(Artist Update)

Written by: Ginny Gaines  

Black Pistol Fire had been quiet for a few years. After nonstop touring and releasing Look Alive in 2021, the two-man rock outfit, Kevin McKeown on guitar and vocals, and Eric Owen on drums, took some time to reset. When they finally came back, it wasn’t just with a new record, but with a clear sense of why they make music in the first place. That comeback arrived on January 23, 2026, with an album called Flagrant Act of Bliss.

The title says a lot. Kevin McKeown has explained that the phrase came from wanting to stop overthinking everything, to stop worrying about expectations, trends, or perfection, but instead, lean fully into what feels good and honest. Making this album was about choosing joy on purpose, even when life is messy or uncomfortable. Writing and recording it became an act of freedom. The album was made in Austin, Texas, where the band has been based for years. Recording sessions took place at Arlyn Studios, 5th Street Studios, and even at McKeown’s home studio. Rather than rushing, the band allowed the songs to grow naturally. McKeown handled most of the writing and helped produce the album himself, working closely with Jacob Sciba, a Grammy-winning engineer who mixed the record. A few songs were also shaped with longtime collaborator Nick Joswick, someone who understands how Black Pistol Fire works when they’re at full throttle.

Even though it’s still just two people, Flagrant Act of Bliss doesn’t sound small. The record clocks in at about 36 minutes across 12 tracks, but within that time it covers a lot of ground. There’s loud, punch-you-in-the-chest rock, quieter moments that feel personal and reflective, and everything in between. The band sticks to the raw, blues-heavy garage rock they’re known for, but they also experiment with mood, texture, and space more than before. Then there are moments where the album slows down and gets more personal. “Heart Into Submission” and “Own Time” reflect on relationships, pressure, and the need to step back and breathe. A short instrumental piece, “Faded Blue,” acts as a pause — a moment to let everything sink in before the record pushes ahead again.

One standout moment comes on “Rock Bottom,” which features Gary Clark Jr. He's not on guitar, but behind the drum kit. His playing adds a heavy, grounded feel to the song and makes it one of the most talked-about tracks on the album. It’s an unexpected collaboration that works because it doesn’t try to be flashy, it just serves the song. As the album moves toward the end, tracks like “Quiet Coyote,” “Downer,” and “Sway” balance tension and release. They sound like late-night thoughts put to music, restless, reflective, but still powerful. The record closes with “Cry Like a Man,” a song that directly challenges old ideas about toughness and emotional restraint. Ending the album this way feels intentional: after all the noise and energy, it lands on honesty.

When Flagrant Act of Bliss came out, fans quickly responded. Even before major reviews rolled in, listeners were talking about how alive the album felt and how it sounded like a band reconnecting with itself. It didn’t try to reinvent Black Pistol Fire, but it did show growth. The confidence wasn’t loud for the sake of it; it came from knowing exactly who they are. Not long after the release, the band announced a tour starting February 23, 2026, hitting venues across the U.S. and Canada. These songs were clearly written to be played live, where Black Pistol Fire has always thrived.

In the bigger picture of their career, Flagrant Act of Bliss feels like a turning point. Since forming in 2011, Black Pistol Fire has built its reputation on raw energy, relentless touring, and a no-frills approach to rock music. This album keeps that spirit intact, but adds something new, reflection, vulnerability, and a clear sense of purpose. In the end, Flagrant Act of Bliss isn’t just a collection of songs. It’s the sound of a band choosing joy, trusting their instincts, and reminding themselves why they started making music in the first place.

That's a wrap for my update on Black Pistol Fire...Thank you for reading and in closing, please just know, Soundwave Music Media will be here and I will always do my best to bring you the rock music report! Please consider supporting me and the crew by purchasing a Soundwave shirt or hat and support our sponsors! Rock On! Until next time...🤘

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