Gunfight Anyone?

One thing I enjoy about living right outside of Kansas City is being so close to an area that is great for producing strong melodic hard rock bands. Despite its falling out of favor with the majority of the music listening community, it still is unforgettable if you live here. Albeit, many...if not all of the bands are gone, some managed to survive on past that era. An overlooked gem in my opinion was the band Gunfighter. What was originally just a side project for the members of Kansas City's Molly McGuire, Gunfighter would later draw full attention from vocalist Jason Blackmore to which he would drag along fellow Molly McGuire members Jason Gerken (before he left for Shiner) and Toby Lawrence. Blackmore over the coarse of time had written numerous songs for Gunfighter which some would be collected and recorded for their first album Pro-Electric. Originally supposed to be out on Loosegroove Records, the label would fold and the band would eventually have to release the album on their own label High Noon. Shortly thereafter a second album called High Noon with collected recordings from the same sessions would be put together.

Unfortunately the band would part ways while hitting their stride with their third and final album Serpent's Serenade. A rock album that pretty much carries on with the great music that was consistently produced in KC throughout the 90's. The music isn't noticeably heavy, however their is a snarling grittier feeling to it than music of the same genre. Being a more raw and power chord oriented band than Molly McGuire was, Gunfighter isn't something that will make you think or challenge you. However, Blackmore is one for melody and it has been best applied to the songs on Serpent's Serenade. The album also features the excellent drumming from Traindodge's Rob Smith. I would suggest hitting this album up first and then working your way back if you like it, including Molly McGuire material.

Gunfighter - The Bomb Market [MP3]
Gunfighter - Dear Lover [MP3]
Gunfighter - The Serpent's Serenade [MP3]


You might have to scope out used record stores for Molly McGuire albums, they should however be very cheap. There is always eBay if all else fails.

Buy Gunfighter - Serpent's Serenade here!