Gypsy Pistoleros : Duende – Last of the Pistoleros
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
Duende – Last of the Pistoleros is the latest offering from “flamenco rock n’ roll glam punk sleaze kings” Gypsy Pistoleros. The London-based band (and perennial Rocklahoma favorites) has come up with an interesting spin on the traditional “hair metal” formula, adding flamenco-style guitars and other Latin elements on top of a base that’s pure ‘80s Hollywood sleaze. Think L.A. Guns plus Tito & Tarantula.
Duende – Last of the Pistoleros is the band’s third full-length album, and if it’s not too far removed from their previous work, that can be forgiven, mainly because it’s a hell of a lot of fun and it rocks…a lot. The album opens on a high note, with the spooky, grooving, ready for a Robert Rodriguez movie soundtrack song “Welcome to the Hotel de la Muertos,” which riffs heavily on the Eagles classic “Hotel California.” After that comes the down-tuned, spaghetti western “They Call Me Django,” which brings the mood down a bit, at least till “Rubi’s Got a Gun” comes in to bring the party back to life. The album is like this, alternating between all-out party rockers (a dusty, dangerous, tequila and bullets kind of party, but a party nonetheless) and slower, atmospheric, groovy numbers. It’s a mix that works really well, keeping your interest and sustaining the mood throughout.
If you’re a fan of ‘80s Hollywood hair metal, sleaze rock, glam metal – whatever you want to call it – now is a great time to be alive. Between the American hair metal revivalists (Dirty Penny and Rockets to Ruin come to mind), the Swedish sleaze revolution (Hardcore Superstar, Crashdiet, et al) and what the Gypsy Pistoleros are doing, this kind of music hasn’t been so much fun in at least two decades. Bottom line: buy a copy of Duende – Last of the Pistoleros if you like to rock and have a good time, preferably with hard liquor and fast women in the mix.
Genre: Rock
Band:
Iggie Pistolero (g)
Lee J Pistolero (v)
Denny Pistolero (d)
Jet Pistolero (b)
Track Listing:
1. Welcome to the Hotel de la Muertos
2. They Call Me Django
3. Rubi’s Got a Gun
4. Jezebel
5. Sangra de las Rosas
6. Stand & Deliver
7. Los Suenos de la Muertos
8. Johnny Peligroso
9. Woman
10. Livin’ Down With the Gypsies
Label: Bad Reputation/Jamsync
Website: www.myspace.com/gypsypistoleros
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10