full Circle', which lit the spark for exciting things to come. Steve Lamacq was quick to pick up on the group’s distinctive sound and regularly featured plays of their cover of Frank Valli’s 'The Night'.
And so to 'Roots, Shoots & Leaves', More Like Trees’ 13-track debut. Lead singer and guitarist Josh explains that the album tracks roughly follows the group’s development, from first getting together to writing and recording a full album worth of material whilst their style and sound naturally evolved. They feel that, even if only a subconscious level, this chronological approach might add something to the journey experienced by the listener. Some songs, for example Trees, Chilly Water and Pieces, Josh wrote prior to the existence of the group, when he was part of an acoustic duo, focusing mainly on flamenco influences. These songs provided MLT with a great starting point for discovering what each of them had to offer, but as time went by the drum & bass influence started to inform their new songs. For example, Cake, Down To The River, All Red and Once towards the end of the album still maintain the flamenco influence, but the songs themselves are more drum & bass driven. “This album was about growing, finding our sound and the acceptance of that. There were songs that we had written together since, which we wanted to include, but felt they could wait for our next album where we hope to attack with a solidified aim in mind, one that you can only acquire through making your first album.” (Josh Whitehouse)
Seamlessly combining elements of flamenco, drum & bass, classical, hip hop, indie, dance and folk, More Like Trees make their own musical rules to create a fresh new sound that has been capturing the ears and imaginations of many already established and acclaimed musicians, including world no. 1 female drum & bass MC, Tali with whom they recorded an acoustic reworking of her current Drum & Bass/Dupstep album, Dark Days, High Nights.
On Roots Shoots & Leaves, More Like Trees are ably assisted by The One Taste Choir, The Swell String Section, internationally renowned beat boxer Reeps One and assorted musical friends.
Look out, too, for singer and guitarist Josh Whitehouse’s acting debut with his lead role in Elaine Constantine’s forthcoming movie, Northern Soul.
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Trees
More Like Trees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I have never thought about
Not even blinked an eye throughout
Unaware of what's kept in the cupboard
Stress killed Old Mother Hubbard
You've seen what its worth to me,
We spoil
Forget humidity
Its cold...
Intrude upon the hills of recollection
Wander amongst the trees of lacking perspective
Leaves falling far from their responsibilities
And landing exactly where all our doubts concealed
Oh the earth the only thing we know is real
That continues to heal above and below what we see
Whereas we die and experience tragedy
Lose ourselves in our dignity
Forget about responsibilities.
But we're not leaves.
We're more like trees
We're more like trees
We're more like trees
We're more like trees
We're more like trees
We're more like trees
We're More Like Trees
Depict to me in light of scenery
That I have never thought about
Not even blinked an eye throughout
Unaware of what's kept in the cupboard
Stress killed Old Mother Hubbard
You've seen what its worth to me,
We spoil
Forget humidity
Its cold
Its cold...
The lyrics of More Like Trees' song "Trees" speak to the idea of perspective and perception. The first verse begins by asking the listener to imagine something new, something they've never thought about before. This calls into question the idea of a set reality, suggesting that we are limited by what we've experienced and what we know. The reference to Old Mother Hubbard being killed by stress further emphasizes the need to step back and reevaluate our priorities, as stress can lead to negative consequences like illness.
The second verse shifts to a more natural perspective, describing the trees and the leaves falling from them. The line "leaves falling far from their responsibilities" suggests a lack of intention or direction, while "landing exactly where all our doubts concealed" speaks to the idea of the unknown and unexpected. The chorus repeats the line "We're more like trees" multiple times, highlighting the importance of taking a step back and recognizing that we are a part of nature, subject to its cycles and rhythms.
Line by Line Meaning
Depict to me in light of scenery
Show me a new perspective through the art of scenery
That I have never thought about
That I never considered or pondered before
Not even blinked an eye throughout
Without ever noticing or acknowledging it
Unaware of what's kept in the cupboard
Ignorant of what's hidden within
Stress killed Old Mother Hubbard
Anxiety and worry destroy even the most nurturing aspects of our lives
You've seen what its worth to me,
You know its value to me
We spoil
We ruin or corrupt
Forget humidity
Disregard the weight of our environment and the effects it has on us
Its cold
Lacking warmth and love
Its cold...
Repeated for emphasis
Intrude upon the hills of recollection
Invade the memories and reflections of the past
Wander amongst the trees of lacking perspective
Roam in the midst of a forest lacking a clear understanding or viewpoint
Leaves falling far from their responsibilities
Foliage shedding itself from its duties
And landing exactly where all our doubts concealed
And coincidentally dropping where our uncertainties are hidden
Oh the earth the only thing we know is real
The only thing we know with certainty is the physical world and nature
That continues to heal above and below what we see
The planet constantly regenerates and balances itself, beyond our perception or recognition
Whereas we die and experience tragedy
In contrast, we as humans suffer and perish
Lose ourselves in our dignity
Sacrifice our true selves to maintain a facade of self-respect
Forget about responsibilities.
Abandon our obligations and duties
But we're not leaves.
We are not the same as foliage
We're more like trees
Rather, we are similar to trees
We're More Like Trees
Repeated for emphasis
Contributed by Layla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chris Greenwood
nice
OneyedSon
Off to itunes then - (*L*) - !