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.
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Originally Posted by Poisoned Youth
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