Audiopile Review: While its been almost a decade since their last album proper, Shearing Pinx, the Nanaimo-via-Vancouver DIY lifers, awaken from a slumber with one of their most invigorating and potent full lengths since they spawned from the pot-holed alleys East Vancouver almost two decades back. The group, which still consists of vocalist/guitarist Nic Hughes and drummer/vocalist/FX Jeremy Van Wyck, the only two mainstays since inception, also boast Izzy Ford on bass in the rotating third role. While Izzy also plays in the Pinx off-shoot, improv psych-o-nauts Earthball, the rolling energy she brings back to the mothership is massive. From the plodding bass bashes against the choked guitar squall of “Yes Police”, or the low-end sprawling thud of “It Existed”, Izzy’s pulsing sheets provide more of a grind than a bounce, the perfect foil against the shrill guitars and fried electronics. Aside from the addition of Izzy, who has actually been with the Pinx for a few years now (these recordings actually date back two years), Valentine is a standout in their extensive catalog for another reason. Fidelity. The Pinx have always been an especially potent force live, but Valentine is easily the clearest and most representative recording of the band to date, marking a notable shift away from the lo-fi sensibilities they’ve become synonymous with. The alarmist guitar tone, hooky vocals and bludgeoning rhythm section nod to SST era Sonic Youth while upending their somewhat more formal song structure in favour of wild-eyed experimental punk-psychedelia that goes further than SY dared. A rollicking and anthemic noise-punk monster from an absolute institution, somehow only now hitting their peak an astonishing two decades in. Highest recommendation possible.

New album from the local legends. Number 8 for those who are counting