Josef Herman: Warsaw, Brussels, Glasgow, London, 1938-1944
Josef Herman's early, cathartic work should not be missed
Red Army Faction Blues
Red Army Faction Blues persuasively blends fact and fiction in its account of Germany's turbulent times from the '60s to the '80s, writes Paul Simon
Josef Herman: Warsaw, Brussels, Glasgow, London, 1938-1944
Josef Herman's early, cathartic work should not be missed
The Pines
Tremelo (Red House Records)
Wednesday 01 September 2010
Printable
EmailThis US duo bring to mind the rustic modern folk of Bon Iver and Iron & Wine and the country storytelling tradition of Townes Van Zandt - and they're not out of their depth in such company.
Like those acts they make sparsely arranged acoustic music with the dial stuck firmly between "yearning" and "melancholy."
Always understated, sometimes sighingly romantic, sometimes fired by the spirit of social justice, this album is an impressively confident effort, drawing on modern inspirations and old rich traditions without becoming a slave to either.
The Pines don't have the attention-grabbing brilliance of the above, but a few listens to this should find them a home in the hearts of fans of the low-key end of folk and country old and new.
If you have enjoyed this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep publishing your paper.
