Darren Flynn – The Pinebox EP (2026)
Cutting a figure of a Tennessee country singer, complete with a black Stetson, Darren Flynn adds rock and roll to vintage folk in his moving melodies. Hailing from Ireland with a mischievous glint in the eye and a cheeky smile, Flynn has a reputation for honesty, originality and innovation bound in golden zeal. The latest addition to his discography is The Pinebox EP.
While each of his singles introduces another side to Flynn’s musical persona, The Pinebox EP showcases his diversity. From blues-driven Americana to traditional Irish folk, the five-track collection isn’t stagnant but also holds a growing distinction that is Flynn himself. He explains: “This EP is really a snapshot of where my head was at the time it was recorded. I was really getting into paring things back to their rootsy core – all the songs on there have quite simple arrangements. I really just wanted to let the songs themselves shine.”
Opening with the title track, Flynn immediately tosses you into a heavy folk-rock sonic pool. Not necessarily eerie, but somewhat mischievous, ‘Pinebox’ is sparse and barebones, but also a bit of a musical rush. The banjo and drums belie Flynn’s gritty vocals in a strange unity and also obscure disconnect – a good disconnect. The instruments jump forward in bursting crescendos then return to the background, while Flynn’s voice dances along at its own speed. An unusual track, ‘Pinebox’ may or may not be the best opener. It invites you to head further on this musical journey, but could also frighten someone away. I’m the former.
Following ‘Pinebox’ is the softer, calmer, folk-flecked ‘Where The Blue Turns To Black’. Instead of jumping musical bursts, the single weaves a smooth sonic river with Flynn’s banjo and tender vocals. Eeriness wafts away, and an enigmatic charm beguiles the listener. The notable difference between ‘Pinebox’ and ‘Where The Blue Turns To Black’ immediately showcases an originality in Flynn’s writing.
‘I Ain’t Gonna Worry About It’ is lighter, upbeat, and the song you expect from a country singer sitting outside on the porch. Moving from the melancholy of ‘Where The Blue Turns To Black’, ‘I Ain’t Gonna Worry About It’ is exactly what it says on the tin: not worrying about anything. Yet, the melancholy poignancy returns in ‘Cassandra’s Song’ despite its chilled-out folk ambience. This track presents a strong acoustic guitar ending the EP with a heart-warming sound.
Potentially my favourite track is Flynn’s take on U2’s ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’. A great shift from U2’s rock music, this cover has a bold banjo and harmonica, giving it an Americana twist. While I wait for Bono’s unique voice, Flynn’s gruff vocals flow across the melody, stamping the name Darren Flynn on the country/Americana version of ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’.
Find out more about Darren Flynn on his YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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