Heap / Pistolero

Two tracks, first is a band called Heap. In the good ol' habit of "this sounds like this and a little bit like that" because folks want to get an idea about your songs, this new track from Heap's self-titled debut is an heir of the more James Brown side of Led Zeppelin. That is, the guitar melody is addictive, the rhythm can be interpreted as a danceable brand of indie soul and the vocals is a funkier version of Chad Kroeger, with the exception that it sounds strictly rational unlike Chad! Who doesn't hate Nickelback these days anyway. Here's "Alcohol" and yeah why not. Kick off your shoes and start dancing if you don't mind.

Heap is lauded by bands from the venerable Violent Femmes, to Kevn Kinney, to Prince and the Revolutions's Dr. Fink. Brian Ritche from the Violent Femmes has gone as far as to say that "[The] HEAP funks like James Brown, slides like Dr. John, blows like Ornette Coleman, and dances like an octopus. [It's] entertaining music that has some substance."

I would appreciate the song even more if it wasn't this comedy and cheerful at points. But whatever.

Heap "Alcohol"


Next stop, is Pistolero with a track that is not necessarily a Grizzly Bear album but it's recklessly called "Yellow House". The band has released six albums in the past two years (where's Springsteen? hey! come over here for a sec Bruce, will ya?) Their new LP called Warface is due April 25, 09. The band has arranged a lush amalgam of Wilco, Spoon and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.

This 5 piece has proven that the music in your head can’t be allowed to stay there. Critical praise has been lavished on past releases and the trend should be easily continued with the upcoming release. Moving easily from a rockin’ summer love song drenched in Atlanta heat and humidity to an acoustic lullaby for the dead, Pistolero shows their versatility and song writing prowess.

Pistolero "Yellow House"


(photo: "Untitled #27" by Arash Khosronejad)