Oakland-based duo Driftwood Pines showcase a compelling instrumental country and folk cohesion on the new EP, Crimson. Led by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter IJ Smith, who is especially adept at lap steep guitar, the project fully impresses on the EP, which successfully captures folk and Americana nostalgia in its atmospheric sound.
“3 On the Tree” opens the EP with a balmy, caressing array of twangy guitars and comforting acoustics. The former linger with a free-flowing spontaneity, as slight pulsations from acoustics and percussion swell with sporadic momentum into the conclusion. “Sunset on the 1” follows with a more serene acoustic-set introspection to start, though quickly arising into an exuberant twanginess with brightly optimistic tonal flair. The steady acoustics and debonair guitar lead intermingle with cohesive allure throughout these two stellar kickoff tracks.
Plucky mystique and warming acoustics also stir on “Truckstop Milkyway,” particularly impactful at the 30-second mark when these elements converge for a catching shift of sorts. Higher-pitched guitar expressions send chills throughout the second half, while the subsequent “Dusty Moon” wraps up the EP with a sunset-friendly scene; plucky effervescence around the one-turn melds beautifully with sturdier twangs. The Crimson EP is a strong showcase in songwriting and folk-minded soundscapes from Driftwood Pines.
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“Sunset On the 1” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
