by Kenyon Hopkin
Formed in early 2005 while most members were still in high school, Orlando, FL, emo rock quintet Between the Trees had its start with vocalist/guitarist Ryan Kirkland and brothers Josh and Jeremy Butler on drums and bass respectively. Although inexperienced, they played as a trio for a while and in spring 2005 added keyboardist Wes Anderson. The band recruited a second guitarist, Brad Kriebel, who had been playing in hardcore bands. In September 2006 their debut album, The Story and the Song, appeared courtesy of Bonded Records. The following summer they secured dates on the Warped Tour.