——-
confirmed.

this one’s definitely looking like the early front-runner for sleeper of the year. two fantastic bands that undoubtedly deserve much, much more attention… yet somehow always seem to get a little lost in the shuffle.

actually, Love As Laughter got a lotta shine last year. 2008 saw Sam Jayne (ex-LYNC) & band release their sixth full-length, Holy, on Glacial Pace (Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse’s label) to (almost) universally positive reviews. they’re actually much like Modest Mouse… not only in their honed execution, but also in how effortlessly they shift tempo, mood, flavor, etc. really great stuff.

and don’t even get me started about Arbouretum!!! i was addicted to their first long player, Long Live The Well-Doer, back in 2005… when they last played Tampa. rustic, rugged Stoner- / Psych- Folk / Rock badass-ness. band leader Dave Heumann (who got his start backing up Bonnie “Prince” Billy & Cass McCombs) definitely knows his way around a guitar AND a guitar solo. lots of people compare him to Richard Thompson and/or Fred Neil… but i gotta admit, i don’t really know what that means. i just know it rules.

some mp3s to whet yr appetite:

Love As Laughter - Crosseyed Beautiful Youngunz

Love As Laughter - Baby Shambles

Arbouretum - False Spring

Arbouretum - Thin Dominion