its a buffalo - Don't Be Scared (Akoustik Anarkhy)
4/5
By: Emily Kaiser
Four mates from Manchester have released an exceptionally playful debut in Don't Be Scared, released this month off'a Akoustick Anarkhy Recordings.
Confounding sincerity explodes from the simple guitar-rock jams. Made in a garage, played in a garage, its a buffalo (as they specify, "all lower case, no apostrophe please") clearly thrive in a garage. Once you hear the record, you'll know what I mean when I say taking them out of such a setting would probably stain the whole effort. They don't spend 90 minutes setting up their various fiddly bits of kit - its a buffalo just play.
Opening track 'Marbles' lights the match for the album. A simplicity initially doubted quickly turns comfortable, as even the grumpiest of persons would eventually give in to their silver-lined smirk. Other tracks such as future single 'Seaslide' have a supreme naiveté, but with none of the frustrating ignorance that often accompanies young bands playing young songs.
Overall, the songs are simple and fun. Within minutes you can find the riff to hum along to and that effective dance groove that fits with it all is never far away. Contrary to bordering on boring or a lack of complexity, this album's approachability sneaks from around the tree and catches you before you even realize.
'Bang! On the Seafront' is certainly the dominating track. Overflowing with desolateness, the minor melodies and scratchy, complex vocals bring a darkness and reality to the centre of the album. The second half of the ten-track release carries a subtle seriousness that hints at an oncoming maturity. 'Divorce Song', 'Broken Toy', and 'Run and Hide' are some of the strongest. Not just a grinning bunch of youths, its a buffalo are on the verge of graduating to exceptionality.
They have a solidly cohesive style that runs through Don't Be Scared - no song too similar or too different. No drags and no shocks, the whole thing is a smooth ride through lackadaisical scenery. The album feels like an old friend - there's some unspoken understanding you have with the virtual stranger you meet today. Minds are made to open and frowns removed, it's a phenomenal debut.
Artists in this article: its a buffalo
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