The Coal Palace Kings wear their garage-punk influences, not to mention a serious Neil Young fixation, squarely on their sleeves. Their bio also claims Hank Sr. and Merle as inspirations, but you’d be hard-pressed to discern just where those names fit into the scheme of things.
The band’s sound is based around only two modes of expression: loud, hard, high-octane, ’70s-style punk rock, and weepy, midtempo laments that tend to veer dangerously close to maudlin sentimentality. There is seemingly no middle ground for the Kings. It’s either crash-and-burn or plodding self-pity, with off-kilter, amateurish lead vocals by Howe Glassman, and skronky, fumbling lead guitar work by Bill Dolan. Bassist Steve Swalsky and drummer Joe Putrock are merely adequate in their roles.
Among the few listenable tracks are “Gunshy”, with its hummable melody and breakneck tempo, and “Being Drunk”, a humorous ode to John Barleycorn. Overall, Pine Away is merely a passable effort from four minimally talented players.