Voodoo Pilot

Self-Titled CDR EP

Self-Released

Genres: blues rock

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May 26 - Jun 1 2003

- the drummer looks kind of like Jimmy Kimmel in some pictures

- there were dog hairs in my CD tray; through deduction I've estimated that at least one of the members owns a dog

- Voodoo Pilot play inoffensive blues rock that is satisfyingly catchy yet will appeal primarily to fans of the genre

Now, which one of these three observations is likely to be most relevant to this review?  Probably the second one, actually, but we'll stick with the third.  Voodoo Pilot have a nice sound, and a good mastery of their instruments, and blues rock fans will likely be really interested in what they have to offer.  The band can pull off an uppity rocker like "I'm Gone," which boasts a likeable yet too-repetitive chorus, and then counter it right after with a slow, more poppy number like "Sometimes" - and the juxtaposition works.  Other tunes, like "River" and "I Don't Learn" are standard blues rock, yet lack any spectacular elements to set themselves apart from all the other material that's out there.  If the band wish to improve, they don't need to look at their individual talents, but rather at adding a bit of creativity and oomph to their sound.  Tracks like "Only One Way" and "I Doubt It" prove that the band can create real winning tunes; they just have to make sure the less inspired fare gets sifted out.

All in all, this is an average EP from an average blues rock band that probably plays in a number of average bars around an average city (Chicago, in this case).  If you're looking to take-out some good blues rock, then Voodoo Pilot will satisfy; if you're more interested in a gourmet meal, however, you'll have to keep searching.

70%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 7 songs, distributed by the band, released 2003]