The Story and the Song,
Between The Trees
Between the Trees is an 'indie rock band from Orlando, Florida', according to their bio, who formed in early 2005. Beginning with lead vocalist Ryan Kirkland and the brothers, Josh and Jeremy Butler, the trio started as a worship band at thelement, the student ministry at Discovery Church, but soon after, in Spring 2005, they chose a keyboardist, Wes Anderson, to join them. They then recruited Brad Kriebel who joined on guitar. The band is perhaps best known for their involvement with To Write Love on Her Arms, a non-profit organization based upon helping people who self injure themselves. Two songs on the album are based upon that organization and the problems it hopes to solve.
'The Story and The Song' is a very melodic, solid record which reminds me a hell of a lot of Copeland, although it's possibly more upbeat. Songs like 'The Fort' and 'The Forward' are very likeable, although perhaps a little wishy-washy. And while you couldn't say BTT are style over substance, there's not much to their airy-lite songs bar a catchy chorus and some drifting, sweet guitar riffs. 'The Way She Feels' is the song which has broken this band and it's by far their best song, featuring a strong vocal melody and a couple of singalong hooks. It's something the band try throughout and for the most part they get it right.
'The Story and The Song' becomes a bit samey as the album progresses, but it's pretty solid and you can't really dislike them because the tracks are so, well, nice. Perhaps a little too sugary-sweet for many, fans of Mae and Copeland will lap this up.
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