Customer Reviews

Magician

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Think of any band you know that follows the same format, hard-rocking crunchy guitars relentlessly pounding rhythm section and beautifully classically trained female lead singer and you have Ghost Buffalo. Not that its not some really good music mind you, but take a look at this list: Concrete Blonde, The Baby Animals, Pat Benatar, Heart, Evanenscence, and hmmmm...shall we say the Scanners. They all follow the female lead rocking band format to great success. So Denver's own Ghost Buffalo's "The Magician," is certainly a worthwhile listen but I wonder if it lacks the whole new wrinkle principle of originality, its been done before.

The construct of the songs kind of reminds me of Tool with the fast pounding to slow trance-melodic shifts in an instant...Tool with more of a sense for radio-play and pop. Other reviews have tried to bring out the alt-country elements in Ghost Buffalo with singer Marie Litton's vocal stylings and I'm not seeing it (or hearing it I should say). A true standout track is track 4, "Gold Disease," which I'm willing to bet sounds like a can o' dynamo in concert. So if Ghost Buffalo rolls out of the Rockies and into your town or burgh on any given night I don't think you'll want to stay in that night.

Evidently Ghost Buffalo has had one album prior to 2008's "The Magician," but this is the first I'm stumbling upon them. From the album art you would guess that the music has gothic tints to them and well you wouldn't be far off. This band is solid and no doubt if you run out and get "The Magician," you'll lose a few ear drum cells to the hard rock blasting on your car's speakers as an earworm drills its way into your head singing this songs throughout the summer. If you want originals you'll have to go retro with Benatar or Heart, or Buffalo's closest aunt, Australia's own The Baby Animals. Ghost Buffalo is good, those others did it just a notch better. ...mmw

Ghost Buffalo's new release, The Magician, is one of the finest of 2008. The disc opens with the propulsive "Narcissus" which sets the expectancy bar high indeed. Ghost Buffalo delivers the goods on the remaining nine songs. "The Latest Wonder" has hooks to spare: memorable and very well written. The expressive vocals of Marie Litton soar throughout this disc. "Gold Disease" features powerhouse playing from drummer Jed Kopp who skillfully accentuates throughout. "Fire Walk With Me" has all the elements of a perfect rock song. Guitarist Matt Bellinger weaves a tapestry of sound that alternates the gentle with the rocking. This is the one that will have you racing to turn up the volume; it's one of the best songs on a disc filled with gems. "Burnt Dreams" casts a light on what may be the band's secret weapon, bassist Ben Williams. He's like a one-man orchestra, supporting and highlighting the tightly knit efforts of his band mates. The twin guitar work of Marie Litton and Matt Bellinger throughout this disc is terrific example of supportive and concise playing. She's the match and he's the rocket fuel: a winning combination. This Denver, Colorado quartet has created a brilliant work. The Magician was recorded by Bob Ferbrache at Absinthe Studio. He provides a sweeping, open sound with both clarity and undeniable power. This disc is best played loud. Keep your shoes on, baby...rock and roll is alive and well in America!