Downpilot is essentially Paul Hiraga. And while one could say that this was a one-man band, Downpilot make big, spacious music that stands on its own next to that of other bands. The latest Downpilot record, This Is The Sound, is out this Friday via Tapete Records, and it's even better than his last one.
Opener "Your Supply" rocks like something from Stereophonics or The War On Drugs, while other selections here, like the lighter "High and Guided" suggest Eighties numbers from Robbie Robertson or Daniel Lanois. Elsewhere, Hiraga steers things towards a more delicate form of chamber pop, like on "Thievers", with its light near-country twang. And if "Wear It Like A Crown" faintly suggests Elliott Smith, a lilt that's a bit down-tempo prevailing, it's an indication of yet another direction that Hiraga could take things as Downpilot.
A solidly catchy album, This Is The Sound sees Paul Hiraga expand on the sound of Downpilot even while delivering reassuringly solid rock. This Is The Sound is out on Friday via Tapete Records.
More details on Downpilot via the band's official Facebook page.
[Photo: Peter Hilgendorf]