Buffalo Trio - Unconscious

Buffalo Trio - Unconscious

Self released - May 2020

Stoner, punk, blues

Rated: ****

Australia has become a gold mine for talent in the heavy underground, and Sydney-based Buffalo Trio are the latest rising stars of the scene. Three song EP Unconscious nis the long-awaited follow up to their 2015 debut album "Variable Choke", and the wait was worth it. Building off of their first effort's grunge and stoner vibes, Buffalo Trio keeps their garage punk rawness but amps the aggression way, way up. And it fits like a glove. "Haunted By The Sun" kicks the doors down with a classic Sabbath riff drenched in gritty fuzz, dragging listeners down below while ripping amps to shreds. The standout vocals are just as uncompromising, all raw punk sneer and spit in throat-shredding yells. The straight ahead and headbanging attack sounds like a rawer Whores, and it's just as heavy. Slowing down to an ominous, murky riff, some doom is thrown into the mix as well, to great effect in contrasting with the caustic vocals. Second cut "Day to Pay" doesn't let up to either, bringing bouncy, bluesy desert licks with a gravel grinding guitar tone and kit bashing drums. The chorus is maddeningly catchy as well, while losing none of the trio's relentless attack. Third and final track "Sour Man" then throws any  remaining caution to the wind, ripping into a filthily distorted stop-start riff broken up by screeching feedback. As the EP makes its jarring stomp to the finish line, it's clear that Unconscious is a result of Buffalo Trio zeroing in on a sound and stepping up their already impressive game. They've found a style they're viciously good at, dealing out bluesy stoner riffs with punk vitriol to spare.

(Written by Shasta Beast)

Bandcamp

Facebook

Website