Photosynthesis is the process in which green plants utilize the energy of sunlight to manufacture carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of chlorophyll. In other words, a tree needs each leaf to survive. A waste product of this process is oxygen; something we, as humans, are dependent on. Metaphorically speaking, the band “Tree By Leaf”, is a photosynthesizing super group. Composed of Garrett Soucy, Siiri Soucy and Cliff Young, they use the “relations of friendship and love” as their touchstone or roots and thus, produce a sound that is good for you. Tree By Leaf’s sophomore release, “Postcard From Rome”, is a organic system made up of fourteen well grounded and delightful tracks communicating strong sensibility that in turn, get you right in the heart. It’s largely folk in nature with elements of bluegrass and even gospel. While listening to “Rome”, the listener is able to make out clear agreements in every word and note. The band members are communicating to each other and the fragile yet powerful guitar and piano playing comes in at the right place every time. A highlight on the album is the soothing “Lead & Gold (Amazed)”. Powerful in it’s words and harmonies, it takes the listener on a journey across landscapes of voice, guitar and piano. Another noteworthy song is the majestic “Wreck this Car”. Supported by the piano, Siiri Soucy sings “Send me down a busy street again...forever friend/ I lose more than tender skin...each time these words are never mine to give away.” Tree by Leaf’s sound is dependent on each aspect of their richly textured and beautiful harmonies. The resultant is music that is full and uplifting. With lines like “Some things can be counted on to never change - a comfortable reliance that can be praised or fought” from “Lead and Gold (Amazed)”, one can count on Tree by Leaf to be a favourite place to go to when one want’s to feel and be inspired.

The man who cannot get out of bed, who cannot see himself in the next moment, but nevertheless finds himself there--standing beside his bed, the light streaming in over him, feeling at once bizarre, depressed and worthless. But just enough energy presents itself to allow him to move downstairs, put on the coffee and pretend to please himself. Most of these people never pick up a guitar and do anything more than bother us with their moaning attempt to make sense of the bitter world. But the writer of these songs takes us beyond the self-concious into the true heart of the moment. He forgets himself and finds himself in that point beyond everyday reality, that land of God where most men never tread, that spot where songs and stories leave behind traces of fabrication and superficiality and strike deep at the heart of every listener. That place where all listeners and all writers are one. This album will take you out of yourself and into the blood of existence. It's what you are looking for when you dream of those memorable albums that make you feel alive and good again. This is one of those. Buy it. Share it. Wait for the next one.

I met Garrett briefly through his brother Gil at a show Tree by Leaf played and found their music to be the kind that makes you stop and think. I like it when a band does that. Garrett's poetry shines brightly on this record, especially the last track "The Lion Comes in Broken Skies." I get goosebumps when I hear that song. Garrett's words, combined with Siiri's harmonies and Cliff's piano playing take this record above the average Americana band and make it into a record that I'm listening to over and over. I can't help it; it's just that good.

I like this album. It has a nice folk sound.