Fighter Pilot
Silver Bullet...Plastic Gun
Independent


Since forming in 2002, Adelaide's Fighter Pilot have built up an impressive local profile on the back of two EPs, regular gigging (including high-profile slots at the 2007 Clipsal 500 Street Party and the national 'Rock The Vote' launch) and radio airplay, particularly for the song The World Can't Touch Me. All of this experience has enabled the band to really hone their craft and has culminated in their excellent first album, 'Silver Bullet...Plastic Gun'.

Sonically, Fighter Pilot are similar to the likes of Shihad, Stone Temple Pilots and Audioslave with some classic rock influences thrown in. There is real maturity and depth in both the songwriting and musicianship rarely found on a debut album. This is coupled with some great hooks and melodies. In Daniel Randell they have a powerful, emotive and surprisingly soulful singer.

The album has a crisp, clean and full sound courtesy of Matt Williams, best known for his work with The Superjesus, another band with whom Fighterpilot share some sonic similarities. Particular highlights for me are the afore-mentioned The World Can't Touch Me, the energetic The Same As You and Save Yourself, which at times is vaguely reminiscent of Santana. There are also some nice slower songs, most notably the brooding closing track The Darkest Hour.

Despite a couple of flat spots towards the end (in particular Can't See The Light), 'Silver Bullet...Plastic Gun' is a very consistent and impressive record. What's more, if you go to the band's website at "fighterpilot.net.au", you can download the whole album for free. This offer is open until March next year at which time the album will be released in a specially packaged CD version, complete with T-shirt and cap. So, now you have no excuse for not supporting great local music - what are you waiting for?

James McKenzie