I've been a big Pinback fan for years, since I first heard Summer in Abaddon. That being said, my one gripe with most of their albums is that you inevitably hit that period, after the first onrush of songs that have a little pep in their step, where things slow down and it become less like a brisk walk and more like a solemn plod, before closing things out pretty strong. Their show was basically a microcosm of that--they opened strong, hit some new stuff, some old stuff, kept thing moving along very nicely. But about halfway through, they started playing those songs that just don't really have the energy to keep a live show up. They did, however, finish strong, saved some essentials for last and left me walking away having enjoyed myself. If you know Pinback and are a fan, go. For all my criticisms here, they're worth seeing live; very tight, into the performance, played basically all my favorites and mixed in plenty of new stuff, overall worthy entertainers. Just be prepared for the part where they cruise along at that medium pace for a bit. I'd give them a 7/10.
Royale Boston @
- Boston @
, MA @
- Sat, Nov 10, 2012 @
Favorite moment: When Rob Crowe set his guitar down for "Fortress" and weaved his way through the crowd with the mic so we could all sing the chorus. @
Setlist: I don't have the kind of memory that allows me to recall things so perfectly, but here are some songs, in no particular order, that they played: Non-photo blue, good to sea, fortress, syracuse, afk, true north, from nothing to nowhere, and many others @
Opening act(s): Solos--not bad at all--the drummer was really good and fun to watch. @