The PINES
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Potent, poignant, minimalist country from Iowans David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey (son of Greg Brown sideman Bo, who produced this record). The duo spin spare, haunting melodies and imagistic words over deceptively gentle intertwinings of acoustic and electric guitar, stand-up bass, keys and drums.
But song after song, with soft, wearied voices, they reveal a lyrical world view both thoughtful and tough, keenly attuned to harsh realities and the glimpses of consolation that peek through the solitude and loss inherent in life. “We surrender, just to survive/ But no matter how hard you try/ No, you can’t put the tears/ Back into your eyes,” Ramsey sings (with the help of his dad) on Shiny Shoes. What’s remarkable is how such an unsentimental outlook is married to music at once so fragile, so gravid and, ultimately, beautiful. If I were a betting man, I’d say watch for this album on a lot of critics’ top 10 lists for 2009.
– By Scott Lingley - Scott Lingley
The Pines — stark-country singer-songwriters Benson Ramsey and David Huckfelt — have a thing for speed: They recorded their fine new album, Tremolo (Red House), in two days, half the time it took them to cut 2007’s Sparrows in the Bell. But there is no undue haste in Tremolo’s quietly gripping tension. A state of emergency runs through these songs (like “the turnstile of greed and fear” in “Pray Tell”), but there is safe haven too, even if it’s just a dream of love in “Shiny Shoes,” and the Pines get there with a warm, drawling poise in their voices and spare, resonant picking.
David Fricke - David Fricke
“Like the great folk-rock bands of yesteryear, The Pines simultaneously command tradition and the
moment....they can go from funny to spooky in a Blonde on Blonde minute. I didn’t hear a better band in 2008.” - Kickin' Out the Jams
“talented singers and songwriters…The Pines can make you feel happy and sad almost simultaneously.”
- No Depression
“Silky-smooth dark folk…clever, witty and vivid, and musically inspired, these songs live inside your head.” ****
- Q Magazine
“spooky, country-noir...conjuring a grizzled sky, parched fields and cold wind” - Pop Matters
“starkly poetic, buzzed-about Americana” - Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Quiet, serene, romantic, mysterious—The Pines are all these things and more” - Goldmine
“An evocative hybrid of roots, blues, indie rock and American traditions, The Pines create their own starkly dreamy
space.” - Ithaca Times
“the Pines are like mediums, drawing the past through themselves and stitching a thread spun from a vast
American songbook.” - City Pages
Discography
"Dark So Gold" (2012), Red House Records.
"Tremolo" (2009), Red House Records.
"Sparrows In the Bell" (2007), Red House Records.
"The Pines" (2004), Trailer Records.
Photos
Bio
In a world swimming in singer/songwriters, it's difficult to rise above the masses and create a truly unique sound that captures ears and stimulates the mind. The Pines are a band that has taken on this feat, honing their musical craft to near perfection with a sound that wavers on the edge of traditional acoustic/roots music, but embraces the nuances of today's indie-rock and blues music.
Meeting in a Mexican barrio in Arizona, fellow Iowans David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey began playing music together, forming The Pines. Committing to a musical career, they returned to their Midwestern roots and settled in Minneapolis, a music haven that has launched the careers of such folk and rock legends as Bob Dylan, The Jayhawks and The Replacements.
In 2004 The Pines released their debut self-titled album on the Iowa-based Trailer Records, establishing themselves as an emerging force in the roots music world with their haunting blend of indie-rock, folk, and blues with intelligent lyrics. In 2007 The Pines released Sparrows in the Bell on the world renowned acoustic/roots label Red House Records. The album had critics buzzing and was named one of the top roots releases of 2007 by Q Magazine. With the release of Tremolo, , their second release on Red House, The Pines continue to show their growth as artists as well as an unparalleled wisdom in their songwriting and musicianship.
The son of Greg Brown's producer and sideman Bo Ramsey, Benson was surrounded by folk and blues music and continues to let those influences shine, even on louder electric songs. David also has a deep love for traditional music, and together the two of them craft music that evokes the ancient while incorporating newer rock and pop grooves. Both strong writers and musicians, David and Benson have distinct voices that complement each other, causing audiences and critics alike to tout them as a powerful young force in American roots music. Steadily touring around the country, The Pines have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Bon Iver, The Holmes Brothers, Jolie Holland, The Arcade Fire, and Spider John Koerner.
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