The Pine "Don't Need Regret" LP
[Alone]
The Pine is an interesting little band, and despite a few minor issues that I always have to adjust to with their releases, I definitely dig what they do, because they don't really sound like anyone else that's out there right now. I'd still cite similarities to early R.E.M. with a lot of this material, but there's definitely a nice and angular emo/indie slant to the writing - one that definitely nods to some of the classics of the genre's formidable years - and I think these songs are a little moodier as well. So expect midpaced tempos and sort of a lulled pacing that tends to build and repeat both musically and vocally, using very little distortion, and where the singing is sort of high-pitched but carefully restrained, so there's feeling and emphasis there, and the guy's voice has a really unique character to it, but his performance really works well within the context of the music. It's almost like a strange blend of old R.E.M., Sense Field, and Jawbreaker (musically, in regards to the way some of the chords ring out and how things are structured, not vocally). The title track starts things off and is a pretty long and repetitive jaunt, but the repetition really adds to the moody disposition of the track and makes for one of my favorites on the entire LP; while "No You" is just full of excellently written transitions that really carry a lot of emotion along the way. "Boytree" picks up the pace on side B with a little more energy, but still keeps that carefully restrained vocal presence and a unique dissonance to the guitar parts that comes across as barely more aggressive in this track, certainly making for a memorable number. This general approach continues through the next couple of songs, with "Living Off a Lie" sounding rather similar across the board (granted the vocals get much more active in this track, which is great), whereas "Bridge" slows things down a little. Overall side B is a little more energetic than side A, as even the last couple of songs have somewhat more punch to the playing and the jangly chord progressions, so it all makes for a nice balance, as I thoroughly enjoy some of the more somber elements of the first half of the album as well. The recording really has an oddly dated quality to it, which also plays into that whole early R.E.M. thing as it has that sort of 80's bite to the tonalities of the production. It's just kind of cold, allowing the plunky basslines to have a little more room, and working well with the vocals in a lot of ways. The percussion sounds nice and natural though, so that definitely ties the band more to the indie side of things, as the brisk drum performance helps keep the momentum stable. The mix as a whole is a tad thin, so I'd like to hear them fill that out somehow, but... that's not much of an issue at all, I think they're doing quite well in achieving a sound that helps further set them apart. As usual the LP is housed in a chipboard sleeve with minimally colored art that mirrors the band's aesthetic, using handwritten text and sketchy figurative illustrations throughout. The same goes for the large xeroxed booklet inside, which includes all of the lyrics and band photos with a similar presence. The lyrics are sort of abstract, but definitely communicate pretty morose imagery that fits the music nicely: "And his life's not fine. He'll be pushing all of you away. And his mouth drools lies. There's trust inside me? We'll have to wait and see. Can you tell me what's right? There's trust inside you, but now what can you do? And now we need some time..." I'm really liking this one. This is the first record from the band that really sticks with me, so it's certainly their best yet, and they're really inching closer to that next level. This is available on CD from a different label, and think I might actually pick that up. Nice work. Recommended for any curious parties looking for something different than what's out there nowadays. (7/10)
Running time - 42:00 (approximately), Tracks: 10
[Notable tracks: Don't Need Regret, No You, Boytree, Living Off a Lie]
Alone Records - http://www.alonerecords.com

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