Review DEAD PIONEERS “Wagon Burner”

It was two years ago that I first heard of Dead Pioneers, almost by accident. Gregg Deal and his bandmates had just released their self-titled debut album, and what came through the speakers was a rebellious fusion of punk rock, spoken word, and raw attitude. At the time, the band was still relatively unknown, but that has changed significantly over the past two years.

Dead Pioneers is the brainchild of Native American artist Gregg Deal. The project traces its roots back to a work titled The Punk Pan-Indian Romantic Comedy. Deal, who studied art and later worked as a graphic designer, initially wanted to add music to the spoken-word elements of the piece. One thing led to another, and Dead Pioneers was born. Drummer Shane Zweygardt and guitarist Joshua Rivera joined Deal early on in the process, while the arrival of bassist Lee Tesche proved to be a pivotal moment for the band. Abe Brennan completes the lineup as the second guitarist.

Interestingly, Dead Pioneers was never intended to be a band in the traditional sense. After writing a handful of songs, the members simply uploaded them to the internet, setting in motion what would become an impressive rise. Now, with Wagon Burner, the band releases its third full-length album, marking another important milestone in its evolution.

Musically, Dead Pioneers remain firmly rooted in their signature sound. The album delivers plenty of rebellious punk rock while continuing to incorporate the narrative and spoken-word elements that have always defined the band. This approach feels more seamlessly integrated into the songs than ever before. “The Worst Among Us” is a perfect example, blending spoken-word passages with a mesmerizing chorus infused with post-punk textures. The track also benefits from a guest appearance by Jason Williamson of Sleaford Mods.

The album opens with “Dead Presidents,” whose sinister introduction immediately sets the tone, while “Seeing Red” further highlights the band’s punk roots. Wagon Burner is an album fueled by rage and conviction, and tracks like “Nazi Teeth” leave little doubt about its intentions. Stephanie Byrne of Cheap Perfume contributes guest vocals, adding another layer of intensity and making the song a powerful gateway into the record’s themes.

Members of The Interrupters make a guest appearance on the explosive “Never Alone,” giving the track an additional edge. A fierce guitar riff launches “Circle Jerk Wagons,” sounding less like a song intro and more like a thunderous outburst of frustration before the track erupts into a relentless, high-energy punk anthem. “Nobody” serves as a powerful statement against white supremacy and the ongoing discrimination faced by Native Americans.

With Wagon Burner, Dead Pioneers deliver yet another uncompromising statement. The band continues to expose the imbalances and injustices of modern society with remarkable clarity and conviction. This is an intense record, driven by anger, frustration, and defiance. Yet beneath its fury lies a passionate call for equality, freedom, and solidarity. In times like these, an album like Wagon Burner feels not only relevant, but necessary.