“Louder than two-pieces really ought to be, this duo pit melodic vocals against the fuzz and squeals of a battle-worn Fender Mustang, creating something heavy and frenetic. (NME).”
A lot of bands are compared to the likes of Sonic Youth, Nirvana and Dinosaur Jr., but very few are capable of living up to the billing. Enter Pinact, who have harnessed the spirit of Glasgow’s music scene incredibly, despite being low in numbers; the two-piece combine experimental, turn-it-up-to-11 guitar sounds with outstanding melodic awareness. Comprised of Corrie Gillies (guitar/vocals) and Chris McCrory (drums), Pinact are unique in a landscape full of duos. Imagine if you will, Lou Barlow had the guitar sound of Lee Ranaldo. Imagine if The Vaselines listened to Lightning Bolt. It’s an intensely chaotic sound that wraps sheer pop song writing in Melvins-esque fuzz. A kiss and a punch.
Embracing the DIY scene by putting on their own shows, touring almost constantly with similarly ethical bands, playing house parties and dingy cellars as well as the likes of New York’s CMJ Music Marathon. It’s been a busy couple of years for the band, releasing numerous songs on cassettes, 7”s, and label vinyl compilations including the ‘Art Reeks’ project in collaboration with UK labels Art is Hard and Reeks of Effort. Embracing a hard-working ethos and a willingness to play as many shows as possible, this band isn’t just a force for the future, but boast an attitude comparable to bands in the early days of the US hardcore punk scene. It goes without saying that Pinact are hitting the road again plenty this year; embarking on a UK tour at the end of February and returning to the U.S for more tour dates.
And so, to their first LP, ‘Stand Still and Rot’. Produced by the brilliant MJ of Hookworms (Eagulls, Drenge, Joanna Gruesome) and released 19th May via Brooklyn based indie Kanine Records, it perfectly distils the live sound of Pinact. It’s loud, it’s uncompromising and yet sounds pretty, and considered. While it dusts off some concert stalwarts like ‘Into the One’ and ‘Brew’, ‘Stand Still and Rot’ is all about the new, tracks like ‘The Beginning of the End’ is an alternative hit waiting to happen, while huge songs like ‘Anxiety’ are an aural crowd-surf. These tracks are fun, even though guitarist and singer Corrie deals with relationships, ambitions, heartbreak and depression in his lyrics, there’s an overriding sense of optimism. It’s not hard to see why.