Scarlet Mills are an Amsterdam, Netherlands-based alternative rock act who first featured on this blog in March last year. Jane included them in her Monthly Favourites round up, and followed it up with a Q&A with them. Now it’s my turn to share some of their music. A dark, narrative-rich track, it’s called Driftwood.

By Graeme Smith

Driftwood tells the story of a misbehaving sailor who gets his comeuppance. An atmospheric alternative rock arrangement initially greets you before intense, sultry and characterful vocals come in. The tension builds through the first verse before the track explodes into cathartic life. It’s a thoroughly absorbing track.

Scarlet Mills are Jennifer Moesker on vocals, piano, organ and synths, and Erik Verhoef on vocals, guitar, bass and drums. The line-up also includes special guest saxophonist Maarten Verhoef. Jennifer and Erik have been performing together on and off since the ’80s and share a love for Lou Reed, PJ Harvey, Amy Winehouse and Mark Lanegan, among others.

You can give Driftwood a listen below.