With no previous exposure to Pioneer, a five-piece band from Indianapolis, Indiana (previously known as News from Verona), I had no predisposal as to what their latest self-titled album would hold. In fact, I had no expectations good or bad whatsoever. By two tracks into this album, I was drawn in to the unpretentious and youthful spirit of Pioneer.

Think Dashboard Confessional meets Angels and Airwaves, meets Relient K. By the fourth track, I found myself nodding my head, smiling slightly, feeling the innocence of being 16 again…when the world was exciting and the future held so much imagination and promise.

The music of Pioneer feels like summer…simplistic, bright, energetic, and free. Full of driving melodies and poignant attitude, I challenge anyone to not feel young again as they experience Pioneer. I personally find the sensation inescapable.

Vocally, Chad Shirrel (vocals/guitar) is consistent and passionate. Lyrically, Pioneer is searching, but uplifting. The best example of this is on the track “Reaching”

“I was looking for answers to all the questions I have for you. Is there a reason we’ve been crawling in the dark? But then I heard you say that we were made to be failures from the start. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t reach for something more than we are. Though we are afraid that doesn’t mean that we can’t be greater than ourselves as we are if you believe in whose image you were made.”

Spiritually, these lyrics are encouraging, especially if you know the voice to whom these questions are directed. Each track on Pioneer seems to hold a similar theme of past reflections and lessons learned pointing to a greater source than our own individual strength. A recurring metaphor for the idea of this source is described as “light” throughout the album such as on the track “Better Days”…

“I saw a side of me I should have never seen rise up from the darkest part of me now I’m begging to be free. I let it find a hold and take control and lead me to the places we don’t go somewhere at the bottom of my soul. I was pounding on the walls of the world. Now I’m reaching out for so much more…
I put all my faith in everything that was bound to fade away from me. Now I can finally see. I used all my strength to climb my way into the light again now better days are heading my way”

Pioneer’s overall message is universally relatable because everyone questions life, everyone searches for meaning, and everyone wants to find clarity and purpose. After my first exposure to Pioneer the band and the album, I came away feeling energized and encouraged as I think all listeners will if they make Pioneer an addition to their music library.

You can purchase Pioneer’s self-titled album on January 24, 2012 from iTunes or Amazon. Keep up with Pioneer on Twitter by following @PIONEERtheband.

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