Perhaps it was the pigeonholing of Retsin as a side-project that allowed the duo formed by Cynthia Nelson and Tara Jane O'Neil frequently overlooked during its seven year existence. But if you follow underground music, it won't be hard for you to place Retsin as an honorable mention among the bundle of unplugged or semi-unplugged Americans citing folk and country music as main influences. Although they do share references with bands such as Freakwater, Cat Power, Mary Timony or Edith Frost. Tara Jane O'Neil met Cynthia Nelson in 1993, when their bands at the time (Rodan and Ruby Falls) had embarked on long nation-wide tours of their country. Rodan, where Tara played bass, is one of the seminal bands (together with Slint) of what people have labeled ?post-rock?. Sharing an interest for home-recording and melodic indie-rock, Tara and Cynthia joined in 1994 as Retsin, signing with Simple Machines with whom they released ?Egg Fusion?. Meanwhile Tara began work with another band, The Sonora Pinte, besides participating on Sebadoh and Come recordings. On the next two long plays , 1998's ?Sweet Luck of Amaryllis? and the recently released ?Cabin in the Woods? the transformation of the duo has been complete, electric guitar gave way to accordion, banjo and violin. Retsin sound equally delicate and cutting, combining rock elements with country-style melody and small experimental details. All of this with the healthy desire to tell stories. The five songs on ?Moon Money Moon? join pop (?Pauline and Susie?) with country-folk (?Duck Out?) effortlessly thanks to the use of flute, banjo, accordion and lyrics that deal with the distant moon as well as they do with mundane currency. Retsin were assisted on this occasion by Paul Oldham (Will Oldham's older brother) who has in the past worked as sound engineer and producer with David Pajo, Palace-Bonnie Prince Billy or Royal Trux.