Boston’s alt-country supergroup Other Brother Darryl delivers a heartfelt and reflective piece with “Watch The Trees,” a standout track from their upcoming album Roll Shine Roll. The song is a deeply sentimental folk-rock ballad that captures the essence of childhood wonder and the power of music to transport us through time.

At its core, “Watch The Trees” is an invitation to reconnect with the past—a journey through soundscapes that evoke the simple, formative moments of youth. Inspired by band member Dan Nicklin’s memories of riding in the backseat of a smoke-filled car while his parents played music, the track paints a vivid picture of an era when the world felt expansive and full of possibility.

The song leans into cosmic canyon rock, blending traditional folk instrumentation with dreamy, atmospheric elements. Acoustic guitars and banjo create a warm, rolling foundation, while steady percussion and layered harmonies build a sense of forward motion—like a car steadily cruising down an open road. The melody is wistful yet uplifting, mirroring the dual emotions of nostalgia and hope.

Harmonically, “Watch The Trees” takes cues form influences like The Jayhawks and Wilco, utilizing rich vocal layering to emphasize its emotional core. The interplay between acoustic instruments and the slight twang in the vocal solidifies the band’s signature alt-country sound, while the song’s pacing allows listeners to fully absorb its introspective themes.

Lyrically, the song acts as a time capsule, encapsulating the innocence of childhood road trips. Lines referencing staring out the window, watching the trees blur past, and tracing shapes on fogged-up glass resonate universally, bringing listeners back to their own experiences of youthful daydreaming.

The band’s poetic, yet grounded approach ensures that “Watch The Trees” isn’t just a personal recollection but a shared experience—one that encourages listeners to find their own meaning within the song’s imagery. The idea of “falling in love with music again” ties into a broader theme of rediscovery, asking whether we can return to the same sense of awe and purity we once felt when music first shaped our lives.

As a single from Roll Shine Roll, “Watch The Trees” plays a crucial role in establishing the album’s overarching themes of memory, resilience, and the passage of time. It also serves as a tribute the band’s late friend and bandmate, Dave Mirabella, reinforcing the idea that music carries the weight of personal history.

The song’s accompanying music video further enhances its emotional depth by visually recreating these backseat memories, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the nostalgia. With its soothing instrumentation, evocative storytelling, and universal themes, “Watch The Trees” is more than just a song—it’s an experience, a moment frozen in time, and an anthem for those longing to reconnect with their past.

Other Brother Darryl has crafted something truly special with “Watch The Trees.” It’s a song that doesn’t just ask if we can fall in love with music again—it proves that we can. Through heartfelt lyrics, masterful musicianship, and a deep sense of nostalgia, the track stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to shape our memories, connect us with one another, and remind us where we’ve been.