We’ve been smitten with Lost in the Trees ever since we heard their song Fireplace in 2010 and made it one of our Best Songs of 2010.  The band’s finally about to release a new album entitled, A Church That Fits Our Needs, which is an ambitious work inspired by “loss and transformation.”  The group’s writer, composer and singer, Ari Picker, lost his artist mother in 2009 to suicide.  Picker has transformed this unfortunate event into an evocative and moving musical celebration. Far from being a somber affair, the classically trained Picker has used propulsive rhythm to inveigh.

To stream the new album in its entirety, go over to NPR First Listen.  You can also check out the first video of the new album below for the song Red.  Their North American tour dates in support of the new album follow at bottom.

03.16.12 – Austin, TX – SXSW @ Antone’s
03.19.12 – Tucson, AZ – Plush [Tickets]
03.20.12 – La Jolla, CA – The Loft @ UCSD
03.22.12 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
03.23.12 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill
03.24.12 – Arcata, CA – Arcata Playhouse
03.25.12 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge [Tickets]
03.27.12 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
03.28.12 – Boise, ID – Neurolux
03.29.12 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room
03.30.12 – Denver, CO – Hi Dive
03.31.12 – Omaha, NE – The Slowdown
04.02.12 – Minneapolis, MN – Cedar Cultural Centre
04.03.12 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
04.04.12 – Evanston, IL – Space
04.05.12 – Columbus, OH – Wexner Center
04.06.12 – Toronto, ON – Drake Hotel
04.07.12 – Montreal, QC – Il Motore
04.09.12 – Burlington, VT – Burlington City Arts Center
04.10.12 – Portland, ME – Space
04.11.12 – New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
04.13.12 – Boston, MA – Boston Museum of Fine Arts
04.14.12 – Washington, DC – The Black Cat