Review: Pinback

pinb
Pinback
“Offcell”
(Absolutely Kosher Records)

This project is built around the core dup of Armistead “Zach” Burwell Smith IV (3 Mile Pilot) and Rob Crow (Optiganally Yours, Heavy Vegetable, Thingy). The group has a retro, ’80s feel but a firm, pronounced beat more like modern dance music. The sound is a blend of early XTC and Tom Tom Club. Those high, falsetto vocals and that bassline recall The Police, but Pinback is more relaxed yet. It is Smith that contributes the higher vocal range, with Crow coming in some octaves lower. This layered harmonization adds interest to Pinback’s unhurried indie pop.