In 2023, Belfast-based Mark McCambridge aka ARBORIST took the critical acclaim, success and unique production and song-writing of his first 2 LPs to new heights. An Endless Sequence of Dead Zeros, his 3rd LP, was released in April and won the prestigious Northern Ireland Music Prize 2023. It was recorded in Spacebomb Studios in Richmond, Virginia alongside producer Matthew E White and with the legendary Spacebomb Houseband, it is a record full of melody and lush arrangements.
MOJO Magazine called it, “Mesmerising…a brilliant exploration of just how inventive Americana can be - ★★★★” with UNCUT declaring it, “An impeccable, gently Americana-flavoured third – 8/10”. With plays from Cillian Murphy, Cerys Matthews, Lauren Laverne and Frank Skinner, it culminated in a rousing BBC 6 Music Live Session on Riley & Coe.
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Belfast native Mark McCambridge played his first show as ARBORIST supporting James Yorkston. A solo tour followed before impressive performances led to notable support slots alongside Low, Cat Power, Echo and The Bunnymen and Guy Garvey.
They quickly came to the attention of critics with their debut single, the Americana tinged, “Twisted Arrow”, that features an astonishing duet with Kim Deal of The Breeders.
The debut ARBORIST album Home Burial (2016) and the follow-up A Northern View both received glowing praise from the likes of The Guardian (“instant classic. ★★★★” ) MOJO (“…devastatingly bleak…upliftingly beautiful. ★★★★”) and Uncut 8/10. With BBC 6music play from Cerys Matthews, Cillian Murphy, Gideon Coe and Steve Lamacq who called single Taxi, “one of those records that makes you immediately stop what you’re doing.”
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"A staggering debut of depth and substance" - UNCUT
"An instant classic" - The Guardian
"Devastatingly bleak…upliftingly beautiful" - Mojo
"A poignant, beautiful record" - Lauren Laverne BBC6Music
"Magnificent debut" - Hotpress
"Lush and melodic" - Americana UK
“Reminiscent of solo Robert Forster & early Lambchop.” – Pete Paphides, Soho Radio