Post by thesoundmonitor on Mar 27, 2004 19:06:55 GMT -5
BUFFALO
Volcanic Rock
Vertigo
Formed in the early 1970s in Sydney, heavy rockers Buffalo were fortunate enough to land a deal in 1972 with the progressive rock record label Vertigo. On their second album Volcanic Rock, released in 1973, Buffalo turn out a lean, muscular set of heavy-handed rock, infused with a healthy dose of cryptic psychedelia. Much like their new label mates Black Sabbath, Buffalo enhanced the simplicity of blues-based rock by accentuating loud, thumping bass-heavy riffs and flamboyant guitar solos. ‘Sunrise’ is a combination of elegant melodies, thunderous riffs and the slow-fuse, ragged vocal ferocity of Dave Tice.
Buffalo realised the value of keeping song structures to a minimum, as the tunes flow cohesively and directly into each other, before slowing down temporarily into a lull until the next takeoff. What matters most here are bass-heavy riffs and atmosphere and both are all pervading on the extended jam of ‘Freedom’. Dave Tice sets your mind free, as his passionate vocal yowls communicate his message with a sense of urgency. “And some day you’ll see why, men die for their dreams, Travel on to freedom, travel on to freedom!”
‘The Prophet’ is a lamenting groove based dirge, flooded with distorted textural guitar and bass solos and droning tonalities. The echo-laden psychedelia of ‘Intro: Pound Of Flesh’ offers a moments’ respite from the albums’ overwhelming intensity. Underscored by the rhythmic stomp of a hypnotic blues-based bass riff, this intro barely hints at the staggering majesty of what is to follow. The gargantuan power chord riffing of ‘Shylock’ provides the perfect conclusion to a solid album, with its extended guitar solos from John Baxter. In 1998, Buffalo re-released a brilliantly packaged, limited digipack compilation of Volcanic Rock and their 1974 record, Only Want You For Your Body. Best of luck finding yourself a copy!
By Brad Larter
Artist website: www.davetice.com/
Volcanic Rock
Vertigo
Formed in the early 1970s in Sydney, heavy rockers Buffalo were fortunate enough to land a deal in 1972 with the progressive rock record label Vertigo. On their second album Volcanic Rock, released in 1973, Buffalo turn out a lean, muscular set of heavy-handed rock, infused with a healthy dose of cryptic psychedelia. Much like their new label mates Black Sabbath, Buffalo enhanced the simplicity of blues-based rock by accentuating loud, thumping bass-heavy riffs and flamboyant guitar solos. ‘Sunrise’ is a combination of elegant melodies, thunderous riffs and the slow-fuse, ragged vocal ferocity of Dave Tice.
Buffalo realised the value of keeping song structures to a minimum, as the tunes flow cohesively and directly into each other, before slowing down temporarily into a lull until the next takeoff. What matters most here are bass-heavy riffs and atmosphere and both are all pervading on the extended jam of ‘Freedom’. Dave Tice sets your mind free, as his passionate vocal yowls communicate his message with a sense of urgency. “And some day you’ll see why, men die for their dreams, Travel on to freedom, travel on to freedom!”
‘The Prophet’ is a lamenting groove based dirge, flooded with distorted textural guitar and bass solos and droning tonalities. The echo-laden psychedelia of ‘Intro: Pound Of Flesh’ offers a moments’ respite from the albums’ overwhelming intensity. Underscored by the rhythmic stomp of a hypnotic blues-based bass riff, this intro barely hints at the staggering majesty of what is to follow. The gargantuan power chord riffing of ‘Shylock’ provides the perfect conclusion to a solid album, with its extended guitar solos from John Baxter. In 1998, Buffalo re-released a brilliantly packaged, limited digipack compilation of Volcanic Rock and their 1974 record, Only Want You For Your Body. Best of luck finding yourself a copy!
By Brad Larter
Artist website: www.davetice.com/