Song premiere: Veteran Austin act The Living Pins released new track Gold today
The Living Pins featuring veteran Austin musicians have released their new song, “Gold” today. The track shows the band’s deft songwriting skills and talent at making a great rock n roll tune. The well-crafted song was produced, engineered and mixed by longtime Austin music producer, Chris “Frenchie” Smith at his The Bubble Studios. The song exemplifies how experienced musical hands can create great new music.
1990s Austin was a crucible of musical innovation, a scene that pulsed with a raw, fearless energy, shaping the soundscape we know today. In that era of bold originality, The Living Pins stood out, their ripples still resonating. Born in 1996 from the creative spark between Carrie Clark (Sixteen Deluxe) and Pam Peltz (Ursa Major), this “side project” captured the wonderfully chaotic spirit of the time. Their early sets, a loving tribute to rock’s golden age, filled legendary venues like the Electric Lounge with the sounds of T. Rex, The Kinks, and Roxy Music. Sharing stages with future icons like Spoon, Fastball, and Ed Hall, they became an integral part of the city’s vibrant tapestry.
Within the throes of 90s alternative music history, one night at the Hole in the Wall stands out: Kim Deal, drawn by the band’s undeniable magnetism, joined them for an unforgettable, impromptu rendition of “Pacer.” The Living Pins were more than just a band; they were a living testament to Austin’s enduring legacy of musical daring, a testament that continues to resonate with audiences now.
Continuing their musical journey, The Living Pins add “Gold” to their impressive discography today. This meticulously crafted track solidifies their reputation as alternative music innovators. “Gold” ignites with a driving guitar riff, propelling the song forward with a raw, undeniable energy. The band’s seamless interplay and distinctive vocals are immediately recognizable, creating a groove that’s both familiar and fresh. “Gold” is a testament to The Living Pins’ enduring artistry, a track that invites both head-bobbing and full-bodied immersion. Bobby Daniel bass along with Kristy McInnis drumming drives the groove allowing Clark and Peltz to do their thing. It’s like taking the long scenic way home on a sunny Sunday afternoon with the top rolled down on your convertible.
There’s an interesting story behind the song, according to the band.
Clark says, “If this song were a house, it’d have a classic rock foundation, psychedelic ceilings, shag carpet you could get lost in, a killer stereo (obviously), a dance floor begging for action, and velvet couches tucked in the corners for smoking, making out, or just sinking into the vibe.”
Peltz says that “‘Gold’ was always a 12-bar blues song and it pretty much stayed that way. But the lyrics, on the other hand, morphed heavily as we played the song more and more. The word ‘Gold’ was actually in the song for a long time, but at some point it just wandered off the field. When it came time to make it official for streaming, our first thought was let’s give it a more obvious, representative name. But nothing would stick. The word ‘Gold’ just seemed to keep reverberating
“Gold” was produced, recorded and mixed by legendary producer and Sixteen Deluxe guitarist Chris “Frenchie” Smith at The Bubble Studios in Austin. Carrie says, “Recording with Frenchie is taking an adventure with an old friend—you know you’re in good hands, but you’re still off the map, discovering new territory. We speak the same language as we explore foreign planets together. We just get each other musically, which makes the whole process a blast.” The second single from the same session, “108”, releases later this spring.
Check out The Living Pins “Gold” on your favorite streaming service. You can catch The Living Pins next on March 13 at Carousel Lounge.
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