OK, hear me out, I’m late to the party on this one but life gets in the way, you know! You probably don’t need me to tell you about the Gypsy Pistoleros right? Well, I’ve been sat on this review for a while and I’m only just putting it out there. Since then, they’ve released another 2 singles so I thought, “Hey, why not add those on?”.
Gypsy Pistoleros are classic glam punk rockers who stand alone in the musical world as they defy a definitive category. They look, sound and perform in a unique style making everything they turn their hand to distinctive, a flavour of difference that no-one else can quite live up to. So here I am, finally!
Firstly, Church of the Pistoleros. Said to be a call to the lost, the strange and the beautiful weirdos, it was the first release from their upcoming album “Welcome to the Church of the Pistoleros” Sounds of a church organ start behind a spoken version of the Lords Prayer, the moody video filmed on what appears to be church ruins, before the punk rock vocals kick in, and an extremely catchy sing a long style chorus filmed with contrasting pink and blue lights, highlighting the bands stage presence. Dramatic riffs add to the moody element this single evokes with a roaring mid section. Ending as it started, a sermon to the masses, an anthem for all those that don’t fit in, the Church of the Pistoleros will welcome you. Singer Gypsy Lee is able to vocally take you on a journey of highs and lows, and musically these guys are as tight as ever, showing the skill of these seasoned professionals.
Next release was Shadow Walker. This is a darker offering from the Gypsy’s, and squealing intro and heavier rock beat but still recognisable , leaning more towards metal than glam rock, and with another theatrical video. The vocals are pointed and almost a spoken narration, each word enunciated with power. Musically this track is by far one of my favourites, appealing to my heavy metal core. This track burns bright throughout, the high level of production can be heard. The story of a figure that seems to exist between worlds, between life and Death, ultimately to accept a process they are trying to figure out in order to transform into a better being.
Third and most recent single from the upcoming album, set for release in May, is Whatever Happened to the Old Town? A lower beat, led by a drum beat, slowing stomps into a tale obvious from the title, reminiscing about how things used to be. After a minute, the tempo rises. Full costumes against a plain white background, the video let’s the single kick out for itself, changing in tempo again at around 2 minutes, involving another anthem worthy cry out for “home”.
The upcoming album was recorded at Old Cider Press Studios in Pershore, and is produced and co written by Dave Draper, who has worked with the likes of Nickelback and Terrorvision.
This band already has nationwide, and also international fame. The upcoming album is sure to put them on the map where they haven’t already been pinned as ones to watch.
An already impressive career might just be set to get even better.
Kate Fitzer