#390 : Sean Pinchin - Bad Things

2019 – Sean Pinchin

By Phillip Smith; May 7, 2019

I became a fan of Sean Pinchin two years ago when I reviewed his previous record, Monkey Brain.  His latest album Bad Things is out now, and it is fantastic.  The music on this eight-song disc is soaked in the blues, and filled with captivating hooks.  Pinchin mixes it up on electric, acoustic, resonator, and laptop steel guitars.  Rob Szabo handles bass, keyboard, percussion, and guitar to boot.  Mary-Jane Luvite drops the beats on drums and percussion. 

The opening track, “If You’re Gonna Leave Me” comes across strong and fearless.  This anthem, dedicated to rocky relationships, absolutely cooks with a smoking guitar performance and a hardy vocal delivery.  Title-track “Bad Things” keeps the momentum going, with its infectious rhythm, and Pinchin’s mind-melting guitar.  It’s fabulous indeed.  Dark, ominous, and beautifully played, “Devil Got My Woman” is absolutely breathtaking.  I love the simple approach he takes when taking on Blind Willie Johnson’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”.  It is a pure and honest cover.  Lovely and delightful, Pinchin’s “River” is music for the soul.  

This Canadian bluesman surely has a way about him, and his music positively stands out.  Bad Things is one terrific album.

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For more information about the artist, visit this website.. https://seanpinchin.ca/

Sean Pinchin - Monkey Brain

2016 – FACTOR

By Phillip Smith; Feb 6, 2016

In 2014, Sean Pinchin’s release Rustbucket got him nominated for New Artist of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards.  Monkey Brain, his latest album, recorded and co-written by Juno Award-winning producer Rob Szabo, is sure to grab him another nomination.  Joined by bassist Mark McIntyre, and drummer/percussionist Adam Warner, Pinchin delivers eight delicious tracks of uniquely blended rock and blues via catchy hooks and interesting riffs.

Pinchin breaks out some really groovy slide guitar celebrating the inner-primate lurking within, on title track anthem “Monkey Brain”.  “I Can’t Stand It” has an uncanny way of really digging into the subconscious.  The infectious grooves running through this one is reminiscent of Billy Squier’s early music.  Things get bluesy and nicely swampy in “Charity Case”.  Pinchin then takes a slight turn toward country-blues as he masterfully performs “Monster”, a rustic and rootsy delight. The album closes out strongly with “Get Burned”, a melodic track with a vibrant pulse.     

Monkey Brain is a fun listen from start to finish, making it a sure-fire hit.