Buffalo Hustle - Buffalo Hustle

Buffalo Hustle

Buffalo Hustle
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

You should have an idea of what you are in for when you hear feedback from a guitar and cymbals at the beginning of Buffalo Hustle’s self-titled album Buffalo Hustle. The blues inspired rock n’ roll that Buffalo Hustle plays has been running through the veins of America's musical conscience since the 1960’s. Led Zeppelin along with bands like Cream brought the style to the forefront of our society.

Once the ‘80s and ‘90s rolled around the crunchy guitars and blues inspired songs weren't as prevalent: It wasn’t till the White Stripes and shortly after The Black Keys became popular that a resurgence happened. Here we are in 2015 and there are countless bands blues/rock hybrids that take a shot at the genre. 

In the case of Buffalo Hustle they have a couple things going for them. The band consisting of Nick Brothers (guitar), Julian Thomas (guitar/vocals), Garrett Parker (bass/vocals) and Sam Solano (drums) are from Fayetteville, Arkansas and their location plays into their music. There's a definite southern style rock influence apparent that not all blues bands possess. The other thing is that they implement a small amount of psychedelia Jimi Hendrix style into the mix. It mostly comes in the form of a wah wah or modulation pedal. These effects are sometimes missing with purists. 

Bands like Buffalo Hustle are best heard live in my opinion and I am willing to bet that’s the case here but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to these tunes in the recorded format. Songs like “You Done Wrong” capture a distorted guitar tone that feels like it’s getting torn apart at the seams while the vocalist delivers a dynamic, emotionally fueled performance. 

“The Big Heavy” is a perfect name because it is indicative of what they deliver. The riffs are big, the guitars are heavy and any fan of rock should enjoy this track. As the EP progresses the band delivers the goods with songs like “Low” and “Funk Suite IV.” By the time you get to the end you feel thoroughly rocked. 

Buffalo Hustle isn’t trying to get too inventive and unless you have been living in a cave this music should sound familiar. That being said, it’s hard to deny another blues inspired rock band that can makes you feel the unfiltered emotion that made the genre sustainable through decades. 

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