Don’t Wake the Riot
Don’t Wake the Riot gets a lot of movement from the simple combination of guitar, drums and voice. Black Pistol Fire keep the blues close to the surface, but the speed and roughness of the playing give the record a garage rock push. It is lively and focused, though that focus can also make the songs feel too familiar.
“Hard Luck” makes good use of a firm, stamping rhythm, while “Bad Blood” gives the record a sharper sense of anger. The riffs are easy to catch, and Kevin McKeown's voice adds plenty of force around them. There is little need for a large arrangement when the basic parts work this directly together.
“Fleet Foot” is one of the clearest examples. Its changing sections make room for both a more melodic chorus and a faster burst of energy. McKeown's delivery can be abrasive, but that edge gives the song much of its character.
“Morning Star” combines a more modern guitar riff with older blues themes. That connection runs across the album: the sound can be forceful and current, while the songs remain close to familiar forms. The problem is that the group do not always find enough variation inside those forms. A strong riff and a committed performance cannot make every track feel like a fresh idea.
The last two songs show another useful route. “Slowknife Stiletto” brings a more restrained, older rock and roll feel, easing back on the pressure. “Blue Blazes” goes further, with a quieter, more exposed vocal and a reflective mood.
Don’t Wake the Riot is most rewarding when its strong rhythms meet a distinct song. The best moments have plenty of energy, and the quieter ending adds character beyond the familiar blues rock attack. Some of the material runs close to routine, but the duo's control and directness make this a solid, enjoyable record.
