Band get a following in the local area. Band gets signed to a label. Band puts out solid album. Band leaves local area, works with new challenging producer and expands sound without abandoning what got them there. Its a story as familiar as tying your shoes. And yet, it is one I’ve yet to tire of. Add to that list; Houston’s Buxton.
Back in 2012, Buxton put out the excellent Nothing Here Seems Strange via New West Records. My pal, Jefe and I caught them both at SXSW and up here in Chicago at Schubas. Both times we caught a scintillating set that left us wanting more. It also left them wanting more as they headed west to work with Thom Monahan. Lead singer Sergio Trevino had this to say “We take from a lot of different genres and present it in a way that I think is most honest for us,” Trevino says. “You’ll hear rock, folk, country, ambience, and distortion, all interpreted through us.”
What I’d Do sets the mood right away. The song has a Cosmic Americana feel to it, barely moving faster than a crawl. The band really gives Trevino’s lyrics room to breathe. The keys are particularly pleasing throughout the track and you can’t help but be reminded of MMJ.
Miss Catalina 1992 is what Buxton terms the most “rock” song they’ve ever written. It took on new life after learning they would be heading to LA to record. Lead guitarist, Jason Willis, has a ripping solo in the middle of the track. This track is the perfect example of a band augmenting their sound without losing sight of who they were. It slides in nicely as the centerpiece of Half A Native. Pool Hall closes out the album with a twangy waltz about a chance encounter in a pool hall. Its a beautiful tune builds slowly, builds tension and then fades away oh so gently.
I referenced MMJ earlier in the review and I think it is fitting that Buxton released Half A Native on the same day that MMJ announced The Waterfall. I can’t help but think that if you enjoy the music of MMJ, you would love Buxton. I certainly do. Jefe certainly does. And we’re both pretty cool; all things considered.
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Buxton is here.
