Gentlemans Pistols – ‘Hustler’s Row’ Album Review
Released on October 16th by Nuclear Blast.
Along with a roster including some of the finest metal bands on the planet, Nuclear Blast also specialise in bringing bands with a classic rock sound to the wider ears of fans looking for a retro fix. Over the last twelve months or so, European and American bands Kadavar, Scorpion Child, Blues Pills and Crobot have all released well received albums, but all have been usurped by a four piece from Leeds, Gentlemans Pistols, who’ve simply produced one of the finest pieces of nostalgia induced collections ever. ‘Hustler’s Row,’ their first for Nuclear Blast, is a homage to the eras of the late 60’s and 70’s when Britain ruled rock, regarded by many as the true golden age of music…….discuss.
Take in the 10 tracks offered here and the references leap out, The Who, Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy and perhaps even Lone Star all present and correct. Gentlemans Pistols take aspects of each, smashing out riffs with abandon alongside a rhythm section tighter than a pair of Dave Byron’s bell bottoms, and searing soloing destined to keep the average air guitarist ecstatic for months to come.
It soon becomes obvious these are not just a band looking to replicate, but rather imbibing influence by the bucketful, adding a huge dose of passion before reliving a sonic epoch and enjoying it to the utmost. Even the song titles exude an almost long forgotten language. Where else would you see ‘Lady Teaser,’ Dazzle Drizzler,’ ‘Personal Fantasy Wonderland’ and possibly even a nod and wink to Slade, ‘Coz of You.’
Little has been made within the accompanying info on the album, that Bill Steer from Carcass plays lead, and therefore I’ll also keep any reference to a minimum. The reality, no one man stands out in Gentlemans Pistols. This is as solid unit as you’ll hear as original member, James Atkinson - Vocals / Guitar, Stuart Dobbins - Drums and Robert Threapleton - bass all playing starring roles.
So authentic is ‘Hustler’s Row’, I feel the need to dig out the old denim jacket and ask my Mum to sow a Gentlemans Pistols patch on the back, while I apply copious amounts of Clearasil before heading out to become wobbly legged on four pints of Wilsons Dark Mild and head bang to ‘Black Night’ down at the social club.
Now those were the days……………
http://gentlemanspistols.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/gentlemanspistols
@gentspistols
About the Author
Andy Barnes An avid music fan for far more years than he cares remember, and an avid gig goer since the age of fifteen. Of the three Sonic Bandwagon presenters, Andy exhibits the most varied taste. It’s certainly not uncommon for a diabolically dark piece of Black Metal to be swiftly followed by minimalist electro pop, a laid back piece of ambient jazz or even a full scale hoedown.
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