Track of the Day: Pistols At Dawn – The Truth
Described by Indie Music Review as having “…raw emotion and passion”, Pistols At Dawn draws together old-school hard rock with contemporary rock edginess. Officially founded in 2015 when established artists Devin White (guitar), Billy Sullivan (bass), Adam Jaffe (drums) and deceased guitarist Mike Buffa came together to record singles before embarking on other projects. In 2019, the group reunited adding vocalist Cris Hodges and guitarist Tommy Richardson. With their independently amassed 6 million streams and work with Grammy Award-winning producer Sylvia Massy, Pistols At Down plan the release of their full-length album Ascension. While we wait for that, come with us as we delve into one of their recent releases ‘The Truth’.
Following their well-received EP Nocturnal Youth (released in 2021), US-based Pistols At Dawn nod at 90s hard rock sounds in ‘The Truth’. Flirting with elements of melodic metal, there are hard-hitting tinges of a heavier, bolder and more powerful sound. I could compare this band to bands like Three Days Grace mixed with System of a Down and Seether, but this would not be fair on the talented fivesome. With their rich tones interwoven into a kaleidoscopic rock tapestry, Pistols At Dawn have a distinct sound that is difficult to duplicate.
Drummer Adam Jaffe shares that Nocturnal Youth was inspired by experiences of a “dark time” during the Covid pandemic; however, the way their darker songs meld with more hopeful ones showed versatility in their music. The lead single from their upcoming album Ascension, Jaffe explains that ‘The Truth’ “…revolves around the constant noise we have in our head pushing and pulling our emotions so much that we sometimes lose total control and explode.” It is this recognition of dealing with inner turmoil in an uncertain society that makes Pistols At Dawn’s music relevant, intimate and all-consuming.
Often imitated but never duplicated, Pistols At Dawn’s ‘The Truth’ is tender, heartfelt, sincere and sentimental but with a palpable grittiness. I highly recommend this song and band to all people – you might just convert to hard rock once you hear it.
For more from Pistols At Dawn check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
