The Rolling Driftless North by Vansire: A Lo-Fi Indie Gem That Sticks With You
Vansire’s The Rolling Driftless North is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2017 under Spirit Goth Records, this indie pop-rock gem blends surf vibes with lo-fi sensibilities to create something both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Hailing from the US, Vansire crafts an album that feels like a road trip through small towns, warm sunsets, and fleeting memories.
At its core, the record thrives because of its collaborative energy—Joshua Augustin wears more hats than a milliner (guitar, synth, drums, vocals—you name it), while Samuel Winemiller and Isaac Winemiller bring basslines and guitar riffs that give the tracks depth. It’s clear these guys weren’t just making music; they were building a world.
Two tracks stand out for me, and honestly, I can’t stop thinking about them. First up is “Eleven Weeks.” The song opens with a shimmering guitar line that feels like stepping into cool water on a hot day. There’s something hypnotic about how the percussion subtly builds, layering in without ever overpowering the melody. Joshua’s vocals are understated but heartfelt, almost like he’s whispering secrets only you’re meant to hear. By the time the synths kick in halfway through, it’s impossible not to get lost in the groove. You don’t just listen to “Elever Weeks”—you live inside it for four minutes.
Then there’s “Driftless,” which hits different. This track leans heavier into the surf-rock side of things, with twangy guitars and a rhythm section that feels like cruising down an open highway. What makes it stick? Maybe it’s the way the harmonies swell or how the lyrics paint vivid pictures without being overly direct. There’s a rawness here, a kind of unfinished beauty that keeps pulling me back. Plus, the interplay between Samuel’s lead guitar work and Joshua’s steady drumbeat creates this push-and-pull dynamic that’s hard to ignore.
What really ties everything together is the DIY ethos running through the album. From the photography to the mixing, every detail feels intentional yet unpolished—a testament to the band’s creative vision. And yeah, sure, some transitions feel a little rough around the edges, but isn’t that part of the charm?
In the end, The Rolling Driftless North isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s content to roll along at its own pace, leaving tire marks on your brain. Listening to it feels like flipping through an old photo album, each track a snapshot of moments half-remembered but deeply felt.
And hey, maybe that’s why I keep coming back to it. Or maybe it’s just because I once got stuck in a Midwest cornfield and now “Driftless” reminds me of that. Who knows? Either way, this album sticks.
