Black Pistol Fire – “Flagrant Act of Bliss”
Label: Wyatt Road Records
Rating: 8/10
Review: Manuel Gay
Teased last year with a handful of singles throughout 2025, Black Pistol Fire dropped their new album after 5 relatively quiet years. With Flagrant Act Of Bliss, the Austin-based duo proves it hasn’t lost its magic touch. Indeed, just like most of their discography BPF drops on our laps another wonderful “no-skip” LP, opening with the banging “High Horse”. Although “Rock Bottom” isn’t necessarily the gem that stands out on this record, the collaboration with Gary Clarck Jr. is cool enough to be highlighted.
I personally loved the emotional “Faded Blues” and the powerful “Quiet Coyote” which echoed some of their previous work and wouldn’t have been an anomaly if it was part of their 2017 Deadbeat Graffiti. Each of their records encapsulates their unmistakably unique sound while taking a step in a new direction. “Sway” is a perfect example of Black Pistol Fire expending their musical universe. The record closes perfectly on the Americana ballad “Cry Like A Man” on which Kevin McKeown exudes vulnerability.
Black Pistol Fire will hit the road at the end of February to showcase their new material. They are in my opinion one of the very best live bands. No one does it like these guys. I will be looking forward to their LA stop on March 3rd at the Teragram Ballroom.
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