KINK Community Review "The Pines"

November 3, 2011, 9:14 am

The Pines at the Wonder Ballroom


KINK Community member Cynthia Orlando




The Pines - "Tremelo" I'll admit I'd never heard of the Pines until their October performance with Mason Jennings at Portland's Wonder Ballroom.  Maybe that's for the better, since the din of the rather rambunctious crowd made it close to impossible to hear lyrics or music.   Still, it was easy to detect their indie-folk melodies relay a peaceful yet powerful experience that merits both listener attention and radio airplay.

Iowans David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey comprise The Pines, who currently reside in Minneapolis.  The "Tremelo" CD opens with "Pray Tell," a sweet but mournful song conveying one's sense of being at a loss for words at man's inhumanity to man. "Where are the people with the rebel yell?," asks lead singer Huckfelt. 

Yes, it's a bit of a dark and foreboding opening track...but wait - there's more.

Their song "Heart and Bones" reminds me of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer." Why? Their music styles are in totally different genres, but both are examples of how when a simple love song is sung with deep, direct and heartfelt desire, it's immediately catapulted to an out-of-this world category. It's sometimes hard to find meaningful music in today's hectic world...but it's a sure bet that many lovers disconnected by time, space or circumstance will take this one to heart.

The Pines released their debut self-titled album on the Iowa-based Trailer Records in 2004, establishing themselves as an emerging force in the roots music world with their haunting blend of indie-rock, folk, and blues with intelligent lyrics.  Steadily touring around the country, they've 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.


Still unsure whether the music of this wonderful group is up your alley? Pull up "Shiny Shoes" on iTunes - it's a good example of what the rest of "Tremelo" holds in store for the discerning ear.  


Dave Scott