White Buffalo are a three-piece in their late
twenties hailing from Scotland (Phil Campbell), New Zealand (Evan
Jenkins) & Australia (Hossi), playing out of London with a distinct
rock sound. "Pearl Jam meets a mellow Audioslave
an intense
blend of energy and emotion" (CDWOW!)
Unsigned, 'Last Of The V8 Interceptors' (stamwax2)
is the second full studio album on their own Stamina Wax label.
It follows the #1 selling debut indie release 'Waiting To Go Home'
(stamwax1). Channel 4 (UK) described 'Waiting To Go Home' as "a
sound crying out for wider attention" whilst Shakenstir said
it was "rare and special
an emotional roller coaster."
White Buffalo's is a stripped down sound making
good use of the natural three-piece dynamic, a live sound captured
on record. 'Last of The V8 Interceptors' is the perfect example
of this, with a much rougher edge to it than it's predecessor. The
basic tracks were recorded over two days at the band's regular rehearsal
room, as were some over dubs. The vocals were put down in a day
as the band succumbed to the demands of The Professor. Working alongside
the band at his home studio, Hillbilly Sounds, he played a major
part in the production of the record. Whereas the band had experienced
the professionalism of Matt Howe & the grandeur of Metropolis
studios on the last record, it was clear it would be different this
time round. "White Buffalo are all about feel. With this record
I wanted them to dictate a mood, and on hearing it you'll know we
achieved it", said The Professor.
Album opener Innocent begins with the sound of
feedback building to a full on rush of guitar and drums, whilst
the tension subsides with the melodic bass line of Hope Against
Hope. Chasing After Rain is a mesmerising rock ballad where Campbell's
voice expressively and passionately reaches heights most rock vocalists
can only dream about, whilst live favourites Not Invisible &
Angel Calls deliver wonderful solo guitar riffs that seem to lift
the vocal skywards. Absence Of Love has a distinct blues flavour,
dominated as it is by almost improvised instruments, it's stunning!
The album closes with two great songs, both departures from the
White Buffalo you may be used to. Living Water features a mesmerising
instrumental loop from beginning to end whilst Mary Celeste is psychedelic
Beatles and the first song delivered by Hossi, allowing Campbell's
rasping vocal a rest.
Although the album's title may be lifted from
the Mad Max movies, there's nothing manufactured about White Buffalo.
It's three guys with a shared vision doing what they do best. In
contrast to themselves they take the music very seriously, as Campbell
wryly points out "No animals were harmed in the making of this
record."
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