Pinback takes the wife and kids on tour

ILLUSTRATION by LUKE MCGARRY

Pinback singer/guitarist Rob Crow (née Robertdale Rulan Crow Jr.) is busy. Between his side projects (Goblin Cock and Other Men, among others); independent record label (Robcore Records); and newest addition to the family (21 month-old Robertdale III), it’s no wonder it took three years for Pinback’s fourth full-length, Autumn of Seraphs, to emerge.

“We kind of started from scratch,” Crow says via phone from his home in greater San Diego, “and now we have to teach everybody 12 new songs.”

Taking its Hebrew title from a Mayhem song, “Fall of Seraphs,” Autumn is as good as another bite of your mom’s secret macaroni and cheese recipe—you’ve eaten it a hundred times and it still tastes good (even if you’re craving a sandwich). Crow and bassist Zach Smith (née Armistead Burwell Smith IV) utilize their improved production skills to showcase the same lush harmonies and intricate fretwork that have wooed and kept fans for the last nine years.

The band hits the road next week with a series of in-store performances (Fingerprints is on the 12th). Crow’s wife (whom he met at a Wesley Willis show) and baby (who, in addition to playing drums and, according to dad, “likes the new Slayer,” interrupted our interview by trying to destroy a small piece of Crow’s vinyl collection) will be tagging along for most of the dates, hitting up museums and parks along the way. As they say: All in the family.

PINBACK FINGERPRINTS RECORD STORE | 4612 E SECOND ST | LONG BEACH 90803 | 562.433.4996 | INDIERECORDSHOP.COM | WED SEPT 12 | CALL STORE FOR TIME AND DETAILS

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