Underslept

Band/artist: Systems Officer
Label: Temporary Resistance/Inertia
Website: myspace.com/systemsofficer

You can't go wrong

Systems Officer is the solo outing for Armistead Burwell Smith IV, the multi-instrumentalist songwriter and founding member of Pinback and Three Mile Pilot. Underslept was written and recorded between breaks in the Pinback recording and touring schedule, which totals five years in the making.

Written, produced and performed by Smith in his home studio, the attention to small details is what makes Underslept successful. Every strum, every falsetto and every lyric seems strategically placed into motion by Smith, while he offers up some uniqueness from his other bands, and as he shows off a bit on the piano and gives the record a heart with nicely arranged drum loops.

All of this combines for a solid indie pop album that supplies extreme quality while changing things up and containing enough variety for a fun and memorable 45 minutes.

Systems Officer is more then just a side project, as it packs enough punch to stand tall on its own. Fans of Smith's other work should immediately seek this record out as it balances his past strengths while giving you a fresh look into his talent.

Sam DaMatta

For more of Sam DaMatta's music reviews, check out The Fire Note