Turning the knobs to 10

For a band known for its very precise, bouncy melodic hooks and pop nuances, it seems ironic that San Diego-based Pinback found inspiration for their new record from a Norwegian black metal band.

But it’s not so unexpected when you consider the inspiration from Mayhem stopped with one of its song titles. Pinback’s latest release, “Autumn of the Seraphs,” is a rim-shot-worthy pun on Mayhem’s “Fall of the Seraphs.”

“It’s a play on words,” said Rob Crow, who fronts the indie pop band with Armistead Burwell Smith IV (who also goes by Zach Smith). “Mayhem did this song called ‘Fall of the Seraphs’ about a war between good and evil and angels falling. I was trying to be funny. To me it is hilarious and a piece of art. That is what our band is all about.”

Pinback’s typically upbeat tempos and reputation for tight, precise songwriting (think Beach Boys meet Death Cab For Cutie) wouldn’t usually get confused with a loud metal band, but when they set out to do their latest release they decided to turn up the amps.

“The biggest difference with this record is we made it sound more like we do live, so it’s not as much of a shock when people hear us,” Crow said. “Live we are loud and have a lot of energy, but our records tend to have a reclusive, softer sound.”

Tracks off the new album explore a variety of concepts, but some underlying themes can be found.

“The most recurring theme is historical revisionism, faith as an excuse, things of that nature,” Crow said. “What true honor is and how honor is perceived.”

One of Crow’s favorite songs, “Walters,” reflects on the 1980s incident of Larry Walters’ lawn chair balloon ride to 16,000 feet.

“It is a subject I’ve wanted to write about for years and years,” Crow said.

When Crow and Smith formed the band 10 years ago they named it after the character Sgt. Pinback from the film “Dark Star.”

“I really identified with that character,” Crow said. “He is always trying to make friends and totally failing. He is always trying to do the right thing and it always crashes and burns.”

Smith and Crow, backed by a rotating cast of musicians over the years and even some drum machines, have put out four full-featured albums together.

“We are completely different people,” Crow said of working with Smith. “We have different ideas about everything, especially musically. But we use it to our benefit, and it makes it interesting for both of us.”

Pinback is looking forward to playing with El Ten Eleven on July 31 at the Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa. It’ll be a lot closer to home than the European clubs they just got through playing on tour.

Next week’s show is part of the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Off Center Indie Band Series.

Crow and Smith are also eager to keep touring and making music. Being musicians, although tough sometimes when juggling family and their career, is ultimately a joy for them.

“Things are evolving all the time and getting better,” Crow said. “It’s about evolution and dedication.”

WHAT: Pinback and El Ten Eleven

WHERE: Samueli Theater, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: 8 p.m. July 31

COST: $20 to $50

CALL: (714) 556-2787