Pinback Albums (4)
'Autumn of the Seraphs'
Release Date 9/10/2007
Tracks 11
Label P-Vine
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What The Critics Say
Creators of some of the most intricately and expertly woven indie rock of the 2000s, Pinback don't disappoint with their fourth record, Autumn of the Seraphs. As twin cogs Zach Smith and Rob Crow have matured, they've grown from (slightly) meandering mopes to expert constructors of songs that reveal hidden layers with nearly every listen. Acolytes of the Police, the group channel their energy into a fluid dynamic of songwriting, performance, and production. "From Nothing to Nowhere" is a driving opener, but from there Pinback go in unexpected directions. Early highlights "Barnes" and "Good to Sea" twist a recipe of individual ingredients -- wistful harmonies, plangent basslines, spidery guitars, and wry lyrics ("it's good to see you...it's good to see you go") -- into an excellent dish. Aside from their own majority contributions, the duo get help from a pair of drummers -- Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket from the Crypt, Hot Snakes, Sea of Tombs) and Chris Prescott (No Knife) -- and use programmed beats on several tracks. The effect is a good one, since Pinback have always relied on the precision of their arrangements and their wintry sound to carry the effect of their dour songs. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
'Summer in Abaddon'
Release Date 1/1/2004
Tracks 10
Label Touch and Go
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What The Critics Say
Although Summer in Abaddon is in keeping with the lush, bittersweet tenor of Pinback's previous work, the band's Touch & Go debut is much quieter and more reserved than the busy electronic indie pop of 2003's Offcell EP. Instead, the band opts for a more organic, introspective sound that tends to put interesting productions and arrangements ahead of driving tempos or instantly catchy songwriting. Fortunately, this emphasis on delicate, cerebral pop pays off, albeit eventually: although tracks like the darkly lovely "Sender" and "3X0" initially seem too atmospheric, they gradually reveal tightly structured melodic interplay that makes them more intriguing than they might be if they were more immediately engaging. Indeed, Summer in Abaddon might work best as background music that occasionally creeps up and surprises you with its musical and lyrical details. The album's pristine production and emphasis on acoustic and electric pianos adds to its subtle, sophisticated feel, particularly on the vaguely jazzy "Bloods on Fire" and the softly poppy "This Red Book." Even the more immediate tracks, such as "Non Photo Blue," "The Yellow Ones," and "Syracuse," have a more polished, mysterious vibe than any of Pinback's previous work. The band does rock out, relatively, on the gently driven "Fortress" and "AFK," which recalls Pinback's emo roots, but the album's most delicate moments are also its strongest. Summer in Abaddon is an album of small, but hardly insignificant pleasures, and it may be Pinback's finest work yet. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On the band's second album, Blue Screen Life, Pinback redefines its classic emo sound into something lush and personal. Quirky pop harmonies swirl into indie rock bliss and sweeping acoustics explore the bandmembers' grand air as they make a sound for themselves. Songs such as "Boo" and "XIY" showcase Pinback's growing musicianship and an intelligence similar to the likes of Built to Spill and Elliott Smith. "Prog" and "West" are both sweetly tainted with delicate percussion arrangements and hushing vocals -- however, it's not incredibly outstanding. Blue Screen Life is a progression for Pinback, and internal complexities inside the band's songs are quite obvious. It's not unique or brilliant; it's a healthy dose of Pinback's satisfaction in keeping things simple -- lyrically and musically. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
'Pinback'
Release Date 8/11/1998
Tracks 10
Label Vinyl Communications
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Pinback is one of those rare acts that remains at a slow-moving pace without containing an ounce of boredom. On their self-titled debut EP, a heavy layer of droning pop themes are present on both sides. Yet with their added touch of gentle innocence, Pinback enjoys indie appeal without falling into the adjective of "inert" or "bland." Not the most energetic EP, but relaxing and pleasant. ~ Mike DaRonco, All Music Guide
