Grab yourself a boombox and a rocking chair, drag them to the back porch, then get a smoke and a cup of coffee and let yourself kick back to the Americana rootsy-rock style of The Pines. This Minneapolis duo offers the refreshing sound of spring breezes mixed with smart lyrics on their debut self-titled CD. From the soothing instrumental opener, “Moon When the Cherries Turn Black,” to bluesy folk track “Black Train,” to the alt-country closer “Roll On John,” The Pines deliver good song after good song. The production quality reflects the sound the Supersuckers got on their country album, “Must’ve Been High,” and like that album, The Pines self-titled CD is a necessity in any alt-country/folk rock collection.

What will always sell me on any record is the honesty the tracks produce: Is what I’m hearing real or do we have a couple guys banging out sound-of-the-moment songs with no heart? There is no doubt in my mind the sincerity The Pines produce when playing their subtle, laid back songs. What adds to the listening pleasure is how on certain tracks, such as “Bound to Fall” and “Pale White Horse,” they come close to sounding like early Leonard Cohen. There is also an early My Morning Jacket vibe to what they do, with a delivery that is very haunting, yet comfortable, allowing the listener to ease their way into each track. The Pines bring the goods on first listen and only get better each spin thereafter. NH

www.thepinesmusic.com