Summer in Abaddon is the third full-length from indie rock band Pinback, originally released in 2004. It was their first for storied indie label Touch and Go, and is less electronic-oriented than their 2003 Offcell EP, which results in a record that sounds  more organic and introspective, with thoughtful arrangements and strong atmospherics. The record was recorded DIY style, in a home bedroom - "I think (pro) studios are great, but that's sort of how Pinback became what Pinback is," explains founder Zach Smith, "We don't know what we're doing, but we have ears and we've been in studios; we think we could pull it off." And they did! The production is pristine, giving the delicate instrumentation room to shine. "Non Photo-Blue" is nearly twangy riffs, complex vocal layering, and scattered drums. "Syracuse" begins with low-slung bass riffs mixed with sharp acoustic guitar racing towards a nearly jubilant chorus. "Fortress" is hypnotic strums and murmured vocals, showing a bit of the group’s emo roots. This 15th anniversary edition is pressed on 180 gram olive green vinyl, and includes a 7" single with previously promo-only track "Todo".

• black vinyl pressing
• includes miniature lyric booklet
• digital download included
• music label: Touch And Go 2004

reviewed by PILOTWINGS '45 10/2019