From the far reaches of Maine comes Tree By Leaf, an eclectic trio who craft bare, but richly textured and harmonized songs that hint at Americana, indie-pop and soul without straying from their core vibe. The bands sound works on many levels as it becomes a vocal trade off and merger between songwriter/guitarist Garrett Soucy and his wife, Siiri. She possesses a heartbreakingly sweet voice that at times - and most clearly in the opening track "Melancholy Chorus" - carries a hint of Maria McKee within. At others, shes sweetly soulful in her own way, or heard backing up Garret with angelic flair. His is a more plaintive, conversational tone that aims for the direct and personal, with occasionally showing signs of desperation through an indifferently warm rasp. Of his songwriting, Pete Gow from Americana-uk.com says Tree By Leaf provides "a perfect conduit for his black humour and intriguing lyrics and in Garrett Soucy we have a new writer of whom we must sit up and take notice." Other keyboard and vocal assistance comes courtesy of Clifford Young, who balances out the mostly acoustic based folk pop with subtle piano and Rhodes touches. A downbeat but curiously delightful affair. (Long Ago Light)
