We Hunt Buffalo
return with Head Smashed In, their
second album for Fuzzorama Records. It’s one of those albums that’s deceptively
dense. On the surface it seems pretty straightforward but there’s some stuff
going on in the back you might not pick up on at first. Vocally at least. Speaking
of vocals, “Angler Must Die” has the clean vocals present throughout but there’s
also some screaming that comes right out of left field.
We Hunt Buffalo also drop down into some heavier moments
than I wasn't expecting. This is basically fuzz-laden hard rock so that added
crunch comes in pretty handy. Ya know, a little extra flavour. It’s not that
there’s a lack of riffs though. There’s lots of that to go around but you gotta
season the meat, right? (or in my case, marinade the tofu)
Head Smashed In is a relatively “safe” spin. There’s great
tone, sweet solos, and the parts where they aren’t pushing full ahead are
sprinkled in appropriately. Some songs have great muscular energy and some….
not so much. Personally, I find their softer songs and/or parts lacking. Dynamics
are fine, but they just don’t play to their strengths as well in my opinion.
Personal preference.
They do craft good songs though. No awkward transitions, no
overstayed welcomes, nothing sticking out like a wart. Psych atmosphere has its
place as well as a subtle Southern feel at times. It’s consistent too. “Heavy
Low” sucks you in to start and “Anxious Children” as the penultimate track
grabs your attention again just in case. It’s got a sweet main riff, cool atmosphere
and the bass just rules on this one.
Inoffensive, solid, riff-centric hard rock when you’re going
to get here, equally suited to dedicated listening or background tunes. You definitely
won’t smash your head in! I hope. Go ahead and crank the fuzz!
