April's Up-And-Coming Band Feature: Pistols And Vultures
Carrying on with our monthly up-and-coming band feature, this month we bring you Pistols and Vultures.
Carrying on with our monthly up-and-coming band feature, this month we bring you Pistols and Vultures. The Ipswich/Colchester based Alternative rockers, formed in 2009 whilst studying BA Popular Music at The Colchester Institute. The four-piece merge a slick concoction of rock, soul and post-punk which results in a sound somewhere between Scottish trio, Biffy Clyro and Californian rockers, Incubus. They release their debut single, "Ricochet" on Itunes this month, the video of which can be found on YouTube along with live sessions. Pistols and Vultures are: Carnell Cook: Lead VocalsAlex Green: Guitars, Bass, Percussion & BackingFreddie Cant: Drums & Percussion Website: www.pistolsandvultures.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/PistolsandVultures http://youtu.be/vcOP3qtCVVg WC: How did you first have the idea of forming Pistols & Vultures? (Alex) When the music degree started, I was jamming with Fred a lot, along with our old bass player. My current band at the time was falling apart so the three of us played until I suggested starting creating new. Fred and Carnell (vocals) had been in a covers band for a while too and that didnt seem to be working out either so I guess it was just good timing. WC: How many releases have you got out there? Are you signed? (Freddie) Our debut EP is available on Itunes, which was recorded back in the cold winter of 2009 and released early 2010. We also have some live sessions on YouTube for some unreleased tracks which may make it onto to our debut album. Most importantly we have our latest single, Ricochet which will probably be available on Itunes right about now. Make sure you watch the video too people. Unfortunately, we aren't signed. Yet. WC: Whats next for you guys? Any tours planned? (Carnell) Were going to knuckle down and get another single released and maybe some acoustic sessions too. Then work towards writing our first album, as well as gigging further afield and generally spreading the word. WC: Who are your favourite bands? Main influences? (Alex) I honestly love all the good music that comes around. Early influences that spring to mind would be Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Clash, Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Recently Ive been really tripping on Ben Howards album. (Carnell) Yeah, its hard to say really. I have so many from all different genres. Marvin gaye, Luther Vandross, Talib kweli, The Roots, Mos Def, Peedi Peedi, Deftones, Biffy Clyro, John Mayer, the list goes on. (Freddie) Ive been busting out Queens greatest hits recently in the car. WC: If you could describe your sound, what would it be? (Alex) Such a difficult question (Carnell) Describing our sound is one of the hardest things to do. We are comparable to a ravenous bear, looking after its young cubs. On the one hand, always showing them the love they need, but on the other, having the power and ferociousness to defend themselves in the wild. WC: Do you have any funny band stories? (Alex) Fred has a few (Freddie) Ermthe one that springs to mind is when I pooed myself and decided to show the other band members the remains in my soiled boxersNot really a funny story, more of a disgusting one. (Alex) To find out how this happened just come to a show and buy our merch! WC: Favourite gig youve played so far? Favourite bands to play with? (Freddie) Mine was probably Swanfest which is held every summer at The Swan in Ipswich. Its got a great vibe and always has interesting bands and good beer. We were lucky enough to play with an awesome band called That Mouth who sadly broke up not long after the gig. Great band, check them out. WC: Do you drink on stage? Or do you prefer to play sober, and get shitfaced after the gig? (Carnell) I will let Alex answer this one. Lol (Alex) Hah. Yeah. Never affected my playing though As far as I can remember! No but its good to get the dutch courage flowing before a show. (Freddie) As the bands driver, (and a law abiding citizen) this means many of my gigs are played sober which kinda sucks as its always nice to have a few beers before and many more after. Problem I have is that after a few beers and 2 songs into the set I need to pee, I've been known for speeding songs up in order to end the show and relieve myself. WC: What do you guys do outside of Pistols & Vultures? (Freddie) The band is everyones main focus so theres not really much else going on. Obviously you gotta pay the bills so we all got jobs that we would happily sack off in an instant if the band were to take off (Alex) I work as an Art technician part time at a college, which is cool for the moment. I enjoy going to watch other bands regularly, drinking beer and blagging as much free stuff as possible. I average about four music festivals a year too, so my dream/goal is definitely to play that circuit one day. Either Glastonbury, Coachella or Reading please. (Carnell) We dont have lives outside of Pistols and Vultures! ha.I'm in Millionaires by Morning too. Were a hip hop act that I put together about two years ago. I just spend time doing normal stuff, watching films, documentaries and spending time with my girl and my son. Do the guys a favour and add them on Facebook or buy their single, go and see them live or buy some merchandise from their online store.