The debut album by Lafayette’s Arbor Vitae is a surprising record that defies expectations. It stands out in a world of fast-paced, plastic and overloaded rock by taking its time, slowly drizzling layer upon layer. Once it starts a convincing approach to ambient rock, it builds to a subtle, tense pitch then levels off to deliver dreamy lyrics.

These foggy and ethereal lyrics are punctuated in mid-sentence with instrumentation like hooks competing with hooks. Guitarist Chad Viator adds samples and synthesizer while bassist Chris French mixes in percussion and the occasional tuba. Singer/song writer Tim Campbell and drummer Tiffany Lamson take lead vocal roles in the liner notes only. Instead, the band itself sings the lead in the layers. Delicately placed atop each other, they melt and swirl together.

Campbell’s nearly whispered vocals move the dizziness along as they are met with reinforcement from Lamson, who makes most of the bold moves with her raspy vocals. The pair does not compete in the typical duet fashion, but, like the band, form one instrument, almost inseparable from itself.