The indie-folk band Lost in the Trees used quiet orchestration on their previous album to celebrate the life of songwriter Ari Picker’s mother, who had committed suicide. While it is a beautiful album, it is also somber and reflective.
In Past Life, Picker takes a new tone, embracing joy and exuberance. Using driving beats and horns, these songs feel more poppy and upbeat. They remain highly orchestrated, with parts written for strings and piano.
The title track brims with hope: “We were killers in a past life/But it turned out alright/Winter been so ice/Wrap your arms around/Reaching for the light/The angels sing at night.” The song features beautiful backing vocals playing the role of singing angels. This album provides listeners with a journey out of darkness toward light. (ANTI Records)
