Around here, we embrace the mystery of life – coyotes and all. So allow us to present this new record from San Diego’s finest, Pinback. Comprised of two core members, the prolific Armistead Burwell Smith IV (Zach) and the inexhaustible Rob Crow, the band began in 1998 when the guys took a break from their various other projects (3 Mile Pilot for Zach and Thingy and Heavy Vegetable for Rob). Autumn of the Seraphs is Pinback’s fourth full-length record, and second on Touch and Go. 2004’s Summer in Abaddon hit the scene like high tide gliding in, whirling around listeners, full of beautiful intensity. It found its place in the hearts of a crazy amount of people worldwide following the success of the single “Fortress,” and rightfully so.
This record, Autumn of the Seraphs, pushes forward and upward. Its melodies are more dynamic and aggressive, while still gently pulling you back in again and again. While entirely recorded in the band’s home studios once again, this record is tighter, the drumming more immediate and crisp. Those duties were shared by Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket from the Crypt) and Chris Prescott (No Knife), and it’s a marked difference from Pinback’s previous releases. “Good to Sea” is the jam of Indian summer. “Walters” saunters its way to a buzzy guitar breakdown while “Subbing for Eden” works steadily toward each climactic chorus. Autumn of the Seraphs is for both rabbits and people, for good days and for ones where you should have stayed in bed. It’s Pinback’s best yet, and it’s going to take you over.
