Carousel

Hailing from Olympia, Washington, The Pine Hearts are a bluegrass trio with a penchant for expertly conjured, though largely conventional, tunes imbued with varying shades of country, alternative folk and indie pop. Carousel finds founder and guitarist Joey Capoccia (formerly of The Pasties and The Blackberry Bushes) joined by mandolinist Derek McSwain (of traditional bluegrass outfit The Oly Mountain Boys) and upright bassist Dean Shakked, who brings hints of jazz and prog-rock to the mix.

Capable singers all, the trio's three-part harmonies are highlighted throughout the album's dozen tracks, ‘Carousel Horses’ being an outstanding example. On ‘The Pedal Steel Let Me Down Easy,’ the twang takes centre-stage in a pleasingly melancholic setting, which perfectly suits The Pine Hearts' overall laidback vibe.