If you read the digital pages of Milwaukee Record with enough frequency, there’s a solid chance you’ve encountered some press about Velocihamster. The project, which calls itself “the world’s only lap steel metal band,” is the brainchild of Milwaukee multi-instrumentalist Sean Williamson. Through the years, Velocihamster has treated listeners to some unconventional and altogether awesome instrumental lap steel renditions of songs by the likes of Pink Floyd, Motörhead, Phish, Mr. Mister, Sneaker Pimps, Dick Dale, and so many others.
Last week, Williamson added to his catalog of intense instrumental songs from bands with vaguely animal-inspired names when his brand new side project released its first EP. Pigeoto‘s self-titled debut release came out Wednesday, October 2. Though the endeavor certainly has some similarities to Velocihamster, there are some notable differences as well. Some of those deviations include the fact Williamson sets aside his slide guitars in favor of “more standard” guitars and (probably most importantly) the batch of songs are all original compositions.
The Pigeoto mastermind is also joined by an accomplished rhythm section consisting of bassist Matt Turner and drummer Dave Schoepke for the duration of the EP. Over the course of five-songs that span nearly 20 minutes, the trio capably weaves a vibrant sonic tapestry that ranges from abject heaviness to intricate instrumentation to borderline jammy offerings.
Pigeoto isn’t unexpected lap steel covers of songs you love and, no, there aren’t any vocals to be found in the entirety of the offering. When the music is this good, that kind of stuff isn’t necessary. Grab hold of the wings of Pigeoto and listen to the young band’s debut EP on a variety of streaming platforms or via the YouTube playlist below.