One more album that is being released through my dearly beloved Rise Above Records, the label that I love because of its owner (CATHEDRAL's Lee Dorian) and its roster (Hard Rock/Doom/Stoner bands). GENTLEMANS PISTOLS is one of the label's Hard Rock oriented bands and I was more than willing to write a review on its debut album. Get ready for a trip through the 70's ladies and gentlemen.

The UK hard rockers are a pretty fresh band since they were formed in 2003. Before singing a contract with Dorian's Rise Above, they had released a handful of 7 releases and as they say they have already managed to gain themselves a legendary cult status as a band. That is not an object of interest to me. What interests me is the quality of the band's self-titled debut album.

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS is a Blues oriented Hard Rock band that seems to base its music on the 60's and 70's scene. When you listen to this album you will find Jimmy Page dancing in the guitar work of Chris Rogers, and in general many LED ZEPPELIN elements scattered (but well worked) in this band's music. The Leeds based rockers have managed to draw influences from many bands like the above-mentioned LED ZEPPELIN, Manic Frustration era TROUBLE, FREE and mix them with Hendrix's bluesy and dirty attitude.

The good thing about these guys is that they are not a copy/paste band, but they manage to work their influences and create a unique sound that will definitely leave you wondering where they left their time machine. James Atkinson is probably the best singer this band could have, since his sleazy attitude and his powerful voice will remind you of glorious frontmen that have been lost somewhere in time. I would really like to see this guy perform on stage.

One more thing that pushes them even more in the swirl of the 70's is the great production, which is raw yet clean. Who would like to hear a blues guitar with a polished sound anyway? I think that Mr Dorian knows what he signs and GENTLEMANS PISTOLS really prove that the Hard Rock scene is not dead (and will never die). If you need some good and bluesy Hard Rock this release will definitely accompany you for a long time. Recommended!