Arbouretum

When indie rockers get all folkie, it usually means they also get all retro. Arbouretum are different. Instead of merely aping heroes like Neil Young and Richard Thompson, they build a whole new language from their work. As with Thompson's I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight or Young's Time Fades Away, Rites of Uncovering is murky and desperate, shot through with dense lyrics and gnarled guitar work. This is some heavy folk-rock and presents itself as such. Simply crank the nine-minute "Pale Rider Blues."