Review: Avi Buffalo @ Old Blue Last, May 24th.
Posted by: nick
Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg is the little whirlwind of a driving force behind Avi Buffalo, a band of teens and early twenties from Long Beach California who are causing a storm with their self-titled debut album out on the legendary Sub Pop label. Last night was their first ever London show and it was sold out. Expectation was understandably high.
There wasn’t so much riding on this particular show for us. Having seen the band play a couple of times at SXSW and then at The Great Escape just over a week ago, we knew he could deliver the goods but would this be an off day?
In short, no. But this was by far the most nervous we had seen the 19 year old front man. Avi couldn’t contain his excitement between songs, continuously expressing his disbelief and thanking the packed room. Occasionally a bit long but overall it was genuinely refreshing to see a band enjoying themselves so much.
Avi’s voice got richer and more confident as the night went on and inevitable level tweaking took place. One of the album highlights ‘Summer Cum’ got the set of to a roaring start though. It was followed closely by a new song which perhaps wasn’t the most obvious of choices but was a pleasing country tinged jam nonetheless.
Avi’s warm guitar sounds punctuated by his mini fret board freak-outs once again stole the show for us. Lead single ‘What’s In It For?’ being a prime example along with the wonderful ‘Coaxed’.
We were also treated to an apparently rare performance of ‘Truth Sets In’ which sees bassist Arin Fazio take up acoustic guitar to support Avi’s electric. Avi is joined on vocals on this, as on the majority of tracks, by keyboard player and ex-crush Rebecca Coleman who is the subject matter of a few of these songs. Luckily it doesn’t seem awkward between the two and Rebecca provides a sweet accompaniment to Avi’s slightly sharper voice.
‘Jessica’, another album favourite, and one of the slower songs really sees Avi’s voice at its tender best. Those gorgeous swooning guitar lines chiming alongside it, irresistible as ever. ‘Remember Last Time’ appropriately ends the set proper as it began, in a frenetic, impassioned ball of energy.
Stunned by the crowds generous calls for an encore Rebecca and Avi take to the stage for a heart warming rendition of one of Avi’s early songs ‘Distaste & Interest’, which we managed to film for you below.
Then a final full band version of the aptly named ‘One Last’ leaves the crowd with a warm Californian sunshine burning in their bellies.
Come back soon.
Avi Buffalo @ Old Blue Last, May 24th 2010.
