((Systems Officer)) Band Profile and Upcoming Los Angeles Concerts - Oh My Rockness

Systems Officer is a Pinback side project that is just as good as its parent band. It's great when that happens because, let's face it, most side projects blow. Armistead Burwell Smith IV's (what is this guy, a 19th century English butler?) tender voice carries gracefully over the similarly mellow, angularly gentle sounds that you have come to know via Pinback. This is rainy day, optimistic pop music. Really, the only difference between Systems Officer and Pinback is Rob Crow isn't piping in every now and then. But that's ok because Crow's in, like, 8 other bands. It's good to let Armistead Burwell Smith IV have a solo in the spotlight, even if he has a silly name. At least he's smart enough to go by Zach.

Published August 12, 2004