The Poison Tree The Poison Tree

Brooklyn-based The Poison Tree’s self-titled debut sounds like the work of of a seasoned artist rather than a first full length release. They have created an album brimming with sumptuous harmonies, heartfelt vocals, and beautiful composition. Where they waiver is in their repetitive and at times, overly sweet lyricism. 

Frontman Steve Salett seems to have a penchant for the whimsical and fluffy pieces of advice abound. On nearly every track listeners are exposed to his thoughts on life, love, and relationships. While this is nothing new in the world of music, a songwriter’s life lessons are rarely stated in such an obvious manner and with such frequency. Salett muses, “They can let you down/ You better learn your way around” and “Oh you’d open your heart/ But you locked it/ The key is rusted and dangerous to use”. 

Musically, The Poison Tree gets it right. They haven’t broken any new ground here, but the sound they create is certainly heartfelt. Lights Around You utilizes beautiful string instrumentation while Never Know Me, an anthem to invisibility, is driven by electric keyboard chords, which add a jazz vibe. 

The most worthwhile track on the album is Lesson For You Kid, not because it is lyrically different or profound but because out of all ten tracks it is the most unique. A bit more upbeat and oozing confidence and certainty, this is where Salett shines. With electric guitar chords that bounce melodically and soft percussion, it really is a beautiful track. The life lessons are again present, but here Salett manages to deliver them in a less monotonous way. 

The Poison Tree is sweet, sentimental and in terms of musical composition, very impressive. But the incessant, and times painfully obvious, statements about life, love, and relationships can become overwhelming. It seems clear that Salett wants listeners to think positively and perhaps even learn from his own mistakes, but the band would do well to take a less repetitive approach to accomplishing this.