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Folk/Americana duo Driftwood Pines release debut EP Crimson

By Kath Galasso on September 24, 2024

Driftwood Pines are an Oakland-based duo, headed by well-known multi-instrumentalist and songwriter IJ Smith. Taking influence from the likes of The Eagles and Hermanos Gutierrez and also featuring the percussion of Tony Daquipa, their debut EP Crimson is streamable on Bandcamp.

As a master of the lap steel guitar, IJ Smith has leaned in to the Americana/country folk feel of this instrument in crafting the all-instrumental Crimson. It’s a study in the instrument, in fact, as it leads three out of the four songs on the album with its haunting melodies. “Truckstop Milkyway” is the one of two tracks where Smith’s exquisite mandolin playing is also featured. This track also belies something a bit different about this album: it’s not just standard acoustic Americana.

Crimson’ captures the essence of Folk/Americana while also incorporating unexpected yet subtle and sublime ambient synth textures to add its ethereal base.

While “Truckstop Milkyway,” with its extraterrestrial title, has the most obvious ambient production, it’s clear in all the other tracks that this is what elevates the EP as a whole. The subtle ambient pulse in the background helps the listener conjure thoughts of wandering the nighttime desert, looking up to the skies and wondering at the billions of start above. The lack of vocals allows the focus to be on this music and vibe with no interruptions. The steel guitar does all the singing.

(The album’s) nostalgic melodies evoke memories of dusk transitions and a vast landscapes and long freeway rides to times past and future.

Poetic without any words, Crimson will not only make a splash on the folk, country and Americana scenes, but will be enjoyable for fans of all genres, especially as a contemplation piece.

Stream the “Crimson” EP on Spotify.

Watch the official music video for “Three on the Tree”.

Musician Names/Instruments: IJ SMITH (guitars, mandolin, lap steel, bass, percussion, synths), Tony Daquipa (drums/trap/percussion)
 Producer Name(s): IJ Smith 

Websites: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559910476423 
Instagram: driftwood_pines 
Spotify: Release Date July 1st, 2024 
Bandcamp:https://driftwoodpines.bandcamp.com/album/crimson

Artist Biography:
Hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of Oakland, California, Driftwood Pines emerges as a refreshing force in the Americana folk-country scene with a hint of ambient allure. Led by multi-instrumentalist IJ Smith, whose repertoire includes work with the acclaimed Latin jazz crossover ensemble DDLO (Descargas de la Onda), Driftwood Pines enchants audiences with their instrumental prowess and captivating melodies.

Their debut album, “Crimson,” released on July 1, 2024, showcases Smith’s mastery of lapsteel guitar and mandolin, weaving evocative sonic tapestries that transport listeners to a nostalgic realm. With a lineup boasting Tony Daquipa’s dynamic percussion alongside Smith’s versatile instrumentation, Driftwood Pines pays homage to influences like Opez, the Eagles, Hermanos Gutierrez, and Dean Johnson, crafting a timeless sound that resonates with both tradition and innovation.