pilot to gunner - get saved
first lp proper from this lot since signing to arena rock recording, as the first lp was a reissue of an album that had been released on a different smaller label. so how are things different ? well this time there is no timelag in hearing the lp and waiting for the grooves to hit home. instead the band have tightened their sound to the point of extreme. making this lp far more fulfilling than should be possible for such a short album (11 tracks - 37 mins).
opening with the title track they hit the ground running and take no prisoners, an absolute corker of a dual vocalled shout-response anthem. a storming start. as is the way, the bands gruff insistent guitar lines, funked up basslines and urgency are brought forth in the streamlined but polished production (j.robbins if the name means anything to you). the style is continued throughout, but with subtle but essential melodic hooks and the all pleasure inducing handclaps ('the product', and 'barrio superstarrio') and the aforementioned vocal interplay keep the variety flowing.
now that the world has discovered the chili peppers brand of guitars and funk then there is a possibilty that people realise that pilot to gunner could well be the answer to their prayers now that the peppers have mellowed out to the point of blandness and routine. just how do we get the masses to realise this ? release 'downstate' as a single, tis a very similar feel to classic era peppers, and not a male member filled sock in sight. i hope.
over the last few months i have received a few indie rock albums, some are very cool and hit the playlist for a few weeks and then get filed, i have had this album now for nearly 4 weeks and it still makes my blood rush and induces severe enjoyment having been on a solid rotation since getting it, and is showing no signs of being filed away for quite a while (in fact still have first lp to hand, so i guess i kinda like this band !).
i have read that a lot of the bands attraction is in the lyrical content, i must apologise, i rarely get to listen to the words as the album flies by in a flurry of catchy chorus's and noisy guitars, the words will come later, in the meantime this hits all the right buttons. i have been saved from boredom for many an hour since this excellent lp came into my life.