From the ever misty and gray Pacific Northwest, The Phantom Pines is pulling a lifetimes worth of inspiration into this dark folk project.
Army Veteran and singer/songwriter Jann Skotdal grew up in the punk and metal scene of Seattle Washington. After joining the Army, he found the dark tales of country and American folk music. While in Austin, Texas he bought a beat up second hand guitar, and with pen to paper started working on what would become Dark Folk project The Phantom Pines.
Of the three haunting singles released in the last year “Always Something Wicked” is the latest. Released January 8th it brings with it a heaviness and dread. Starting of with acoustic guitar plucking, “Always Something Wicked” builds towards a subtle grit, but with clear, well balanced vocals. The two go incredibly hand-in-hand. Redemption is being sought and denied causing that dark and vile wickedness to return. Eyes are cast away forcing darkness to remain.
This haunting song suits the environment in which it came. It is dark, and dreary, but would also be well suited to accompany a campfire tale of a long lost traveler. This offering is true to the meaning of Dark Folk. It has undertones of Americana, but has a very forward darkness. “Always Something Wicked” is available now on Spotify, Bandcamp, and most other streaming services.
Listen to “Always Something Wicked”
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