Devon Williams, Young Buffalo Played Glasslands [photos]

devon1 550x625 DEVON WILLIAMS, YOUNG BUFFALO PLAYED GLASSLANDS [PHOTOS]

Young Buffalo (@youngbuffalo) started the night with a rousing set of power pop tunes. Delivering a collection of songs almost in the style of Brian Jonestown Massacre’s standout album, Take It From the Man, they drew from past psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll and contemporary indie rock influences. They energetically banged out both older tracks and new songs from their recently released EP, Baby Demons, such as standout single “Catapilah”, a driving indie rock tune with soaring harmonies and psychedelic reverb on the vocals and guitar. Their live performances are well worth seeing and add a new electrified dimension to their recorded work, so be sure to catch them on the upcoming national tour.

Tony Castles (@tonycastles) followed up with slower-paced songs that gradually picked up as the set progressed. Playing loosely to give their music an experimental feel, the bass player provided lead riffs and falsetto-type vocals while the guitarist filled in with distortion. During the faster songs, their new drummer Alex played in a style reminiscent of Keith Moon that fit the funky bass lines and wailing guitar perfectly. Overall, the slower songs would have benefitted from different sound mixing to better match the distorted guitar fills with the falsetto vocals, but either way, the set ended with the audience chanting for one more song.

Devon Williams (@devontwilliams) ended the night with a feel-good, refreshing set of euphoric pop songs. The five piece band looked very comfortable playing with each other and gave a confident set filled with chiming guitars, uplifting melodies, and introspective lyrics. Though the band’s physical appearance and vocals sometimes appeared adolescent, Williams performs mature musical arrangements with zest. The songs intertwined folk melodies with jangling soft rock and even added some eighties elements reminisent of Morrisey. One song was striking in its blend of California beachy riffs and a punk Ramones-esque drive. Williams seems to find a way to combine diverse influences from the past and arrange everything to create a completely original sound.

The new single, “Revelations”, is a beautiful, breezy pop piece that stood out as a highlight. It captured the spirit of the night with its diverse musical influences and insightful lyrics about growing up, experiencing love and the aftermath of love lost. Devon Williams played with a confidence that will undoubtedly bring the band to the forefront of everyone’s mind in the near future. The band is finishing up a national tour to promote their appropriately named album, Euphoria.

Photo credit: David English