A brilliant debut single of lilting folk-rock concealing a bleak heart and featuring the hushed vocals of none other than Kim Deal of the Pixies.
Having previously worked as a songwriter around France, London and Dublin, Mark McCambridge played his first show as ARBORIST in early February 2013, opening for James Yorkston in Belfast. A solo tour of Ireland followed before impressive performances led to notable support slots alongside Low, Cat Power, Mark Mulcahy and Alasdair Roberts.
Now based out of Belfast and surrounded by a band of well-travelled musicians, Arborist’s music is measured and mature while remaining starkly modern. Centred around McCambridge’s soaring vocal and unique lyrical style, it speaks of bleak truths (Leonard Cohen, Bill Callahan, Jason Molina) but delivers them with an assured soulfulness (Sam Cooke, Al Green).
“Twisted Arrow” is their new single and features the unmistakable harmonies of Kim Deal. Her hushed and plaintive vocal adds weight to a familial tale of detachment and is the perfect counterpoint to McCambridge’s sharp delivery. It was recorded during dark winter nights in Belfast and Dayton, Ohio – the latter as the new year arrived – and you can feel it in the lyrical violin and lean, crisp production.
Twisted Arrow was released as a limited edition 7″ vinyl .
“This guy’s a master songwriter..his muse is an earth-bound one – full of scruffy moments and care-worn emotional truths. His development will be one of the most intriguing story strands of the year.”
The Fat Angel Sings 