Pistolita – Oliver Under The Moon / 2006 EastWest / 12 Tracks / http://www.pistolita.com / http://www.eastwestrock.com / Reviewed 08 April 2006

Pistolita mix two distinct styles to come up with their own distinct sound. On tracks like “Cupid”, the band comes up with a style that mixes in equal proportions Smashing Pumpkins and The Bravery. There are a few other influences that present themselves during “Oliver Under The Moon”, one of which has to be the nod to Blink 182 that makes itself most evident during songs like “Voicebox”.

It is only during songs like “Beni Accident” that the band reaches their highest peak; the voices present take individuals on a journey that is only made better by the inclusion of emotive guitars and organs. Each following track on “Oliver Under The Moon” is yet another star in the crown of Pistolita. “Fadawhite” is a track that mixes a quicker tempo with an expansive arrangement to make something that will reach individuals on all levels. “Papercut” is just another reason why Pistolita cannot be merely placed into the emo category like so many other bands; each track does its own little job in crafting a sound that can only be called “Pistolita”. In a few years, Pistolita will get the attention they so desire; there is nary a weak track to be found on “Oliver Under The Moon”.

During tracks like “Killjoy”, Pistolita revives a brand of emo that has not been heard in any great matter since the days of acts like Jets to Brazil. Everything is so spot-on during “Oliver Under The Moon” that something can actually approach a Peanuts (the comic strip) style; the piano during the title track sounds like a Schroeder line if I’ve ever heard one. It makes sense that Pistolita would hold back the best for the title track; this song strikes on all cylinders. Whether it is the nineties-alternative arrangement during the track, the catchy vocals or the distortion, thick enough to choker a listener, Pistolita kicks ass and takes name during this track (and by extension, the disc). There is no lack of radio-friendly songs on this disc, and the band’s non-traditional approach should become traditional as the individuals in acts in the next few years will pick up “Oliver Under The Moon” and take it as dogma. Give this disc a shot, and you will be one of the first to hear the next big thing in music. Pistolita makes something that is unheard of in current music – an album of hits – without so much as even one weak track in the album’s forty-five minutes.

Top Tracks: Metronome, Voicebox

Rating: 8.1/10

[JMcQ]