Oh My Rockness

One of the hardest working bands around, New York's Pilot to Gunner plays indie punk that sounds more 19-naughty-4 than 2004. But that's cool because 1994 was a pretty good year (I was elected to my high school student council on a platform that included getting rid of tests and pumping root beer through the water fountains) and I still like my records from that era. Innovation is overrated anyway.

Often compared to Jawbox, Pilot to Gunner are pretty much on the up-and-up about their intentions. They are a band that wants to rock you with their herky-jerky rhythms and controlled chaos. I doubt you'll find these guys pulling a Kid A and tinkering with their sound anytime soon. This is not to imply that Pilot to Gunner is formulaic. They just know what they're good at and stick to their guns (and drums) and put on a hella crazy show.

Published 08/26/04