Black Pistol Fire and Cobi
Black Pistol Fire splits their non-touring time between Toronto, Canada, and Austin, Texas, two wildly different but equally inspirational environments in which to develop. Founded by lifelong friends Kevin McKeown and Eric Owen, previously of rock-and-roll trio the Shenanigans, their first four albums impressed many with their blend of classic rock grooves ala Creedence and the driving beat of more contemporary rockers like the White Stripes, whose producer Jim Diamond was recruited to work on their self-titled 2011 debut. Their love of all things vintage was evidenced by a Little Richard tribute EP, Shut Up!, and FM radio has embraced modern-rock singles like “Dimestore Hearththrob,” which topped several 2014 “Best Of” lists. They’re still touring in support of last year’s Don’t Wake the Riot full-length, with one of the final dates taking place at the Casbah.