What makes The Weed Tree by Espers notable?

The Weed Tree received critical acclaim for its unique blend of traditional folk elements and modern experimentalism, helping to elevate the band's profile in the indie music community. It also showcases a notable cover of 'Black Is the Colour,' which has been recognized as a standout interpretation within the genre. Released in 2005, The Weed Tree is Espers' second album, following their self-titled debut from 2004. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place within the psychedelic folk scene, expanding their sound with richer arrangements and more ambitious songwriting.

How many songs are on The Weed Tree?

The Weed Tree has 7 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Released 21 years ago this October

The Weed Tree

Espers · 2005

36 min · 7 tracks · psychedelic folk

A haunting blend of ethereal melodies and intricate harmonies that evoke a sense of mysticism and nostalgia.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Rosemary Lane — As the opening track, Rosemary Lane sets a mystical tone with its layered vocals and gentle instrumentation, encapsulating the album's ethereal essence.
→
Flaming Telepaths — This nearly ten-minute track is a sprawling exploration of sound, weaving together complex musical textures that highlight Espers' depth and ambition.
→
Black Is the Colour — The band’s interpretation of this traditional song stands out for its haunting vocal harmonies and atmospheric instrumentation, marking a significant moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional and experimental elements, creating a distinct sound within psychedelic folk.

What we noticed

The first track features layered vocal harmonies that create an ethereal atmosphere, setting a mystical tone for the album.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as extended instrumental sections and shifts in tempo.
The cover of 'Black Is the Colour' introduces a haunting reinterpretation that contrasts with the original's traditional folk sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Rosemary Lane 4:38
2 Tomorrow 4:06
3 Black Is the Colour 5:33
4 Afraid 3:11
5 Blue Mountain 4:47
6 Flaming Telepaths 9:58
7 Dead King 4:39

What to play next

Listen next

II

2006

Go back to

Espers

2004

Full Espers discography Artists like Espers

psychedelic folk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata