Tracer – “El Pistolero”
Since their inauguration 10 years ago Tracer have gone from strength to strength, seeing them named the Best New Band in 2012’s Classic Rock Awards as well as gaining massive praise at home and worldwide.
El Pistolero is the latest full length out of this dynamic Adelaide trio and it offers in your face, no-bullshit rock and roll with a Western film themed twist. Produced by Kevin Shirley, a man that can boast treating us to countless top shelf outfits, such as Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Slayer and Cold Chisel, El Pistolero was recorded in a short 7 days at Revolver studios in LA. Released under Mascot Label Group following their 2011 eruption Spaces In Between, this album has earned them comparison with many of rock and roll’s elite (Soundgarden, Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters). Their authentic sound a blend of Mike Brown’s raw growling vocals and crushing guitar riffs, alongside a throbbing colorful bass line and explosive full kit percussion.
The Western film theme is maintained tastefully throughout. From the high-energy opener El Pistolero, to scorching riff riddled head-banger Manic For Ya, Tracer’s lyrics conjure up images of red sand, shoot outs, saloons and Clint Eastwood. Catchy sing-along favorites There’s A Man and Santa Cecilia are live highlights and appropriately for it’s style the ballad Scream In Silence thrums with emotion.
Tracer’s skillful songwriting ensures that our attention is grasped from every song’s introduction. Wolf In Cheap Clothes and Hangman are highlights here. Now I Ride, Until The War Is Won and Dirty Little Secret are dangerously groovin’ yet sprinkled with doom. Particularly evident in the blues-infused Until The War Is Won which is also another wonderful illustration of the running Western theme.
All in all, their balls-out, high momentum brand of classic rock provides us with an extremely versatile listening delight. It’s clear that we can expect an abundance of depth and potential from Tracer to come.
Buy on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/el-pistolero/id631393181
Website: http://www.tracer-band.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracer
Oh wait, that's Lucy Liu.
Claire is an arts student, beard enthusiast and a hot dog chef, with a deep passion for music.
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