Label: Earache / Golden Robot
Released: May 2nd 2025
Genre: Flamenco Glam Punk
Tracklisting:
1. Church of the Pistoleros
2. Shadow Walker
3. Whatever Happened to the Old Town
4. Last Train to Nowhere
5. Livin La Vida Loca
6. I’m In Love With Myself
7. Last of the Cammancheros
8. Dance Naked in the Rain
9. Hide Behind a Smile
10. The Prayer
Members:
Gypsy Lee Pistolero – Vox,
Shane Pistolero Sparkz – Guitars,
Kerry Pistolero White – Bass,
Crag Pistolero Shape – Drums
Pip Pistolero Sampson (Live drummer for upcoming tour)
If gene splicing scientists had created the Gypsy Pistoleros, they would have a certain set of ingredients in front of them to arrive at this raucous mix of glam rock, theatrical rock and shambolic punk. Firstly, one has to look at the 60s set rock musicals like ‘Rocky Horror Show’ and perhaps a dash of ‘Grease’ to ensure we are blessed with the sort of harmonies that somehow 4 people manage to deliver instead of an ensemble cast. Then we pick up a healthy slice of 70s British glam rock. There’s no denying the nods towards T-Rex, Slade, Wizzard, Mud and more from the era that brought us flares, sax solos and the sort of rock that could be enjoyed alongside a Babycham and a dollop of eyeliner.
Some will argue that what came in the 70s should stay in the 70s, but if you dig deeper you start to realise that glam and punk rock which the Pistoleros straddle perfectly was born in that decade and for that the music loving world will be forever grateful. Moving away from dinosaur rock and endless concept led opuses that saw people in desperate need of something fresh, these new styles were found, often blending music from multiple genres.
It’s that ethos that the Pistoleros latch onto and have done for some 20 years since their debut. Like the house band at the ‘Titty Twister’ in ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’, this is an outfit that has to be heard in some dusty bar in the middle of nowhere whilst downing tequila surrounded by exotic dancing girls and nervously looking over your shoulder at all of the bikers around and wondering if this was such a good idea after all.
Probably not, is the answer, but at least the music was good as the band’s latest album clearly demonstrates. ‘Church of the Pistoleros’ is a call to the lost, the strange and the beautiful weirdos! Probably all of the people who would have been in the bar mentioned above to be honest. It is, according to the band’s own press release, a rallying cry to the outcasts, the misunderstood, the shy, the quiet and disenfranchised of Society! A place where they are welcome! Thank god for that then, I’ll feel right at home.
The latest single, ‘Last Train To Nowhere’ has future live favourite written all over it and if I owned any of those big red rubber ink stamps I’d have put a big fat “ANTHEM” stamp across it as well. Have a listen below and make up your own mind.
The ‘Church of…’ element is strong throughout the album. From the cover, the band’s outfits, make up and approach on certain tracks, you get a true Pistoleros as a religion vibe which, whilst we aren’t talking Reverend Jim Jones here so don’t panic, helps create a wonderful community experience for the fans. From the merch available, to the way the gigs are presented to the music on the album which closes with the appropriately titled ‘The Prayer’ (pulling more than a tickle of inspiration from Ultravox’s ‘Hymn’) , the Pistoleros are an experience and not just a new album.
I for one cannot wait for the tour to kick off, details of which are below.
Score 9/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
CATCH THE GYPSY PISTOLEROS ON TOUR IN MAY
TICKETS: https://gypsypistoleros.com/shows
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