Released 40 years ago
In the Pines
The Triffids · 1986
34 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of alternative rock and folk textures, weaving evocative storytelling through lush instrumentation and introspective melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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In the Pines — This track stands as a poignant reinterpretation of the traditional American folk song, showcasing the band's ability to blend cultural elements while maintaining a distinctly Australian sound.
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Kathy Knows — With its compelling narrative and emotive arrangement, this song encapsulates themes of longing and connection, illustrating the band’s storytelling prowess.
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Born Sandy Devotional — This brief yet powerful piece serves as an evocative reflection on identity and place, highlighting the lyrical brilliance that characterizes The Triffids’ work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's unique blend of alternative rock and folk, along with its evocative storytelling, marks it as distinct within its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks build a gradual intensity, with 'In the Pines' featuring layered instrumentation that contrasts with the more stripped-down 'Kathy Knows'.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Keep Your Eyes on the Hole', which features abrupt shifts in dynamics.
- The album closes with 'Love and Affection', a track that slows down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting melodies for quiet moments
- short bursts of introspective storytelling
- evocative soundscapes for reflection
- morning coffee contemplation
- fleeting emotions in brief tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, sprawling compositions
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In the Pines was The Triffids' second studio album, released in early 1986 after their debut, Treeless Plain. At this point, the band was gaining recognition in the Australian music scene but had yet to break into international markets, making this album a significant step towards their artistic maturation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Go-Betweens· The Church· The Bats
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Suntrapper 2:19
- 2 In the Pines 2:36
- 3 Kathy Knows 3:45
- 4 25 to 5 1:07
- 5 Do You Want Me Near You? 3:11
- 6 Once a Day 4:01
- 7 Just Might Fade Away 2:59
- 8 Better Off This Way 2:50
- 9 Only One Life 1:31
- 10 Keep Your Eyes on the Hole 2:14
- 11 One Soul Less on Your Fiery List 4:19
- 12 Born Sandy Devotional 1:30
- 13 Love and Affection 1:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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