Customer Reviews

Offcell

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

pinback's discography is dotted with EPs. while many bands eschew the value of an EP, pinback see them as opportunities to explore different sounds without committing to an entire album's worth of music. The irony, of course, is that one wishes these *would* be longer, but that's the price you pay for progression.

"offcell" is probably their most accomplished and realized work to date. the five songs here show everything that is right about pinback: devastating pop hooks, dynamic song structures, and emotional grandeur. pinback has been lucky enough to find and understand their voice early on; the result is that it flows through them effortlessly -- "emo" music in its strictest of definitions.

all of this culminates in "grey machine," the eleven minute opus that, despite its length, remains engaging and heart breaking. at thirty-odd minutes in length, the EP whets the appetite without becoming overbearing. the taste will only make their next studio album that much more enjoyable.

This cd houses 4 of Pinbacks greatest works. "Microtonic Wave" is Reminiscent of "Tripoli" in that the song immediatly grabs you. The next song "Victorious d" starts off slow but builds into an extremely pleasant song. "Victorious d" has been floating on the bands setlists for a number of years, but finally it was placed on this E.P. The title track "Offcell" begins witht he enchanting lyrics "Out of phase Offcenter and Offcell" these lyrics ring throughout the song and never loose their initial beauty. The next song is a near rap by Rob Crow. All these songs are much different then normal Pinback, but this seems to be their most unique song and one of the best. Then on to the GREAT finale, "Grey Machine." There is nothing i could say to describe this song other then a Masterpeice. Anything else wouldn't be sufficient. Only problem with this release is the fact it is only 5 songs, but anything this good can hold me until the next full length album.

Isn't an EP like this just giving us bad news in a nice way? It's a clear sign that we're a ways away from seeing a full album of new material when a band releases an EP like this.

I'm a huge Pinback fan, but can't blindly give Offcell all five stars. How about one star for each good song?!

The title track is just couple of recycled rifs from older Pinback songs. On the flip side, the 11 minute "grey machine" is amazing and worth the price of this disc all by its self. One of their best songs ever! The song "b" isn't far behind.

If your a fan, this is a must have. If not, get "Blue Screen Life" or "This is a Pinback CD"

I held out for so long and now I have given in. It's tough to pay close-to-full-length price for a 5-track CD. But, listen to me, and everyone else, and get this as soon as you can.

After Blue Screen Life, I was concerned that Pinback would not be able to out-do themselves. And I contend that this EP does not necessarily out-do any previous work, but bridges a natural progression of sonic excellence.

What drew me to this band was the catchiness(i.e. Penelope, Concrete Seconds) and the grasp and manipulation of rhythm (i.e. Offline PK, Prog). These elements remain in full fluency. What seems different to me is the overall tone. It feels more dark and mechanical to me than previous recordings. I mean this only as an observation, not a criticism. There's just a seriousness that I feel from this.

Perhaps fans should be a bit fearful of a CD like this. It captures a unique band at their most tight and complete so well that it seem like they haven't left much room to grow.

Then again, if you look at Rob Crow's career, there are always new directions-not always linear, at that.

My personal favorite track is "B." It's the one track that sound the most Pinback-esque to me, based on my prior description of why I love this band.

Offcell is a pretty amalgamation of Pinback's best elements- beautiful harmonizing, intelligent vocals, and well-utilized instruments, all wrapped up in warped melancholia that leaves a hazy feel on the mind. The four tracks leading up to Gray Machine are all interesting little gems, but the highlight of the album, my favorite, is most certainly the aforementioned Gray Machine. The longest Pinback song I've ever heard, it's an intricate ballad efflorescing with blissful, distended harmonies and heart torn vocals. This ep is well worth the price for that song alone. For nonfans and fans alike, I recommend this.

Wonderful little E.P., but unfortunately, it just leaves me wanting more. Hopefully, a full length will be out soon. Pinback remains one of the most creative groups out there today.

If you are a fan of Pinback, there is no question, BUY THIS ALBUM. Every song is strong and it all fits very well together. It is definitely different than the computer driven self titled debut, and a little more artsy then the incredible Blue Screen Life. My favorite song on the album is "Grey Machine" which is a 10-minute masterpiece in vocal harmony. In fact, any music fan in their right mind should by this album

i think grey machine is my fav. even though its like 11 mins long, it seems very short

The only problem that I have with this album is that it left me wanting more. This album is classic Pinback, with some truly fantastic melodies. The album is solid throughout and Grey Machine is pure listening enjoyment. Well worth the purchase, for both the Pinback fan or someone who just wants to see what they are all about.

Stated simply, "gray machine" is one of the best songs ever recorded in the history of mankind, and the other songs here aren't too far behind.

learn it, humans.