With two talented lead singers and three different members of the five-piece touring act playing a bass (often two at the same time, and one person switching between bass and six-string within the same song, taking full advantage of loop pedals), there are no clear answers.
Things don't get better if they're asked to describe the band's sound. Rob Crow, with a large frame and larger beard, looks like he belongs in a metal band, and by the end of the set, his high-energy playing style was demonstrating this quite nicely. When not feeding his inner metal-head, he instead showcased an impressive vocal range. There were songs that appeared to have two distinct vocalists recorded but were, in fact, both him.
Armistead Smith, on the other hand, has a distinct style of playing the bass that simultaneously provides low, resonating tones and unusually melodic patterns, and he could easily front a progressive rock band or a solo project with everything his bass does.
Rhythmically, every song was driven with a quiet intensity that always threatened to explode but usually took the more refined, precise path. The drums' sound highlighted their perfect tuning and full sounds, working well with the army of bass guitars on stage.
The Pinback sound, though encompassing all of this, could still be considered indie rock. Not as unconditionally sweet as on their albums, some of these songs suggested a punk influence, and dynamic shifts were almost as integral a part of the set as Smith and Crow's brilliant and occasionally spontaneous harmonizing.
Pinback has found a way to take familiar, enjoyable music and keep it creative and original. Listening to it recorded is definitely worth it, but seeing what these musicians are capable of doing on stage just makes the album versions of these songs sound like empty shells. Seeing an almost sold-out crowd on a Tuesday night for this underrated band was also a great treat.
WHY? (today, Cat's Cradle) -- Every time somebody has asked me the question "why?" in the past few weeks, I have responded by saying "October 30."
The reason why (today) is because rapper-turned-indie-pop-songwriter Yoni Wolf aka WHY? is a refreshingly brilliant lyricist. I don't even know where to begin gushing about his creative, innovative and unique brand of poetry, but it's apparent on all four studio albums.
A live video of WHY? playing "The Hollows" shows the bassist, Yoni's brother Josiah, playing the kick drum while Yoni, on vocal duties, plays the snare and cymbals. Watching this non-conventional set-up in action is a real treat, even if there is no definite answer as to why (today) they do this.
The band's sound blends hip-hop influenced beats and vocal patterns with more traditional pop music. The most recent album, "Eskimo Snow," marked a complete departure from hip-hop, and the resulting product suited WHY? nicely.
Toubab Krewe (Saturday Cat's Cradle) -- What are you doing for Halloween? If stumbling down Franklin Street amidst thousands of inebriated college students doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then might I suggest Toubab Krewe?
Toubab Krewe is full of remarkably talented musicians who are known for their high-energy, spontaneous live shows. The Asheville-based jam band has a strong interest in African music, and this shows up in its live performances.
The Jesus Lizard (Thursday, Cat's Cradle) -- The band has stated this reunion tour will be the last, and they have no intention to record more music together. This is it; the very last chance this absolutely psychotic noise-punk band will grace our presence with its brilliantly crafted eccentricities.
Regardless on your views of the band recorded, they play a killer live show. Unless anything loud is an instant turn-off, an evening with the Lizard will not disappoint.
J.J. Lang hits the high notes of the local music scene each week for The Chapel Hill Herald. Send e-mail to JJLang@email.unc.edu
