It’s been decided that I’m a curse — at least on Gold Teeth. Last week, in the pages of the Weekly Volcano, I wrote a beer-smelling, man-crush style preview of the band’s show at the Top of Tacoma Bar and Café — a show that was scheduled for last Thursday.



What happened next?



The snow came, and the show was canceled.



Of course, that alone can be explained as a freak weather-related event — something that has next to nothing to do with this hack journalist — but there’s more.



What happened the last time I wrote about Gold Teeth in the Weekly Volcano — ages and ages ago?



If you said: the show got canceled, you’re correct. I’m two for two.



This week, I contacted guitarist Jason Locking — who rocks in Gold Teeth as well as Pioneers West — with apprehension. I had designs on previewing Pioneers West’s show this Friday, Dec. 26 at the New Frontier Lounge in Tacoma, but — given my history — I wasn’t sure if Locking would appreciate it.



Like the fine and fearless chap he is, though, Locking went for it — referring me to Pioneer West guitarist Luke Larsen for an interview (probably because — while Locking liked the idea of Weekly Volcano publicity — he didn’t want my curse to personally affect him.)



I was honored they’d take the chance.



Much as the name suggests, Pioneers West is a band forging new territory in Tacoma. An artistic and at times borderline experimental mix of indie rock sensibilities, punk edge and pop overtones, Pioneers West harnesses a sound that Larsen references as “Western doom.” But listening to this sometimes whirlwind mishmash of genres — doom was the farthest thing from my mind. The possibilities, punch and potential of Pioneers West was what captivated me.



“We all bring something very unique to the band. (Jason Locking), our Obi-Wan, is the voice of reason and experience. I received my degree in musical composition, so I help out with the theory and structure. Mike (Busch) is the motor, getting us off our ass when no one wants to practice. John (Patterson) is so new to music that his wide-eyed excitement reminds us of how much we love to play. John is also proof that if you think you can play it, you sure as shit can,” offers Larsen. “None of us share a similar musical upbringing, none of us really like the same tunes. This might be why it works. Our collective want and need to play music fuels the vision of Pioneers West.”



According to MySpace, Pioneers West met in “schools, bars and a 150-square-foot room” — a history Larsen says, while brief, accurately describes the band’s formation.

“I suppose it’s the literal truth,” says Larsen. “Mike, John and I have known each other nearly our whole lives and solidified our bond holding each others legs while doing keg stands in high school. Though I must admit, we never saw this coming.  I came to know (Locking) on the other side of the bar at the Top of Tacoma. It became apparent early that we both maintained a similar affinity towards music, so I humbly asked him to fill the vacant bassist position.”



The rest, as they say, is history. Pioneers West has emerged on the scene in Tacoma — and neither the scene nor the band could be happier.



“The music scene in Tacoma is so fucking rad that anything fits. I spent the last six years in Montana. In the time that I was away, it seems an indie seed was planted and grew into something very special and very unique,” explains Larsen. “Tacoma is a haven for musicians and artists of all types, and is producing some jaw dropping records. We are at home in Tacoma.”



Pioneers West will play the New Frontier Lounge in Tacoma on Friday, Dec. 26 with Motopony and Thank You Darlin’. If you have yet to catch the band’s brand of Western doom, you’re in for an indie rock treat. There’s plenty to be seen and heard with Pioneers West.



[New Frontier Lounge, Pioneers West, Motopony, Thank You Darlin’, Friday, Dec. 26, 9 p.m., 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020]