kid pistol - Notes & Letters

Kid Pistol

Notes & Letters
KPM Records; 2013

3.5 out of 5

Bt Jamie Funk

Josh Calderon, aka Kid Pistol, is an American singer-songwriter and music producer who recently released an EP called Notes & Letters. The EP relies on piano as the prominent instrument provided by Alan Logston while Calderon takes on full-production duties as well as vocals. Calderon adds ornamental electronic elements as well as deep sounding hip-hop inspired drums. The bass drum on big speakers is not only heard but felt. 

The six songs on Notes & Letters are essentially straight up pop songs (although there is influence from hip-hop) that  will appeal to a wide audience. Calderon’s voice works 98% on these songs. He has a decent voice but works very well with the music he is making. 

The EP starts off with “Notes & Letters,” which starts off sparsely with just piano and vocals. As the song progresses it becomes more intense as drums are added and the vocals benefit from harmonies. The song is indicative of what else you can expect from the rest of the album. “Born Too LIve” has some of the beat programming on the EP. Calderon utilizes complex rhythms while the piano still holds down the main melodies. The highlight of the album is “Don’t Let Me (featuring Norra Ish),” which has the most inspired vocal performance by Calderon as well as short but effective rap during one of the verses. “Burn It Down” has a forward-sounding momentum that mimics a rock while “Heartbreak” sounds like something you would hear on FM radio. 

Calderon is an effective producer who has a knack for creating material that sounds contemporary and recognizable. 
It wouldn't surprise me one bit if you found him on your local pop station soon. . 

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