The band Botanist is four Portland guys just palling around, playing around town for themselves and their faithful fan base (mostly friends and family). They don’t necessarily aspire to become indie-rock gods, but they do want to make sure they play quality music that Portland will have a good time listening to.

Some guys spend their bro time playing poker, some go to strip clubs, but the Botanist bros express their man love through song. Who needs a man cave when you can jam on stage in front of enthusiastic crowds cheering your name? Well, maybe no one is cheering their name yet, but people will be after they listen to Botanist’s self-titled first record.

If I had just one word to describe Botanist it would be: pensive. I literally fell into a trance-like state after hearing a couple of songs, and I felt a peace and relaxation come over my body. Most bands wouldn’t like to hear that their music puts you to sleep, but Botanist creates such a beautiful sound that I felt myself drifting away to dream land. The song “Love to Last” has a Jack Johnson feel, and I felt I was lying in the shade in a hammock on some Caribbean beach. “Motor” and “Wander” have that western feel similar to The Killers and Coldplay. The song that could easily become their first hit single is the upbeat and catchy “Rifles Shoot Hearts.”

Some bands need to throw in a heavy amount of fancy electronics to cover up the fact that the band’s singer is just mediocre, but not Botanist. Singer Grant Harold's sweet melodic voice stands alone, and an acoustic guitar, keyboards, drums and bass are all the band needs to create some sweet harmony. I see a bright future for these guys, and I look forward to seeing what they can bring to their sound and the stage. Look for Botanist shows around town in the following months.

- Deanna Uutela