Track of the Day: Darren Flynn – Pinebox (2026)
With the powerful surge of a rock and roll band, but the intimate tenderness of a vintage folk singer, Darren Flynn binds force and fragility, confidence and shyness, bold brazenness and quiet vulnerability in his moving melodies. While we haven’t heard too much of the singer-songwriter, Flynn has turned heads internationally, performed at notable festivals, received rave reviews, and is building an ever-growing fanbase. Join us as we tiptoe from his previous single ‘I Ain’t Gonna Worry About It’ to his latest track, ‘Pinebox’.
In ‘I Ain’t Gonna Worry About It’, Flynn lulled us into his music with a sweeping, smooth, roots-rock meets Americana tone – charming and gentle with a sweet folk tinge. ‘Pinebox’ is a complete pivot in the other direction. Instead of chilled, it is piercing. Instead of calm, it has a bite. Instead of an easy-on-the-ears melody, it’s a brash shock with a tumultuous chaser. Moreover, it is an intricate concoction that stings instead of soothing.
In one way, ‘Pinebox’ is like a kid kicking out to get away; in the other, it’s a softer, though much darker imp creeping in the background. A banjo and drums dance beneath, eerie and haunting; then they seem to jump out in bursting crescendos. Add Flynn’s gritty vocals, and you have a song that simultaneously brims with understanding and pumps a protesting fist in the air. As a melodic social commentary on the politics of war, this oscillation between frenzied fire and a subdued hush is outstanding.
“I wrote the song a few years ago when I started to notice all of these populist far-right movements begin to spring up throughout Europe, all of them championing nationalist and jingoistic ideals. Two things struck me – that the last time such a thing happened, the ultimate result was war between neighbouring countries, and that those who were supporting the demagogues were the ones who could ultimately pay with their lives, not the demagogues themselves.” – Darren Flynn on ‘Pinebox’
In addition to the single, Darren Flynn released an official music video for ‘Pinebox’. You can view the video below and/or on his YouTube channel. Please note this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Darren Flynn on his YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Soundcloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more folk-rock music on The Other Side Reviews Folk Rock playlist:
