White Buffalo, The - The White Buffalo EP (EP)
Those men who form the group of contemporary singer-songwriters are an interesting bunch. Just when you think you understand their wonderfully introspective lyrics, you find out that they are real individuals playing out a character through an alter ego. And if you don’t believe me, think about Kevin Mitchell A.K.A Bob Evans, Ohad Rein A.K.A Old Man River or Josh Pyke who was once known as Night Hour. And now ladies and gentlemen, there is a new one to add to the list, albeit a giant, blond, bulky mass from Southern California, the man is Jake Smith or White Buffalo.
The thing that immediately strikes me about the songs is the big man’s deep voice, one that would resemble Eddie Vedder’s own resonant tones had he been on a thirty-year pub crawl, on a strict diet of whiskey by the bucketful. But as I continue listening I find myself getting more and more irritated by this deep, nasally drawl. And even when I try to overcome this affliction, I can only conclude that the vocals lack conviction and instead are completely hallow. Although I find this a little surprising, given that the delivery seems to imitate a line from the disc’s track, “The Moon” and that is, “I’m as hallow as the ocean is blue.” Funnily enough, that same song also notes that he, “Thought I did, but I don’t/feel much anymore.” And this is a true sentiment, as the songs are so emotionless and dreary that you have to give the guy kudos for being honest.
Many of the songs have the underlying theme of a singer wanting someone, their object of affection, back. Yet I am left questioning whether he really means these words. I mean he’s singing it but does he really want it?
The opener sounds like a standard piece of movie soundtrack filler, no doubt cast to feature when the main character is left to ponder some important decision. Track two is “Love Song #1” and this does not fair much better with overly-simplistic and child-like lyrics, “Blew in like paper in the wind/I want something to believe in.” Oh please, get me a bucket!
The following track, “10 ‘til 2” is the songwriter’s meager attempt at a modern Pretty Woman love story where he details his affection towards a hooker. The music has an immature tone, which at times reminds me of The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” but lacks all of the appeal of the Fab Four’s tune. And as an aside, I’m not sure about you, dear reader, but I find it rather difficult relating to a song about falling for a prostitute.
But I digress, as next is “The Matador,” which is so downbeat and dreary that I was actually hoping a bull would at least make an appearance, if only to have some change from the extra-low, depressive vocals and melancholic chords.
Track five is probably the best one of the batch with some interesting acoustic guitar, wherein I could actually imagine John Butler singing the song. Despite the catchiness of the song however, its cheap talk of hustlers was not enough to lift the bad mood caused, as a consequence of the previous tune. And the title is nothing original, as I believe “Devil Is A Woman” sounds a little too similar to John Lennon’s “Woman Is The Nigger Of The World.”
In sum, this release was an irritating mix of poorly delivered, simplistic lyrics with the occasional piece of derivative content. So White Buffalo, is it too much to ask that if you are going to use your pseudonym can you ensure that a real human is singing songs that might actually resonate with an audience, especially if you are going to continue writing songs to fit this particular music niche. Otherwise, drop the moniker to reveal your true self or front a loud rock band so you can at least attempt to drone out your complete lack of creative, introspective thought.
