Pistolita CD out of this world

By Christopher Finazzo

For many musicians, making a new album, especially a debut, is something of a journey — a process that leads them down many different paths, which can in turn define who they are as artists. San Diego-based band Pistolita has been on this path for nearly two years since the release of a four-song EP in December 2004 entitled Gliss-Note. Now, at something of a crossroads in defining its own personal sound, the band has released its long awaited debut full-length album. The new release, Oliver, Under the Moon includes several songs from that EP, as well as other tracks that show the group wants to expand on its reputation as an “indie” band.

Picking up where Gliss-Note left off, guitarist Justin Shannon, bassist Alex Kuhse, pianist Conor Meads, and drummer Cory Stier give their fans more of the same solid punk rock that was a focus of the EP, while drawing on inspiration from the lyrics of Elton John and the music of bands like Dashboard Confessional (which they shared the stage with on several occasions as part of the Warped Tour) to create new sounds and musical styles. Most of the songwriting is handled by Shannon and Meads, and is a remarkably good match for the music that accompanies it. The band, even at this early stage of its career, finds a way to stick to the indie punk that made it popular while branching out into other genres, showing a great deal of versatility and staying power.

This versatility is showcased in several tracks as the band tries to set itself apart from other groups of the punk genre by showing a softer side. “Fadawhite,” for example, features a prominent piano part, giving the song the feel of a ballad (a characteristic that is present on many of the tracks, but gives each song a unique quality). “Papercut” is much the same, with compelling lyrics to go along with the music that shows the band’s ability to match compelling lyrics and melodies.

Of all the songs on the album, the last track, “Panic” shows just how talented the band really is. The song takes a more ballad-like approach that leaves the listener with a lasting impression of the band’s ability to play various different styles of music.

Songs like “Cupid,” “Age” and “Voicebox” are more in the vein of traditional punk fare, and are exactly what fans have come to expect from the group. These certainly do not disappoint and provide a break from some of the experimentation of the other tracks by returning to a familiar sound that is upbeat and well-rehearsed.

Certainly, this expanding of styles and sounds does not diminish the polished sound of the punk music on the album, but serves to show that the band members have room to grow and find out who they are as musicians, and what kind of music best suits their playing style. The middle of the album slows down considerably, as “Fadawhite,” “Papercut” and “China Dolls” showcase the adventurous side of the band as it tries to get away from the traditional punk rock sound.

For a debut album, Oliver, Under the Moon breaks new ground for the punk genre, showing that it is not as one-dimensional as it may seem. The four guys from Pistolita have invented their own unique sound and created a thoroughly enjoyable album that showcases the band’s many talents and only leaves the question of what the band will do to top what is undoubtedly a stellar debut full-length.