Lord Buffalo – Holus Bolus

Never judge a book by its cover is an often-used expression. Perhaps this could apply to the Austin, Texas group Lord Buffalo and their strangely named album entitled Bolus HolusThe quartet of Daniel Pruitt (vocals/guitar/bass/piano/melodica), Garrett Hellman (guitar/sub-bass/piano/synths), Patrick Patterson (violin) and Yamal Said (drums, percussion) create what could be described as haunting, cinematic psychedelic post-rock.

Opener “Holus Bolus” is in the vein of the Swans and their intricate percussive grooves. Menacing and tense, Daniel recalls the dry, throaty rasp of Fearghal McKee, lead singer of Irish noiseniks Whipping Boy. Searing guitars battle with thunderous percussion and when that squeaky violin bursts forth, I’m completely immersed in this gripping music. There’s a distinctly dark tinge to the doom-soul instrumental “Slow Drug,” as if the Afghan Whigs really were taking on the devil and a bottle of tequila. Blasts of searing atmosphere melt and surround you as the desert rock fizzes with an intense, smoldering heat. You can almost smell the sulfur.

On “Passing Joy,” each thunderous drum hit strikes the skull with a vengeance. There’s a hint of Jim Morrison in Daniel’s thunderous vocals before the song takes a euphoric turn at the end with blistering solos and screams and yells added to the mix. “Malpaisano” burns slowly with an intense flame as Daniel intones Morrison’s spirit once again, as the instrumentation swells in volume it brings a bit of light and as melodic layers form the song becomes a glorious drone.

“I Wait On The Door Slab” whips and cracks with a mocking intensity as the strings carve out the lively groove. The chorus has a certain vigorous arrogance and luscious instrumentation. The title track “Cracks In The Vermeer” drew me in by sounding like a more appealing version of Swans, a band I’d wanted to like for years but never got around to. The sleek guitars, plunging violins and crisp percussion are just as haunting and intriguing. The closing track “Rowing In Eden” works like the soundtrack to a Western movie. Buzzing violins set the mood early on and a host of ghostly noises create eerie tension as the song builds to a loud, violent ending.

While Bolus Holus is a very serious and relaxed record, but also very enjoyable to listen to. The production is excellent from start to finish and the instrumentation is brilliantly done, creating a wonderful atmospheric dynamic. There are obvious reference points in terms of influence, but it feels like Lord Buffalo has his own unique sound. Highly recommended.