Pinback Show Review and Interview
The Complex Nature of Simplicity – James Ferreira

Life is filled with simple pleasures… sunsets bleeding through pink skies over the gulf, an affectionate gaze from the gorgeous eyes of whomever you may fancy, or the honesty that permeates a conversation amongst good friends.  It’s imperative that we take the time that’s necessary to enjoy them.  Great music is usually not something that I would refer to as a simple pleasure—however, Pinback shows always seem to bring me into this frame of mind.  I was fortunate enough to catch them at the Social in Orlando last month, and as usual, I left the show equally awestruck and satisfied.

Every time I attend a concert at the Social, I’m jealous that it’s not in Tampa.  It’s a fabulous venue: excellent sound, intimate setting, full liquor bar and great service.  Those things aside, Pinback was the crowning jewel on this particular night.  They maintained an amazing aura of control when on stage, and generated a strikingly precise and smooth sound that seemed almost effortless.  Recent trends in many different genres of music seem to embrace over-the-top antics that usually feel forced and insincere.  Pinback’s uncanny ability to make complex musical ideas flow with a simplicity not often seen makes them more than just your average indie rock band.  Great songwriting, subtle yet prominent use of the synthesizer, and powerful vocals are a large part of the recipe for their success.  I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to speak with Rob Crow, one half of the driving force behind Pinback.  

Reax:  Has Pinback played in Florida very often?  I can recall about three shows in the Tampa/Orlando area over the past 4 years.

RC:  Yeah, we try and make stops down there on every tour, and we always try to have a good time.

Reax:  Why no stops in the Tampa Bay area on this tour?

RC:  No real reason.  We try to hit Florida on every tour.

Reax:  Do you enjoy playing Orlando more?

RC:  No, not really.  We try and have fun at all our shows.

Reax:  Do you find it strange that a song about your pet fish (Penelope) has garnered such a positive reaction? I can recall the first time I realized what it was about, and I was shocked.  I didn’t like the song any less, I was just amazed that a song about a person’s pet fish could evoke so much emotion in me, and apparently I’m not alone.

RC:  It’s hard because I haven’t really thought about it in a while, you know?  It’s not in the front of my mind.  It’s just a really fun song to play and it’s great that everyone seems to like it.  So that is cool.

Reax:  Is remaining on an independent label (Touch and Go Records) something that is important to you or Pinback as a whole?

RC:  Yes.  Our record label has been great.  It’s the best label in the world, and there’s absolutely no need for anything else right now for us.

Reax:  I know you have quite a few side projects; is anything new or exciting going on with any of them?

RC:  There’s always new stuff going on.  Right now, I’m just focused on this tour.  We’ll see what happens.

Reax:  When can we expect a new Pinback album?

RC:  We’re going to start getting to work on that after this tour is finished.  

Reax:  Thanks a lot, Rob.  Do have anything you’d like to say to or about Reax?

RC:  Your phone is breaking up.  I can barely hear you.       

You can check out Pinback online at www.pinback.com.