This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
These Finnish garage-punks’ last album was called Save Rock ’n’ Roll — which also happens to be the title of this disc’s first song. OK, so now we’re clear on The Flaming Sideburns’ goal.
But with Sky Pilots, their fourth CD (and second North American release), this quintet also let us know once again that they have means to go with their motives. As usual, the Sideburns deftly and convincingly channel the retro-rawk majesty and dirty-dog grooves of Detroit circa 1967 with crunching power chords, foot-stomping backbeats and hard-chopping guitar riffage. This time out, though, they also expand their horizons with swirly doses of psychedelia, more emphasis on melody and a plethora of acoustic guitars which serve to create a vibe that is slightly mellower and groovier than before but every bit as cool. Put it this way: While their last CD was a full-throttle launch onto the rock ’n’ roll radar, Sky Pilots captures The Flaming Sideburns as they reach cruising altitude and settle in for the long haul.
