Toronto’s Baby’s First Pistol don’t exactly sound like a band interested in sitting quietly in the corner. Their debut album, Affirmation Celebration, released August 21 through Cartridge Heart, comes loaded with 11 tracks of post-hardcore energy, sharp guitars, restless rhythms and the kind of weird, unpredictable attitude that should appeal to fans of IDLES and Viagra Boys.
There’s plenty going on here, but the band never gets trapped under layers of noise. The guitars are punchy and clearly defined rather than drowning everything in distortion, and there’s a real sense of movement throughout the record. It’s energetic, occasionally tense and occasionally sarcastic.
The opening title track, Affirmation Celebration, immediately sets the tone. Beneath the catchy delivery is a surprisingly positive message about self-worth, confidence and accepting yourself. “I am worthy / I am strong” becomes the song’s mantra, while the lyrics jump between painted nails, insecurity and the need to recognize that what you bring into the world actually matters. It’s affirming without becoming cheesy — which is probably harder to pull off than it sounds.
Balance is one of the album’s strongest points. Baby’s First Pistol can sound aggressive without actually relying on aggression. The guitars hit hard, the rhythm section keeps things moving, and the vocals have enough personality to make the songs feel lived-in rather than manufactured.
Then comes Confessional, the album closer, and apparently the band decided there was no reason to end politely.
It’s filthy, funny and deliberately provocative, throwing sex, baseball metaphors and some seriously twisted imagery into the same blender. The lyrics clearly aren’t trying to be subtle, and the song’s whole attitude feels like a drunken conversation that somehow turned into a punk song. It’s the kind of closer that leaves you wondering what the hell you just listened to — while already wanting to hear it again.
Production-wise, the album sounds equally well put together. Affirmation Celebration was recorded at Violent Mime Studios, with Alex Black and Tim Nox handling the mix. Brett Carruthers mastered the title track, Mister Clean and Confessional, while the remaining tracks were mastered by Black and Nox.
The cover photo by Alex Black and the Good Vibes Only artwork by Trevor Bowman also fit nicely with the band’s overall aesthetic — slightly strange, slightly chaotic, and definitely not taking the conventional route.
As a debut, Affirmation Celebration is a pretty damn good introduction to Baby’s First Pistol. T
Affirmation Celebration is out now digitally, and you can also grab the CD and support the band HERE.
Baby´s First Pistol members:
Tim Nox (bass, vocals)
Laura Gillis (keyboards)
Alex Black (vocals)
Aaron Matthews (drums)
Matt Kilbourne (guitar, vocals)
Baby´s First Pistol social media:
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