Considering the hardships the Pistoleros have endured over the past few years, they'd be well within their rights to pack it all in and do something easier than trying to succeed in the music industry - like trekking through the Arizona desert without food, water or sunblock.
After forming as the Chimeras with one time Gin Blossom Doug Hopkins (who later tragically committed suicide) and releasing 'Mistaken For Granted', then being signed as the Pistoleros by Hollywood Records (who released 1997's 'Hang On To Nothing'), it seemed the band had it all. However, in an all too familiar riches-to-rags story, the album stiffed, the label quickly withdrew their support and the Pistoleros were left high and dry. Three years later the band has regrouped to release this self produced and self titled follow up.
Playing a gritty, straight down the middle kind of rock and roll dubbed 'desert rock' the Pistoleros are not exactly breaking new ground. However, the pop hooks they infuse into their sound together with the astounding voice of Lawrence Zubia gives them something of a unique presence. Perhaps not surprisingly, free from the reins of Hollywood Records, the band has recorded an album with a lot more soul to it than their previous effort and even though it may not be entirely cool, it's very enjoyable.
The album reeks of the southern influences you would expect a band from Tempe, Arizona to have and opener 'Shooting Star' is the perfect embodiment of the band's sound - some carefree harmonica and an infectious riff combine with pop sensibilities to create a likable and tuneful song. Next up, 'Running' has more of a harder edge, and has the kind of clean riff associated with Matchbox 20. The diversity continues with the mid-paced 'Love Street', and Mark Zubia's 'Joshua Tree' style guitar intro is nicely complemented by some soaring female backing vocals.
By the time you hear the refined acoustics of 'Afternoon Tea' and the pop-jangle of 'Superman', it's clear that although the band may not have a major label marketing budget, they have made the album they wanted to make, and one that exists on its own terms.
Yet the album's highlights are still to come. 'Everybody Wins', co-written by the Zubias and Marti Frederikson, is quite simply a southern pop-rock gem with a sensational chorus and feel-good acoustic based verses. '1000 Miles' is an excellent rocker with a stunning solo, and the lyrics could be a testament to the band's own musical journey: "A thousand miles/ and you're still walkin'. The album rounds off with the country tinged 'Walkin Through Fire', impressively co-written by another ex-Gin Blossom, Jesse Venezuela, and closes with the soulful pop of 'Echo Park' which once again showcases Lawrence Zubia's unique vocals and has a chorus you'll be humming for days.
Overall, the Pistoleros have demonstrated with this record that class acts will continue to make quality music whether releasing it on a major label or not. Even though such praise doesn't pay the bills, 'Pistoleros' should at least guarantee that the guys won't be quitting in favour of a long, uncomfortable walk through the desert just yet.

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