Named after a NASA space probe launched in 1973, L.A. duo Pioneer 11 signal their intergalactic influences pretty clearly. That mission did not go to plan, however, and the original Pioneer 11 is currently floating around the cosmos; quite where, nobody knows.
It's a relatively heavy intro to a rock band, but then Pioneer 11 are no ordinary band. Bryan Gomez and Alex Hastings's debut album Gravitorium, released today via POW Recordings, is an 11-track exploration of space, time, human nature, and a technology-led future. The duo also covers Big Pun classic, "I'm Not a Player" so they really do cover all the bases.
Citing Caribou, Darkside, and Radiohead's more experimental moments as influences, Pioneer 11's approach to music is both unique yet reassuringly warm and connected at all times. More cosmic than anything, Gomez and Hastings's music has a transcendent and psychedelic feel to it, from album opener "Grumpy Goomba" to the epic sprall of "The Trees."
You can listen to Gravitorium in full below. Pioneer 11 play an album launch show tonight, June 25, at L.A. venue Gold Diggers.
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