Search - Triffids :: In the Pines

A diamond in the rough.

05/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, it was recorded in a barn or somesuch place. And yes, it sounds that way. But every moment of Triffids magic shines through. They could've recorded it while skydiving for all I care. It's a snapshot of one of the great lost 80's bands. I'm so glad I had it on lp. People who only know "cd quality" music just don't know what to make of music like this. Guess they would've complained that Hank Williams wasn't slick enough either."

A Great Band.

armenianthunder | los angeles | 03/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Triffids made a lot of challenging, strident, and inspirational music in the 80's, and are of course largely unknown. These re-issues by Domino Recordings, however, are assembled with the kind of love and attention that suggest that someone was paying attention. IN THE PINES is their most stripped down, intimate record, put to tape in a woolshed in Western Australia, and features some of David McCombs' finest songs, delivered in his own confident way, like "Suntrapper," and "One Soul Less on Your Fiery List." If you are a fan of bands like American Music Club, Nick Cave, or The Waterboys, you will love this CD."

A Brilliantly Eclectic Recording

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 06/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many thanks to the Domino Recording Company for its decision to remaster and reissue the entire Triffids catalogue. I came to hear of the Triffids after getting numerous recommendations years ago because of my interest in the music of Nick Cave. But I was never able until recently to acquire any of the band's work because it was out of print and out of stock. My first Triffids reissue, Born Sandy Devotional, I bought directly from Domino and I liked that well enough to buy several more since.

In The Pines has proven to be a brilliantly eclectic recording. Songwriter David McComb shows his versatility writing in styles ranging from hard country to alt-rock to the kind of neo-goth that would do Nick Cave proud. Here it works well and as it turns out I like most of the songs. To me, the best songs are the rocking opener Suntrapper; the title cut; Kathy Knows and Just Might Fade Away, both evocative of Nick Cave; the clever Jerdacuttup Man; the country-pop of Better Off This Way; the soaring alt-pop of One Soul Less On Your Fiery List; and the anthemic Born Sandy Devotional. Country music lovers will be especially surprised and pleased by Once A Day but should also enjoy Trick of the Light and She's Sure the Girl I Love. About the only songs I don't care for are the repetitious Do You Want Me Near You and the oddly lifeless Wish To See You No More.

I agree with the first reviewer on the quality of the music. If you are a fan of Nick Cave and the others he mentioned, you are almost sure to find lots to like here. You may even find that David McComb and The Triffids are the one of the greatest bands to have escaped your prior attention. The CD comes with a fat booklet filled with album notes, pictures, preserved doodlings, and an interesting story on the genesis of the project. Get this and other Domino Triffids reissues while any remain."