The Pleasant Trees

Released in 2014, The Pleasant Trees is a pivotal EP in Tom Rosenthal's discography, distilling his idiosyncratic approach to indie folk into a concise six-track collection. Recorded with a focus on extreme intimacy, the album is characterized by its 'close-mic' vocal technique and rhythmic piano arrangements. While Rosenthal's earlier work experimented with broader palettes, this release solidified his reputation for 'bedroom folk' that feels both sophisticated and unpretentious. The track 'It's OK' became a significant touchstone for the artist, eventually garnering massive viral reach and placement in various media, emblematic of his ability to write universal anthems of comfort. Critically, the EP is praised for its lyrical sincerity and the way it balances whimsy with existential reflection. It occupies a unique space in the 2010s UK folk scene, eschewing the stomp-and-holler trends of the era for a more European, chamber-influenced minimalism.