Arborea

Arborea sounds like the physical manifestation of a secluded woodland. Their music is built on the interplay of Shanti Curran's ghostly, high-register vocals and Buck Curran's intricate, often blues-inflected acoustic guitar work. There is a profound sense of space in their recordings, as if the air between the notes is as important as the notes themselves. It is folk music that has been left out in the elements until it became something more primal and atmospheric.

What truly distinguishes them is their unconventional instrumentation. By incorporating the hammered dulcimer, harmonium, and the 'banjimer', they create a shimmering, metallic drone that anchors their songs in a way traditional folk rarely does. This creates a hypnotic, almost raga-like quality that bridges the gap between Appalachian tradition and avant-garde psychedelia. It is music that feels ancient and hand-crafted, yet experimental in its restraint.

Start with 'Red Planet' to hear their most critically acclaimed balance of melody and atmosphere. If you want something more immersive and stripped-back, 'Fortress of the Sun' captures their ability to turn simple acoustic arrangements into vast, haunting landscapes. It is the perfect companion for moments of deep solitude or nature-focused reflection.