Driftwood Fired - How to Untangle a Heartache

On August 23, Driftwood Fire released their debut album, How to Untangle a Heartache.




Lynn Scharf's smooth-as-ocean-polished-glass voice, coupled with the sweet sounds Charlotte Formichella coaxes out of her banjo and guitar make this female duo stand apart. It's no surprise to hear the lonesome soul-touching songs of Appalachia at the root of their music; both artists were raised in the Scottish mountains of Virginia.

The band is really gaining momentum and accolades. While it's certainly true the alternative/folk genre is crowded with new talent offerings, Scharf and Formichella are slowly separating their music from the usual pack. Driftwood Fire captured this year's Merle Fest / Chris Austin Songwriting contest, first place in the International Narrative Song Contest, as well as Honorable Mention at the Telluride Troubadour Contest.

In fact, the second song on the album, "Appalachian Hills," is without a doubt my favorite of the bunch, though all the selections are stand alone hits. Scharf's voice was made for this music - timeless, mournful, and distinctive. It is a musical storytelling deluxe.

Just when you're fully sated and lulled by said ballad, you get a jaunty whimsical jazz piece with a tune called "Intermission,"; very reminiscent of Django Reinhardt's famous hot jazz gypsy sound.

You might be living in the neck of the woods where they next tour, so check out any opportunity to hear these ladies in person.

And for the best $10 bucks you'll spend this month, hop on over to their site and get your own copy of How to Untangle a Heartache. You'll do more than like this CD. You'll love it.



In September, you can find Driftwood Fire concerts here:

September 9 at 8:00p
The Vogue
Lake Chelan, WA
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September 10 at 8:00p
Vagabond Sound
Oak Harbor, WA
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September 13 at 8:30p
Tease
Ashland, OR
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September 16 at 8:00p
Devil Mountain Coffee House
In the round w/ Sabrina and Craig and Laura Zucker
Mt. Diablo U.U. Church
Walnut Creek, CA
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September 23rd at 8:00 - 8:30p
Q Cafe
o/f The Elderly and BC Campbell
Seattle, WA
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September 24th at 6:00p
Mississippi Pizza
Split show w/ TBA
Portland, OR
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September 29th at 7:00p
Egan's Ballard Jam House
Seattle, WA

rticle first published as Music Review: Driftwood Fire - How to Untangle a Heartache on Blogcritics.