To me, Pinback has always been the ultimate background music. The sort of music that does not need copious amounts of attention to enjoy. Something that you can tune in or space out to. In this regard, the San Diego kings of quietly loud music have created another beautifully sounding record in their latest effort Autumn of the Seraphs. With the inexhaustible genius of Rob Crow and the equally talented Armistead Burwell Smith IV, aka Zack, Pinback has created a much more aggressive and darkly melodious sound.       

The fast paced “From Nothing to Nowhere”  kicks off the album and exhibits the bands punk influence albeit soft.  Album highlights would include “ Good to Sea” with its baroque piano arrangement, to the Police sounding guitar riffs that permeates “ Blue Harvest”  and “ Devil       You Know”.

While I do not believe Autumn of the Seraphs surpasses Blue Screen Life or Summer in Abaddon (which I believe to be the band’s best album), Crow and Smith have created a more dynamic and mature record than the previous two.  My only real qualm for this album and frankly all Pinback albums is their penchant to drag on.  They seem to hit a groove from which their music never really deviates. Instead we continue to hear a complex multilayered monotony.

Grade: C+

Reviewed by: Kristen Tojo