An expanded seven-piece arrangement of the Pines stopped by the Current studios for an interview and live performance in support of their new album, Dark So Gold. Band co-founders and chief songwriters David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey brought along banjo player Michael Rossetto, drummer J.T. Bates, bassist James Buckley, guitarist Jacob Hanson, and keyboard player Alex Ramsey (who also happens to be Benson’s brother) to perform a few songs off the new record, which comes out next week.

During their interview with Bill DeVille, Huckfelt mentioned that Dark So Gold was "closer to the record we’ve been wanting to make for a while," saying that the particular group of musicians "inched us closer to our vision," as did working with Benson's father, influential blues artist Bo Ramsey, who co-produced the record. Without giving too much away (the in-studio airs this Sunday night at 6 p.m. as part of 89.3 The Current's Local Show), there was also a surprising revelation about the lasting impact of Enya's first record on Benson's songwriting.

Tune in Sunday night for the full performance and interview, and for now check out the excellent shots of their visit by MPR photographer Nate Ryan above.