The Pistol Arrows' debut brims with full-bodied arrangements that are equal parts innovation, integrity and skill. Stylistically, the songs ping-pong between punk and rock'n'roll, while always maintaining a connection to country. There's also a chemistry between the musicians that is hard to find. It's just one comforting voice in Eric Sarmiento's satisfying mix of red dirt rhythms with tales from New York streets. True blues, spacey folk and rock reminiscent of Beatles and Kinks make this record difficult to pin down.
Gentle reflection permeates it.
A satellite dish and a 19th century brick building form the background. It aims at the band's ability to blend old and new with themes from a variety of genres. Smith impressively alternated between fiddle and acoustic guitar. Stopping in from New York City, Sarmiento had a jagged little edge to his rock. But there was still that Sarmiento vulnerability, sweet as Fire Island on a Friday afternoon.