Two well received, but low-key albums have set The Pines up in a for this third disc, and it’s here that their modern and atmospheric mix of folk, blues and roots really delivers with the perfect balance of influences creating a distinct sound that could easily cross the divide between indie folk and the mainstream.
Richly poetic lyrics, and a sound that evokes both open spaces of the rural Midwest and the cities, and lyrics that cover both landscapes and the tension and loneliness that exists in both. The musical palette presented by the band is equally diverse, ranging from radio friendly upbeat tracks through to contemplative brooding instrumentals.
The diversity in the approach is helped by the sheer size of the band, although fronted by Benson Ramsey (son of Bo Ramsey) and David Huckfelt, who are also the songwriters here, the band are a cohesive six-piece, and musically they can explore things a little more than their contemporaries.
Highlights include the upbeat ‘Chimes’, the beautiful and fleeting ‘Moonrise, IA’, and thoughtful lyrics of ‘If By Morning’, but these are just three tracks in an album that fits together perfectly as a whole.
American contemporary roots music at its very best, full of classic imagery, quietly gripping lyrics, and a captivating and affecting sonic landscape – not to be missed.
Track listing
1 Cry, Cry, Crow
2 If By Morning
3 All the While
4 Moonrise, IA
5 Rise Up and Be Lonely
6 Be There in Bells
7 Grace Hill
8 Chimes
9 Dead Feathers
. Losing the Stars
review 09 Jan 2011
