3 years in the making, Shiny Toy Guns have finally released their first album via a major record label. For those of you who do not know, many of the songs on this album are the 3rd 'released' version of them. Having followed them for almost a year and a half, I can honestly say that I am very proud and very pleased with this band's success. They are great people that make great music. The clarity and depth of all the songs on the album is superb. The 'final' versions of all the songs (except for Chemistry of a Car Crash and Jackie Will Save Me) all sound better than they ever have before. Combining their old sounds (those who have heard We Are Pilots v1 or v2 know) and moving them towards a more deep direction with a more rock and roll edge. My only disappointment with the work is that I liked v2's version Shaken a lot more and recommend to everyone that buys this album to try and find a copy of it, as well as other songs from their previous work that never made to this final cut: Turn to Real Life, Rocketship, Photograph, Weather Girl, Sky Fell Over Me, Joel's Theme, I Promise You Walls and, Stripped (AMAZING cover of Depeche Mode).

All in all, it's almost impossible to remain still when listening to Shiny Toy Guns. Their music, their words, their purpose covers the whole spectrum of emotion, energy, inspiration, nostalgia, and passion. Songs like Rainy Monday, You Are the One, Starts With One, Chemistry of a Car Crash, Stripped (older), and Shaken (older) are so raw in this way. Where as songs Don't Cry Out, You Are the One, Rainy Monday, and Le Disko are just begging to be danced to. Don't take Shiny Toy Guns at face value; there is more to offer here than just mere 'electronica/80's synth pop/rock'. Buy this album!

This album is a m a z i n g. You've probally heard their song " Le Disko" on the radio and while that song is good it is no where near the best song on the cd.

Their cd has a dark feel, almost like your driving around in the rain. Their lyrics are well written and their sound is very experimental and fresh.

Great tracks: waiting, rainy mondays, chemistry of a car crash, and we are pilots.

You may not get into the record at first, because the rest of cd doesn't sound much like their hit single, but give it a try- you'll loooove them

=]

Inside We Are Pilot's liner notes there are the words Version 3.0, alluding to the fact that this major label debut by Shiny Toy Guns is in fact the third incarnation of this album (two different demo versions being released previously). Given that this is the version released to cd shelves, it should be perfected, right? The band certainly photograph well, looking like charismatic sci-fi superheroes in their press photos. And the record sounds great. Very stylish. The question then becomes: is this a case of style over substance?

Well... yes and no. The record has some amazing high points, and the songs appearing on earlier demo versions of the album have been polished until they...ahem...shine. This being said, We Are Pilots is not quite as consistent as it could (and should) be. Let's get the clunkers out of the way first, since there are thankfully very few. Tracks like Starts With One and Chemistry Of A Car Crash are the kind of songs that you could throw against the wall a hundred times and they still wouldn't stick. Just not memorable enough. Luckily, there is plenty to love on We Are Pilots. The album's centerpiece is When They Came For Us, an astonishing cinematic science fiction story-song. It's mysterious and hauntingly alien, just like those press photos. Surefire dance smashes Le Disko and Don't Cry Out give the album some much needed showstopper power, though elegant opener You Are The One and gorgeous closer We Are Pilots shouldn't be missed either.

While Shiny Toy Guns don't particularly reinvent anything, they play their electro/rock/pop combination with verve and an earnestness that's absolutely contagious. The album has its flaws, but you'll need a break to get a drink in between fits of dancing anyway.

Key Tracks: When They Came For Us, Le Disko, Don't Cry Out

This album was a great find! It is a nice change of pace from some of the angst-ridden tunes, or over-produced bubblegum one finds churned out so frequently lately. Easy to listen to, and all of the tracks are keepers, not just one or two featured singles. A nice variance from smooth and trancy tracks like "Don't Cry Out", to more 'rockin' tracks like "Le Disko", this band has a lot to offer, unless you have something against good vocals and an electronic/rock sound.

We Are Pilots ver. 3.0 is a masterpiece! Crisp and clear from start to finish with songs that knock you off your feet. If you haven't fallen in love with these kids yet, you're about to. I was introduced to their music about a year ago, and I still can't get enough...Thanks, Mikal Moore! :)

Check out their myspace to hear songs and get a better look at what makes up this amazing band, [...] That's how I discovered them.

AWESOME. PERIOD.