The perfect soundtrack to fall has been released in a new album by the San Diego-based band Pinback. The album, Information Retrieved, combines the poetic lyrics the band is known for with a calming and dreamy tune throughout the album.
Pinback’s listener base primarily consists of those who enjoy alternative rock and indie music and its new album fits right in. Information Retrieved is its fifth album and has been largely praised by listeners. The band currently exists as a duo, consisting of artists Armistead Burwell Smith IV and Rob Crow, who collaborate with multiple musicians to create unique, original tracks. Both Smith and Crow are more than simply lyricists, as they play a number of the instruments used in the band’s music, on Information Received. The members’ talent for songwriting and instrumentals truly shine.
Fans of the indie bands The Walkmen and Band of Horses will enjoy Pinback. The band also vocally recalls The Shins’ James Mercer, with better lyrics and instrumentals that help create a harmonious, more unified sound.
The album’s opener, “Proceed to Memory,” perfectly encompasses the autumn spirit, with the first chills in the weather and colors of fall, while singing to the listener a song of love and memories.
The band delivers the song’s story eloquently with beautiful prose, describing the colors and feelings of the season in lyrics like, “And then the seasons get you down/I’ll come running to tuck you in/And out the windows looks like all of the color/all of them melting down.” The music is easy to listen to and the lyrics themselves are romantic and imaginative.
Each song is beautiful, yet Pinback demonstrates its talent as musical artists best with a piano ballad in the song “Diminished.” The song is a pensive tune that leaves listeners drifting into a daydream. With the use of guitar and drums, as well as electronics, Pinback creates an otherworldly sound with its creative use of vocals.
The album itself is delightfully morose, with powerful lyrics atop the hazy background of the bass. It stands as a tribute to former band member Terrin Durfey, who passed away from cancer in 2008. This is the band’s first release since Durfey’s passing. Information Received features touching songs that would have made Pinback’s fallen band mate proud.
Throughout the album, Pinback achieves an ethereal sound that will make the listener feel calm and peaceful, as well as inspired. Despite the hustle of autumn and the quick changes in the weather, the album perfectly encompasses the idea of looking around and realizing how beautiful the world is and appreciating the people we are surrounded with while living.
Fans of Pinback and new listeners will not be disappointed with Information Retrieved. The album is perfected through thoughtful lyrics written by the performers. The songs are hypnotic, with tranquil rhythms and pop harmonies that flow together to create an album of dulcet tones that will let listeners’ minds drift away.
