Blue Screen Life

On the band's second album, Blue Screen Life, Pinback redefines its classic emo sound into something lush and personal. Quirky pop harmonies swirl into indie rock bliss and sweeping acoustics explore the bandmembers' grand air as they make a sound for themselves. Songs such as "Boo" and "XIY" showcase Pinback's growing musicianship and an intelligence similar to the likes of Built to Spill and Elliott Smith. "Prog" and "West" are both sweetly tainted with delicate percussion arrangements and hushing vocals -- however, it's not incredibly outstanding. Blue Screen Life is a progression for Pinback, and internal complexities inside the band's songs are quite obvious. It's not unique or brilliant; it's a healthy dose of Pinback's satisfaction in keeping things simple -- lyrically and musically.