***By now BANNER PILOT have cemented themselves as a pillar of the ever-swelling Midwest punk scene and continue to reinforce that claim with each subsequent release. 2011’s Heart Beats Pacific elevated Banner Pilot from a band that was notably influenced by the likes of Dillinger Four, Alkaline Trio, and Screeching Weasel, to a band with such a trademark sound and style that they were the ones doing the influencing. Their latest full-length, Souvenir, only serves to strengthen their legend. On every track NICK’s gritty vocals urgently belt out poetically penned lyrics over the top of edgy up-tempo guitars and sprawling bass lines. Pairing instantly catchy melodies with aggressive and smart instrumentation, Souvenir finds a way to be equally comforting and invigorating. To be blunt, these guys literally keep getting better with every album. How is that possible, you ask? Performance enhancing drugs? Deal with the devil? Secret mentoring sessions by Phil Spector? It’s hard to say, really, but sometimes it’s best not to ask questions and just enjoy the results. (STREET DATE - 4/15/2014)
LP $17.75
04/15/2014
CD $12.75
04/15/2014
***Described as the perfect ambassadors of Midwest punk, BANNER PILOT reinforced that role with the success of their Fat Wreck Chords debut Collapser (elected to the Punknews.org “2009 Best of” list). A perfect amalgam of their immediate influences (Dillinger Four, The Lawrence Arms, Alkaline Trio, Jawbreaker), Banner Pilot continue to represent the genre through the impeccably crafted, gritty pop-punk songs on their latest release Heart Beats Pacific. These poetic punks turn a phrase like nobody’s business, spinning relatable situations and emotions into clever prose delivered through gruff vocals. Each of the 11 tracks on Heart Beats Pacific is a stand-alone, bona fide hit and collectively they make up a rare flawless listening experience. Essentially Heart Beats Pacific is an escalation of the band’s ever expanding acclaim and will be received as such by fans and critics alike.
LP $17.75
10/25/2011
CD $9.25
10/25/2011
***BANNER PILOT is the latest member to join the Fat Wreck Chords family. Hailing from the vibrant Midwest punk scene, these Minneapolis miscreants waste no time making fans of everyone within earshot of their irresistible refrains. What do they sound like? Well, if Jawbreaker, The Lawrence Arms, and Screeching Weasel had a drunken orgy while listening to Dillinger Four’s entire catalog, Banner Pilot would be the resulting illicit offspring. With a résumé boasting time in bands including RIVETHEAD and OFF WITH THEIR HEADS, Banner Pilot fits perfectly into the lexicon of modern Minnesota punk rock. With nimble baselines, thriving guitars, pummeling rhythms and gruff alcohol and cigarette laced vocals, Collapser exudes the passion of true punk rock. Along with rousing music, honest lyrics immediately ingratiate the listener with the lamentations and revelations of everyday life, making this album quintessential for any punk fan. (STREET DATE 9/01/2009)
LP $25.50
09/01/2009