Country music is not what it used to be. Any true country music fan knows that. Music today that tries to label itself as country music is little more than pop music. Some of the only real country music left out there nowadays comes from the likes of Jamey Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Shooter Jennings, yes, Waylon’s boy. Early this month, another act added its name to that very short list of real country in the form of independent country/Americana act Driftwood Pines. The brainchild of musician/songwriter IJ Smith and featuring percussion from Tony Daquipa, its recently released 4-song EP, Crimson, gives hope that maybe, just maybe there is still hope for real country music. This even with the 11-minute record being entirely instrumental. The record’s opener, ‘3 On The Tree’ is just one example of what makes the record welcome among country music purists. ‘Truckstop Milky Way,’ the record’s closer does just as much to make it that welcome among the noted audiences. Much the same can also be said of ‘Sunset On The 1.’ All three songs are wonderful examples of how much this EP has to offer audiences, as does the one remaining song, ‘Dusty Moon.’ All things considered Crimson proves to be among the best of this year’s new EPs.
Crimson, the debut studio recording from independent country/Americana act Driftwood Pines, is a wonderful first offering from the duo that deserves so much attention. As with music from the likes of Chris Stapleton, Jamey Johnson, and Shooter Jennings, it is a presentation that gives at least some hope for the future of true country music. The record’s opener, ‘3 On The Tree,’ is just one example of how it manages to do just that. The light, lap steel played by Smith and the even lighter, steady rim knock and brush work by percussionist Tony DaQuipa so clearly evokes the old country music that played in honky tonks ages ago. The addition of the harmonica line, that bluesy touch, adds even more to the mix, making for even more appeal. The whole thing comes together for a light, almost beachy sense that is just so engaging and entertaining. It is the epitome of the adage that less is more. It makes for a great start to the EP and an equally welcome addition to the overall presentation that every country music purist is sure to enjoy.
‘Truckstop Milkyway,’ which closes out the EP, is another example of how much this small package has to offer. This light, bluesy arrangement, with its mandolin, guitar, subtle brush work and tambourine give the song something of an Eric Clapton type approach and sound. At the same time, there is that familiar country leaning that is so subtle here. The mood is different here, too, from that of ‘3 On The Tree.’ It is more reserved and subdued, but so rich in its subdued nature. Such an approach makes the song all takes the song that much more welcome an addition to this record a welcome addition to this record in its own right.
Smith and DaQuipa change things up just so subtly once again on ‘Sunset on the 1,’ the second of the EP’s four total songs. This time, the song is once again subdued, but there is a much warmer, happier mood set through Smith’s performance on the lap steel and DaQuipa’s light touch with the brushes on the snare and his equally light use of the tambourine. The whole sounds like the true country music compositions from the 1990s, which was really the last truly great age of country music. That subtle stylistic variance and the warmth in the song makes it one more clear example of what makes Crimson such an overall enjoyment and first outing from Driftwood Pines. When it is considered alongside ‘Dusty Moon,’ yet another great entry in this record, and the other songs examined here, the whole makes Crimson a success from beginning to end that every country music purist will appreciate.
Crimson, the debut studio offering from independent country music act Driftwood Pines, is a success from the beginning to the end of its brief 11-minute run time. It is a work that over that short time, is certain to appeal to any country music purist. All of the songs examined here make that clear. That is even with the songs all being purely instrumental compositions. They harken back to the music that audiences would hear in the old honky tonks and country music venues from ages long gone. Each song makes that vividly clear. All things considered they make Crimson a great first outing for Driftwood Pines and unquestionably one of the best of this year’s new EPs.
Crimson is available now through Dusk Moon Records. More information on the EP is available along with all of Driftwood Pines’ latest news at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559910476423.