Reviews

Wasn’t it Atticus Finch who said “Don’t judge a book by its cover?”  Such an over-used cliché, but it couldn’t possibly hold any more truth. For some reason I had Pistolita judged as another pathetic attempt at stardom through cheesy metaphorical relationship woes. It’s both refreshing and relieving to know that I was wrong on that level.  Pistolita has a lot to offer and for a debut release, much to improve upon.  Desperately lacking in the vocal department, yet strikingly poetic in lyrics, this piano rock foursome brings in varied influences from The Get Up Kids and At The Drive In.
 
Vocalist/Pianist Connor Meads is a shredder on the keys and more or less a dud on the mic.  The vocals don’t compliment the music at all, and his lyrical ability is far over shadowed by the fact that his voice doesn’t make an impact; he just doesn’t breathe life into these songs which have so much potential that it’s almost heartbreaking to listen to at times.  Keep him in the band, but get a new singer and I think my heart would mend.
 
First, lets focus on the positives.  Meads is great with his hands.  I mean that in the most honest way possible, as he is both an accomplished keyboardist and a standout writer.  “Beni Accident,” is easily one of the most well written pieces on the record with lines like “Could you be willing to strike up a tune wrapped in imbalanced pity, nonsensical madrigal wilting with feeling,” alongside the song “Voices,” which reads “Can you replace the fingers/little triggers, little teeth/Can you reduce the silence/Cry of violence that drags us to the sea.” Unfortunately, the delivery is weak on top of the instrumentals which in themselves are clear, focused and well balanced.  At 7 minutes and 25 seconds, “Panic” is the records’ masterpiece.  I highly suggest checking out this track if you’ve got some time to kill.
 
With that said, while Pistolita isn’t the styrofoam peanut I had them pegged as, they have their work cut out for them trying to fight their way past people who can actually sing well.  The band is on tour right now with Moneen and Saves The Day so if anyone is headed to check out that tour, you’ll have to let me know if their live show is worth anything.