I used to be an avid zine maker and reader, and even though it’s been a while since I put together photocopied collages of text and images, there’s still a very soft spot within for the personal energy and intimacy that goes into handmade media.
After being immediately drawn in by their subdued, sweet music, US band Silver Pines absolutely had me when I found out about their hand-crafted releases. Last week a small package arrived on my doorstep, containing Night Smoker, a four track cassette tape, track list hand-written on a slip of paper and sitting inside a custom-made cardboard case. Likewise, their accompanying EP, Forces, was encased in a hand-drawn sleeve, with track names scribbled neatly on a piece of paper.
The aesthetics charmed me. Each piece was numbered, elevating it from EP to ephemeral treasure, taking a prideful spot on my shelves. The other side of the equation though is, of course, Silver Pines’ music. In an era over-populated with talented music-makers, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by some of the lesser-known talent who cross my very limited path. Silver Pines are good. Their music is sadly romantic, evoking images of Southern twilights, over-sized moons and delicate, off-white lace petticoats. Slightly muffled, entrancing female vocals guide beautifully textured and sometimes distorted guitars with a gentle, carnival-like organ. Who do they sound like? Actually, I don’t know. The first track on their EP, Timefather, reminded me a bit of Cowboy Junkies, though I’m so limitedly familiar with their stuff I have no idea why I’m even mentioning it. I suppose I’d be best off talking about Silver Pines with other new-ish discoveries such as Zaza and Black Swan Green. Three very different bands, but all come from similar places, creating ethereal, delicate and exquisite music.
Take a listen to Silver Pines for yourself here.
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