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Pinstripe "Astronomy"
Garbage Czar Records, released: 1999
These guys are doing what I call "awkward rock" (aka awkrock): Music with melodies that are sometimes dissonant but always with still-catchy grooves and changes. This stuff is kinda quiet even when it's rocking out, but the three-piece Pinstripe still know how to put things together in an interesting way. "Seeing the Car" delivers a catchy refrain against an off-beat melody line; "Loophole" pushes along against a funky drumbeat; "Don't Expect" has a great bass line and some beautiful and simple guitar work. Imagine early Talking Heads jamming with Fugazi and They Might Be Giants, all with the amps turned down (the neighbors upstairs are home!), and you'll get some idea of what Pinstripe sounds like. That said, these guys have a unique sound that does not immediately sound like anybody else. Fine musicianship all around, especially the drums and bass. My only complaint is that I wish a couple of the songs were shorter...And I hope that these guys crank it up to 11 when they play live.
[CCL, 3/29/99]
 
Contact: Garbage Czar Records
PO Box 207129
New Haven, CT 06520
CD is $8.00 postpaid. Make check out to David Slade.