Pinsky - Two for the Road
Record Label: Unsigned
Release Date: May 06, 2008
The finesse and flair Pinsky demonstrates in their EP, Two for the Road, makes it simply inconceivable of the horrors that are associated with genre blending. Most bands that even attempt to mix genres are ruthlessly crushed beneath the rigorous demand of balance and fulfillment of each genre’s expectations. Yet Two for the Road shows just how innovative, fresh, and rewarding this perilous design choice is.
Infusing indie rock and pop, the essence of Pinsky’s style is fully captured in its first track “Beverly,” almost symbolically through Peter Vachon and Jeffery Robert’s dual vocals. Harboring both a relaxed, emo singer and a stressed, almost Max Bemis-like, vocalist provides for interesting pivoting throughout the album. If the impressive vocals were not enough, each song from this Portland, Maine, band is entertaining and dynamically different from one another. Some feature heavier guitar segments while others consist of piano-guitar duets that complement the intertwining genres. The EP also features the passable music video for “Beverly” and two demos that, with a bit of touch up, would be right at home in the track listing. Overall, the clean and catchy sound works well with the high production of each song.
The shortcomings of Pinsky, however, ultimately originate from the same problems plaguing modern pop songs. The lyrics, though emotional, are short, repetitive, and lack a sense of depth (fans of the poet look elsewhere). And as if to compensate for this, nearly every song consists of what I dare call “indie breakdowns.” Essentially, Pinsky’s bridges are segments of slow guitar picking, from Adam Croteau, Vachon, and Robert complimented with a beat from Andre Tranchemontagne that definitely portrays Pinsky’s indie roots. In no way are these bridges bad or detracting as a whole, but they undeniably take away a sense of the unexpected. Ironically, when there is not a bridge (“Sailor Song”) or it has been replaced with a guitar solo (“What We’re Doing”), the songs seem even more innovative than before.
This emphasis on critiquing is not to downplay Two for the Road in any way. We all know it's just far too easy to nitpick and point out small flaws when something so good comes about, and that is exactly what Pinsky provides: catchy and unique music. If this genre-mixing group has not intrigued you enough, simply check out “Beverly” and it will all make sense.
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