Launchpad [Issue #24]
Buffalo Killers: By Mandana Beigi
Buffalo Killers (CD Alive)

2006 was a disappointing year for the fans of Thee Shams (pronounced “The” Shams), who had to bid farewell to this pivotal Cincinnati garage band. Within months of the demise of Thee Shams, the Gabbard Brothers, Zachary (Bass/vocals), Andrew (guitar/vocals), and longtime friend, Joseph Sebaali (drums) came together to form what is now Buffalo Killers. With a name controversial enough to piss off vegetarians (and possibly, Native American, too), the trio is for the most part a psychedelic rock spirit with Midwestern blues/country sensibilities at heart.

Contrary to many reviews, Buffalo Killers are not really the “remnants” of Thee Shams – they are a band completely reborn to ditch the garage for a more classic rock sound. Yes, they are still three longhaired psychedelic dudes, and yes, the blues influences are still heard throughout their album.

The drug-induced album opener, “San Martine des Morelle” perfectly displays the band’s state of mind: perhaps somewhere between the sound of Jimi Hendrix’s wah-wah guitar tunes, The Beatles’ bittersweet harmonies, and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Southern rebelliousness! In fact, the heavier Southern rock’s swagger on tracks such as “Down in the Blue” and “Children of War” has Skynyrd and The Black Crowes written all over it. And then there is the hypnotic “Heavens You Are” with well-crafted melodies and blues guitar.

Recorded at Ultrasuede Studios in Cincinnati by producer John Curley (The Afghan Whigs), Buffalo Killers’ debut record is a tasteful homage to classic rock while celebrating the energy and the experimental music of the new millennium. It is worth your time to check them out.

Buffalo Killers
Alive

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