Rum Buffalo – ‘Blood Moon’ [Album Review]

London-based indie-rock outfit Rum Buffalo recently released their long-player, Blood Moon, which was tracked in ten days at a converted barn in the countryside of Wales.

Frontman Jake Stevens explains, “It’s a whole sonic world, this realm we’re engrossed in. I feel like that when we play it live, [and felt like that] when we created it. I think it’s a comfortable and natural thing to do, to make a Rum Buffalo song about something otherworldly, because that’s what the music inspires.”

Rum Buffalo comprises Jake Stevens, James Wilson, Jake Chapman, Jamie Reibl, Rosie Turton, Harrison Cole, Felix Weldon, and Nuno Brito. The band has toured internationally, performing in Turkey, Malta, France, Switzerland, Iceland, and NYC.

Embracing 15 tracks, entry points on the album include the bright and snappy “Fire,” with its ’50s big band feel laced with Deep South jazz flavours. Buoyant, crackling percussion and a boisterous brass section infuse the tune with jumping momentum.

Opening on brass-filled psychedelic tones, the title track features a funky rhythm topped by stepping washes of harmonics and the lush, rasping vocals of Stevens. For some reason, the song summons up suggestions of Fall Out Boy, with its hints of pop-punk fused with tints of groovy jazz.

The Led Zeppelin-like bluesy textures of “Breaking Stones” meander and undulate on utterly sleazy waves of sound, projecting a dark, dreary milieu akin to the sonic exposition of Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound.

Rum Buffalo in 2023

“Chains” blends blues, tinctures of reggae, and pop-funk into a bass-driven tune highlighted by unctuous horns and gang-like harmonies. Imagine Faith No More covering Blood, Sweat and Tears and, well, you get the idea.

Pretty much rejecting easy categorization, Rum Buffalo delivers a sound best described as swanky progressive, big-band swing on Blood Moon.

Blood Moon Track Listing:

1. Edge
2. Dark Mountain
3. Fire
4. Monkey Man
5. Bloodmoon
6. Riches In The Rain
7. Spark Dreamer
8. Slumtown Nightmare
9. In The Morning
10. Screama Preacha
11. Breaking Stones
12. Chains
13. Satans Whiskers
14. Let Me Go
15. Edge, Part II

Run Time: 55:34
Release Date: March 30, 2023
Record Label: Independent