The Pines

Red House Records; June 2007

In any realm besides music, the idea of creating something fresh and familiar proves to be a blatant paradox. The Pines, in all their syncopated splendor, have achieved this equilibrium by making an album that’s appealing, yet not conforming. These Iowa natives emulate folk elements from the 1960s without sounding antiquated. The band incorporates an eclectic sound of folk-rock, alt-country, jazz, and blues accompanied by raspy, Dylan-esque vocals. Originals like “Horse & Buggy” critique the state of the world, while the cover of Buddy Bolden’s classic “Careless Love” gives us hope that The Pines may grow into an iconic band for the 21st century.