Oh My Rockness

San Diego's Pinback are essentially Armistead Burwell Smith IV (Three Mile Pilot, Systems Officer) and Rob Crow (Heavy Vegetable, Thingy). I went to a Pinback show awhile back and Rob Crow kept saying how many cool comic book stores there are in NYC. That gives some indication of what these guys are all about. Recording their entire debut album, Pinback, at home on Smith's personal computer, Pinback made lo-fi sound hi-fi. With Smith, Crow eases up on his nonsensical musings of past bands to create more drawn out, sophisticated songs. (Not that Pinback lyrics are any easier to decipher than those of Heavy Vegetable or Thingy. In fact, Crow's bands rival Shudder to Think in terms of sheer vagueness. I.e., what-the-hell-are-you-talking-about vague.) Pinback also plays perhaps the longest sets in indie rock history. I highly recommend a deep tissue leg massage right before the show and approximately 90 minutes later. And ask Rob Crow if you can borrow a comic book to keep you entertained as you enjoy your rubdown.

Published 08/12/04