Arbouretum, Pontiak, and Coconuts

Arbouretum first began in late 2002 as a vehicle for singer/guitarist David Heumann's poetic songwriting.  The sweeping, atmospheric textures of the first record soon gave way to a more visceral, elemental approach. Amplifiers were turned up, drums were hit harder, and songs crescendoed into spiraling, noise-soaked climaxes on the second full-length, Rites of Uncovering.  Pitchfork media called Pontiak's Maker album "one of the most ambitious and iconoclastic rock records of the year" and Coconuts rounds out the cast of hard shell musicians with delectable centers.