Austin Sound

Consisting mostly of Texas State students from San Marcos, Silver Pines has produced a debut EP that is, in short, extremely and sincerely romantic. The key in separating the band’s appeal from other similar artists such as Beach House and Marissa Nadler relies heavily on the rhythm section. The use of waltz, crescendos, and overall booming togetherness creates a perfect platform for Stephanie Franciotti’s beautifully distant and dreamy vocals. For example, “Dawn of the Dawn” and “Clover Eyes” present flawlessly placed rhythmic releases that captivate the listener.

“Garden of Gold,” the last track, begins with the simple strum of a ukulele and becomes quite lush, implementing the entire strength of the band. The addition of bells, French horn and the bowing of a saw, all form into a very healing experience. Ambient sounds from the recordings are layered within Fort Walnut as well. There is an intimacy inherent within the left over voices of the songs, lingering through hypnotic echoes like ambiguous memories. Although Silver Pines relies heavily on reverberation, the band finds a nice balance of distance from the listener not only within the sound quality of the recording, but also within each band member’s role. Evidently, there is an intense concentration on the importance of one overall sound and tone; this approach is wonderfully refreshing.

It is also fair to mention the band’s winter tone and appeal; the folk influenced songwriting as well as the band’s diction (Silver Pines, Threadbare Coat, Garden of Gold, Fort Walnut) draws an image of pristine snow laden wilderness. Fort Walnut seems to be the mark of something interesting to come and the act of surfacing from the band’s own creative wilderness. If this wilderness might be considered the city of San Marcos, then Austin would do well open an ear toward the south beckon for more of Silver Pines’ music.

Mp3s from Fort Walnut:
Lionmen
Threadbare Coat

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