“Church Of The Pistoleros” opens with its title track – and an alternative Lord’s Prayer. The kind I can get behind. Welcoming the weirdos and the ne’er-do-wells – after all, nice boys don’t play rock ’n’ roll, do they?
What’s interesting about the opening, though, is that it’s not quite what you’d expect from the band.
“Mature” is a funny word – it always makes me think of the chin-stroking critic on The Fast Show going “Nice” – but nonetheless, the Pistoleros have taken strides forward over the last few albums. “Shadow Walker” – as gleefully trashy as you like – also brings a real sense of grandiosity to proceedings.
MV should declare at this point that we’ve long been fans of our fellow Midlanders, and seeing them finally get their just desserts is a marvellous thing. Everything that’s good about them is wrapped up in the outrageously good – and outrageously ambitious – “Whatever Happened To The Old Town”. Veering from glam to poetry in the blink of an eye, it’s a track that Tyla J. Pallas himself would be proud of – and praise doesn’t come higher.
Punk rock is the order of the day on the thrilling “Last Train To Nowhere”, and they’re magnificent at it – chugging along bouncier than a three-year-old at a birthday party.
Their cover of “Livin’ La Vida Loca” is, of course, perfect for them. But more than that, it may well be the only song in history to mention a “cheap hotel in Worcester city” – and I’ll never look at the one by the cricket ground the same way again.
Melody is the driving force behind the Pistoleros’ caravan, so to speak, and “I’m In Love With Myself” underlines that once again.
The drums on “Last Of The Commancheros” anchor it down, while its big, expansive chords and overt mariachi flavour hark back to the “old” Pistoleros – theatrical rock with their trademark flourish. The huge harmonies of “Dance Naked In The Rain” are laced with that touch of class they’ve always had.
This is a superb record, packed with a full range of emotion. The brilliant “Hide Behind A Smile” might just be the best thing here – it’ll strike a chord with anyone who’s ever done exactly that.
Closer “The Prayer” dots the i’s and crosses the t’s. The “fallen angels” it speaks to? They’re listening.
This came out the other day, and last Friday I got an email from Earache Records that said: “Welcome to the most exciting band you’ve never heard of.” And, yeah, OK – there’s a bit of truth to that. But it’s only half right.
Those of us who already know the Gypsy Pistoleros? We get it. The rest of you – catch up. The church needs more sinners to worship.
Rating: 9/10
REVIEW: GYPSY PISTOLEROS – CHURCH OF THE PISTOLEROS (2025)
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