photo by Lauren Gaba
 photo by Caleb Cole |
If Steven Sondheim, Kate Bush, and the band Queen got together and somehow had a three-parented music baby, that would be freaky - and might sound something like SchoolTree - a performance contraption built by Boston-based siren/composer/producer Lainey SchoolTree. Mixing the epic majesty of progressive rock, the catchy hooks of power pop, and the pathos of musical theater, SchoolTree endeavors to redefine expectations of modern art rock music. "To describe the sound of SchoolTree you’d be close if you combined the techno pop sounds of Buggles, the wonderful voice, theatrical and intimate talents of Kate Bush, the cool hooks of early Ambrosia (when they were still progressive) , the hauntingly in depth atmosphere of Happy Rhodes, the spiffy harmony and pop ditties of Shakespeare’s Sister, and the soulful master of play on words, solid core song writing skills of Jane Siberry. Got that?" -ProgNaut |
"With a voice that garners comparisons with Goldfrapp, Tori Amos, Kate Bush and even Freddie Mercury, and a virtuoso command of the keyboard, singer Lainey SchoolTree is a strong frontwoman who becomes two or three times actual size on stage. Believe it. Guitarist Brendan Burns, while capable of pyrotechnics when called for, really shines in this band for his subtlety. Not many acts can get away with nonchalantly touting that their awesomeness will be inexorable in their listing for this show on their web site, but these guys get a pass, and you’ll understand if you are wise and/or lucky enough to attend." -Boston Band Crush
"Schooltree's My Metal Mother is delicate yet substantial. Heartbreaking yet hopeful. Complex yet comprehensible. A cohabitation of magisterial musicianship and achingly beautiful vocals in precise and profound pop." -Barry Crimmins
© 2011 - SchoolTree
