The Allmusic review by William Tilland awarded the album 4 stars out of 5, stating "it offers the most dramatic example of Cline's general ability to synthesize beauty, emotion, intellect, technique, and even humor in his playing".[2] Writing for All About Jazz, Alex K. Fong stated "The compositions on The Giant Pin simultaneously evoke traditional jazz, blues, post rock, and free improvisation without any of the awkward deliberateness found on the trio's debut release Instrumentals. That's a testament to the development of Cline's writing and the group's chemistry".[3]Pitchfork Media's Sam Ubl stated "Cline has fused his jazz and rock interests before but The Giant Pin takes both poles to heretofore untouched extremes-- especially at the low-volume end of the spectrum. Stark stylistic and dynamic contrasts pervade the album, yet the transitions are smooth. The record is quieter and more restrained than other The Singers releases, making it a rewarding if slightly less exhilarating final product. Whether Cline will continue to cleave himself from the gigging life remains to be seen, but for now he's handling the balancing act quite nicely".[4]JazzTimes' David R. Adler noted "Cline's music is resolutely left of the dial, a challenge. But its dynamics, rhythmic intensity and frequently searing melodicism are a joy. It's easy to imagine listeners of many stripes cottoning to his sound. (Might he lure Wilco fans toward far-out jazz?)".[6]
Track listing
All compositions by Nels Cline except as indicated
"Blues, Too" - 3:13
"Fly Fly" - 7:03
"He Still Carries a Torch for Her" - 6:43
"The Ballad of Devin Hoff" - 7:48
"The Friar" (Devin Hoff, Nels Cline, Scott Amendola) - 1:15
