And Also The Trees: The Ethereal Sound of English Post-Punk
And Also The Trees are an English post-punk and alternative rock band known for their atmospheric, poetic, and distinctly rural soundscapes. Formed in Worcestershire in 1979, the band has cultivated a dedicated international following over four decades, releasing a consistent and critically acclaimed body of work that stands apart from their urban post-punk contemporaries.
Early career
And Also The Trees formed in the small village of Inkberrow, with the core duo of brothers Justin Jones (guitar) and Steven Burrows (bass) joined by vocalist Simon Huw Jones and drummer Nick Havas. Their early sound was shaped by isolation from the London-centric scene, drawing inspiration from the surrounding countryside and literature. Their self-titled debut album, produced by The Cure's Robert Smith, was released in 1984 on the independent label Reflex Records.
Breakthrough
The band's artistic and commercial breakthrough arrived with their third studio album, The Millpond Years, released in 1988. This album fully realized their unique aesthetic, marrying Justin Jones' intricate, flamenco-influenced guitar work with Simon Huw Jones' evocative lyrical imagery of nature and history. While not a mainstream chart success, the album solidified their cult status across Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and Italy, where they developed a fervent fanbase.
Key tracks
The Millpond Years — The title track from their 1988 album perfectly encapsulates their mature sound of romantic, pastoral post-punk.
Shantell — A haunting early single that showcases their atmospheric guitar textures and narrative songwriting.
The Secret Sea — This track from 1991's Farewell to the Shade highlights their move towards a richer, more expansive production.
Virus Meadow — A later career standout, demonstrating the enduring power and evolution of their signature style into the 2000s.
Following their breakthrough, And Also The Trees maintained a steady creative output, releasing albums like Green Is The Sea (1992) and Angelfish (1999) on labels such as Normal and Plankton. They have consistently toured Europe, with their live performances renowned for their intensity and visual presentation. The band operates with a strong DIY ethos, later releasing music through their own label, AATT.
Fans of And Also The Trees' poetic and atmospheric brand of post-punk often appreciate the work of The Cure for their shared gothic romanticism and early connection. The introspective lyricism and melodic basslines of The Chameleons also find a spiritual cousin in their music. For the literary and folk-inflected side of their work, listeners might explore All About Eve. The dark, narrative-driven rock of Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds shares a similar theatrical and lyrical depth.
The music of And Also The Trees enjoys regular rotation on specialty alternative rock radio stations and online radio streams dedicated to post-punk, gothic rock, and independent music. Their deep catalog, from early 80s recordings to their 21st-century work, provides a rich selection for programmers seeking intelligent and atmospheric rock music.
Listeners can discover the evocative discography of And Also The Trees through the dedicated alternative and post-punk radio stations featured on onairium.com, where their distinctive sound remains a staple for connoisseurs of the genre.
