Album review: GYPSY PISTOLEROS – Church of the Pistoleros

April 24th, 2025 by jason

Earache Records [Release date 02.05.25]

The Gypsy Pistoleros are back again with their upcoming album ‘Church of the Pistoleros’.

Having being a fan and personal friend of the band for around 3 years or so, and knowing how hard they go on and off stage, I was eagerly awaiting this new offering.

With rave reviews already pouring in I am very honoured to have been personally asked to review this album. Having also had inside access to exclusives before they were officially announced, to say I was hyped was an understatement.

So let’s get into it!

With track 1 ’Church of the Pistoleros’ I can immediately tell this is a new era for the band. This track is so punk! It’s unapologetic and exactly what this band is about. Sticking the finger up to society’s idea of being a certain way. It’s a celebration of the weird and wonderful. An anthem for the underdogs. We have officially been blessed musically and metaphorically in lyrical context. The musical synergy is instantaneous.

Moving swiftly on to ‘Shadow Walker’ this felt darker in tone and a hell of a lot gritter than I’ve heard before which is a massive win for me. I am in awe of the switch in sound. Is there anything the Pistoleros can’t do? Gypsy Lee has this shape shifting ability to create soft haunting tones, hold one hell of a note, borderline metal growl all whilst being punk AF!

‘Whatever Happened to the Old Town’ a heartfelt ode to things changing but never forgetting your roots and where you grew up and started dreaming. Somewhere that no matter what, will hold a special place and bring back many memories.

‘Last Train to Nowhere’ metaphor for life’s journey? One hell of a ride and you’re not sure where you will end up, but it’s such a thrill? This is what I’m getting from the lyrics and the pace of the song. Adrenaline kick and so fun.

‘Livin la Vida loca’the original has always been a guilty pleasure (I have Shrek to thank for that!) but this has been taken and moulded into such a bad ass rock cover which I definitely wouldn’t say is a guilty pleasure! Love the riffs on this.

‘I’m In Love with Myself’ I absolutely loved this!! What an anthem of self acceptance and self love! So many people need tracks like this. Unapologetic and uplifting.

‘Last of the Commancheros’ bringing back the flamenco flavour for this one. This is the quintessential Pistoleros sound that they have been known for. Although the new direction in sound is incredible, it’s nice to have a track that is still reminiscent of the Pistoleros sound I first heard and fell in love with.

‘Dance Naked in the Rain’ I can really hone in on the amazing talents of Kerry white on the bass here! The instrumental formation is so tight and slick. Love the riffs and the grittier overall tone of this track.

‘Hide Behind A Smile’ we all love a rock ballad/anthem track and the Pistoleros are consistent with delivering absolute belters and this is absolutely no different exception. The song lyrically delving into mental health and having someone to talk to.

‘The Prayer’ in keeping with the church theme this is biblical on another level. Taking the hands of those in need and guiding them into the light of the Pistoleros. Such a beautiful and clever way to end the album.

This album I have to say is nothing short of epic. New directions are something that all bands go through and many fail through the process. But the Pistoleros have truly flourished! I absolutely love the change up! The ability to show diversity yet stay true to your roots is nothing short of admirable.

There’s so many nuances from the flamenco feel and the lyricism painting the picture track by track evolving into a story of being led into a journey of self love and self acceptance.

This is an album for the freaks, weirdos, or anyone who has felt like they don’t belong. I use those terms in endearment as I have been Called those names many times but I fully embrace who I am. This is an album in celebration of that!

Being true to yourself and being unapologetically you, and those times you are lost and in need of guidance, The church of the Pistoleros is here to welcome you with open arms.

This is the message I get from the album, and my god it’s beautiful!

So proud of these guys! They have absolutely smashed it! *****

Review by Lucy Parr

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