December Last Call
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The Americana outfit Driftwood celebrate 15 years of existing with this new album, where they returned to their Upstate New York roots to pen songs that are rife with reflection.
The warm and crunchy title track starts the listen with Dan Forsyth’s flowing guitar illuminating the rich climate, and “Every Which Way But Loose” follows with Sam Fishman’s crisp drums adding much allure to the charming, rootsy delivery.
In the middle, “Float Away” welcomes harmonica and allows Sam Fishman’s intricate bass to shine in the bare but impactful landscape, while “Continental Lincoln” resides closer to folk territory, and makes great use of Joe Kollar’s fluid guitar amid a dreaminess.
Close to the end, the glowing intimacy of “Know You’re Mine” showcases Claire Byrne’s gorgeous pipes alongside graceful acoustic guitar, and “Stardust” exits with Bryne’s stirring violin tugging on the heartstrings.
Self-produced and recorded in the basement studio of Kollar's family home, the songs still carry bluegrass influences, but the louder moments of rock sure are appreciated, as Driftwood continue to occupy a unique and engaging place in today’s Americana.
Travels well with: Lindsay Lou- Queen Of Time; The Steel Wheels- Sideways