Pinback- Autumn of the Seraphs
(Touch and Go Records; 2007)

I don’t know why Pinback aren’t more popular. They have a song on an O2 ad and I’m sure they’ve popped up in The OC at some point. But despite their repertoire of catchy indie-pop songs they’ve remained relatively unknown and underrated. With Autumn of the Seraphs, their fourth album, it’s visible that they have become comfortable with their sound without becoming uninventive. The moody guitar riffs, uplifting refrains and piano theatrics that Pinback have previously mastered are all present here. However this offering seems much more delicate and focused than their other albums.
Autumn of the Serephs opens with the fast paced “From Nothing To Nowhere”, where guitars and vocals mix to create an infectious foot-tappingly good song. This up-beat theme continues into the album with the punky “Barnes” and synth-laden “Good To Sea”. In songs like “Walters” and “Bouquet”, Pinback reveal their ability to take a song into many different directions, without it feeling forced. The meditative pace and instantly likeable keyboard hooks are clearly that driving forces at work on this album, without taking from the catchy guitar riffs and melodic vocals of Rob Crow. The album closes with “Off By 50”, a mini pop epic which begins like a Black Sabbath and finishes with crashing drums, pianos and guitars.
My only complaint with Autumn of the Seraphs would be that at times it seems too delicate and songs may sound too carefully constructed. What it lacks is a rougher, edgier sound, maybe some guitar feedback or harsh noises every now or then. Nevertheless Pinback have once again proved themselves as a tight indie pop band well able to produce catchy and energetic songs. Fans of bands like Modest Mouse and The Shins will find enjoyable songs on this record.