CD review: Last American Buffalo "Marquis for the Debutante"

Produced by Last American Buffalo Recorded and engineered by Cameron Akrami at Akrami Studios in Glendora, CA, except for “Breaking Up Mine” recorded at Conway Studios and Westlake Audio in Hollywood, CA Mixed by Andy Carpenter and Jon St. James at St. James Studios in Fullerton, CA

A name like Last American Buffalo may at first conjure a country ensemble rather than an alternative radio hit machine. But on this solid full-length debut, Marquis for the Debutante, the Los Angeles four-piece proves a knack for crafting the same catchy melodies that propelled Coldplay to the top of the charts while at times channeling the melancholy soul of Wilco.

The band sticks to a formula, but it’s a good one. A buoyant keyboard launches robust opener “Breaking Up Mine” into an anger-infused tale of broken love, a recurring theme on the record. The springy guitar flourishes in the chorus of “Dance Class for a Madame” hearken back to the aforementioned British group; and by the catchy third track “Pistol,” whose alt-country guitar twang brings to mind a Badly Drawn Boy gone cowboy, Last American Buffalo’s savvy for straightforward song structures becomes evident.

With understated bass, drums, guitar and keyboard, spotlighted vocals become susceptible to the occasionally cliché lyrics. For example, as dueling keyboard and drums drive the Americana waltz of “For London Again,” Kevin Compton’s endearing voice just barely saves the tired chorus: “You stole the key to my heart / You’ve broken and shattered my every thought.” The glossy production also wears thin at times and the recording pleads for more rawness to beef up its intensity.

Saving the best for last, the band hits its high note on the somber closer “Sunshine.” Above a wistful church organ begging for forgiveness, perfectly stark acoustic guitar and the regret-filled flurry of a harmonica, Compton strikes a powerful chord as he confesses “I am looking to die / I am looking to lie.” In moments like this, Last American Buffalo reveals an honesty often missing from the airwaves. (Self-released) Originally published in West Coast Performer, February 2008