Album
Type: EP
Date
Released: 20/03/2020
Label: Independent |
Stickman Records
“Dead
Star”
DD//LP track listing:
1. Red Star Pt. 1
2. Red Star Pt. 2
3. Echo of a Waning Star
4. Ecliptic
5. Eta Carinae
6. Dead Star
The
Review:
After rocketing to the top of New
York's stoner rock pack over the last several years, Rochester's favorite sons
return with their most ambitious album to date. The fine folks in King Buffalo set out to prove that they
have not stagnated with success but blossomed into the psychedelic flower they
were always meant to be. “Dead Star” takes us by the hand,
showing us all these lads have learned on this journey of theirs so far.
A varied mix of sounds are presented
here, creating a strong narrative within the album as tones and moods ebb and
flow organically. King
Buffalo are
up a great level of maturity by stepping out of their comfort zone and
incorporating new elements without ever forgetting what brought them to the
party. The swampy acoustic dirge of the title track is of particular intrigue.
Showing off a bit of levity without losing a bit of the band's inherent
badassery, this southern tinged number is sure to delight.
The real star of the show here is
album opener “Red Star Parts I & II.” It's almost unfair to the rest of a wonderful
album that such a masterpiece sits right at the helm. King Buffalo could have easily offered
us “Red Star” with a few psychedelic sound collages and filler blues
romps and called it a day, but to have such a fleshed out pack of tunes
following this epic of modern stoner prog is simply a testament to the musical
prowess of these masters of the genre.
Thick with very organic sounding synth
atmospheres, “Red Star” is a monument to the band's progress. Powerful
bass lines and tribal drums reign supreme as guitars conjure a sound that is as
much the love child of David Gilmore and Adam Jones as it is wholly unique. The
epic track progresses into a slamming doom rocker seamlessly, yet without ever
losing its dreamscape feel, creating a living breathing organism that cements King Buffalo on their throne as the
kings of east coast stoner rock.
King
Buffalo prove
with “Dead Star” that they are capable of amazing things. By
reaching out into the musical stratosphere, this promising band have produced
something incredible, and I don't see them slowing down any time soon. Long
live the king.
“Dead Star”
is available HERE
