Avi Buffalo – Avi Buffalo
Posted by: nick
Today marks the official release of Avi Buffalo‘s magnificent debut album through Sub Pop. The longplayer has been a mainstay on our stereo for months now and we can confirm that it only gets better with time. Avi Buffalo is the adopted name of 19 Year Old prodigy Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg and his band from Long Beach California. With a unique high voice and virtuoso guitar skills Avi is the sort of talent that only comes along once in a Pink Moon.
For Fans Of: Neil Young, My Morning Jacket, Wilco.
The self-titled debut features our sixth favourite single of 2009, the damn near perfect ‘What’s In It For?’ which moves from subtle wordplay (What’s it in for?/What’s in it for?) to Beefheart-esque weirdness “You are tiny and your lips are like little pieces of bacon”, all the while riding along an irresistible melody.
Avi’s vocals are joined on certain songs by keyboard player and once high school crush Rebecca Coleman who adds a welcome depth to songs like ‘One Last’. The band is completed by Sheridan Riley on drums and Arin Fazio on bass who is the oldest member at almost 21. Avi’s voice and guitar steal the show though, creating a melodic wave that rises and crashes with expert precision throughout this excellent debut.
The heartfelt ‘Jessica’ is a tender highlight along with ‘Remember Last Time’, ‘Coaxed’ and ‘Five Lil Sluts’. Darn we had to resist from listing the whole album there. Pat on back. ‘Summer Cum’ isn’t our favourite song title ever but the gorgeous acoustic lead teen-heartbreak song that lies within is well worth the tiny cringe! So in summary – you need this record.
Avi Buffalo is in the UK this May when he plays ATP Festival, The Great Escape and Old Blue Last in London. The Avi Buffalo live experience is even more engaging than the album which is saying a lot. Read our SXSW blog on the little magician to see what we mean.
Stream the entrie album here and buy the sucker here: iTunes, Amazon(mp3), Rough Trade cd/lp.
