Buffalo Mend isn’t afraid to go against the grain.
In a world that moves at the speed of light, Buffalo Mend reminds us it’s ok to slow down. In a world lost in the glitz and glam of overly polished productions, Buffalo Mend reminds us it’s ok to be organic, gritty and lo-fi.
In a world that pummels us with singles and short EPs, Buffalo Mend isn’t afraid to remind us that albums can be long…15-20 tracks long. As crazy as that might seem to some, others grew up in a world where full length albums consumed 30 to 60 minutes of our time, sometimes on a weekly or daily basis.
The songs of blues, country, folk music outfit Buffalo Mend find their source in the emotional expressions and compositions of Zac Bench.
Center Street, the new album, includes 19 songs that sway on the genre spectrum somewhere between blues, folk and country. A little Dinosaur Jr., some Gov’t Mule, a sprinkle of Tom Petty, a drop of Neil Young…you can find all that and more on Center Street.
1923, with its clean electrics and somber melodies, is an appropriate song for the current situation occurring worldwide. As 1923 reflects back on the past in order to prevent repeated errors in the future, we currently find ourselves (and our families) in quarantine as a microscopic virus has reached pandemic status. As I listen through the song, I can’t help but think about all the history being analyzed as medical professionals and governments work non-stop to “flatten the curve”.
Moving further down the track list, tracks like Cowboys and Money’s Gone deliver those real gritty blues vibes. The distorted guitars add a layer of emotional intensity as well as sonic texture.
Cowboys includes a nice breakdown with guitar solo for listeners who find their ears attracted to bluesy lead guitar tones. Money’s Gone picks up the tempo while delivering more lo-fi, gritty guitar. The rhythm and lead play in a melodic dance that will have you tapping your foot and nodding your head throughout the track.
Jumping to the end of the album, Sally delivers a proper finale to this excursion into country and folk-tinged blues that is called Center Street. When I say proper finale, what better way to end a truly bluesy album than with a melodically beautiful heartbreak song powered by crisp drums, clean electric guitar tones, and Zac’s distinct, sorrowful vocal performance?
Although I’ve only touched on a few tracks, there’s so much more packed into Center Street. I think it’s time to check it out for yourself!
Listen to Center Street on Spotify or Apple Music.
You can connect directly with Buffalo Mend on YouTube.
