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And Also the Trees: formed 1979, Inkberrow, Worcestershire, UK. Current line-up: [brothers Simon and Justin] Simon Huw Jones (vocals), (younger brother) Justin Jones (guitar), Emer Brizzolara (keyboards, from 2007), Steven Burrows (bass guitar, from 1983), Ian Jenkins (bass guitar, double bass, from 2004), Paul Hill (drums, from 1997).
Former members: The Havas brothers: Graham (bass guitar, 1979-1983), (younger brother) Nick (drums, 1979-1997).
I listened to the AATT from the very start of their musical career, and immediately bought their first four albums upon their release. What I found in their music was another post-punk style than many of the other artists at the time. The initial style is close to The Cure, Bauhaus and Joy Division, but AATT focused much more on poetic stories by Simon Huw Jones, making 'their' sound based on narration and haunting melodies. They never gained a huge crowd, and reviewers seldom appreciated their style, which many thought of as too theatrical, unfitting in the musical progression from post-punk into art rock. Once you're familiar with the sound of Simon's voice and the orchestrated, almost "baroque" alt. rock, you might get drawn into a fascinating whirlpool of poetic narration.
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