Tom Levin
Them Buffalo
Review by Craig Moran
Tom Levin’s work has usually been associated
with quintessential Americana and ‘Them
Buffalo’ is no exception. Levin incorporates a
number of different genres such as blues,
indie, hip hop and bluegrass into this album,
giving it a unique edge.
‘Them Buffalo’ was released in late
November of 2014 and has been steadily
gaining popularity in alternative music circles.
Rave reviews from the likes of The Vinyl
District have commented on the album citing
it as ‘Swedish singer-songwriter Tom Levin’s
Them Buffalo is work full of substance and
grit.
A kind of anti-venom for whitewashed indie
music that is often touted as “authentic”’. But
authentic is the best way to describe ‘Them
buffalo’, another accolade Levin can boast is
that the Rock and Roll Report have cited
‘Them Buffalo’ as one of the best albums of
the year. Levin manages to tell captivating
stories coupled with soothing instrumentals
which makes each track on ‘Them Buffalo’
stand out in its own unique way.
‘Thunder On’ opens the album; the song has
a catchy chorus Levin’s powerful husky voice
help make this a great choice of song for the
albums opening. ‘Everyday’ is a charming
song from Levin; it follows this narrative of
his young son’s crayon scribbles on the wall
in their house. Levin’s attempts to decipher the
scribbles as drawings of rivers and streams are
shot down by his toddler son who says it is in
fact a picture of a bumblebee. The charismatic
words from Levin coupled with the high
energy catchy instrumental lend the song a feel
good atmosphere.
Good Vibes Music describes Tom’s sound as
‘…(Levin’s vocals) is gruff, and he tells it like
it is through accounts of love, bison, bearded
men, and varying personalities. What results
is a hauntingly beautiful, honest account of
life’.
‘More Than a Song’ is the longest track on
the album, but again, like ‘Everyday’ this song
is exceptionally charming. Levin demonstrates
his skills as a musician/songwriter wonderfully
in this track. At the tracks base, it is a love
song, but Levin avoids corny clichés like other
folk love songs.
4.0
‘Mind’s Eye’ sounds familiar, but again
ultimately unique with Modern Mystery Blog
describing ‘Mind’s Eye’ as an instant favorite.
‘History, Beliefs and Bearded Men’ lets down
this album slightly; its repetitive lyrics soon
become grating and draw focus away from the
meaning of the song.
‘Schizo’ is a deeply personal song from
Levin; it talks about his struggle with his
identity and relationships. The chorus repeats
‘Me, me, me, me, me’ which might allude to
Levin’s satisfaction in self indulgence.
‘Margaret’s House’ features a duet with Aimee
Bobruk ano ѡ