Lets get one thing straight: Buzztone rock. And not in a hideously post-ironic, “my-gosh-isn’t-Star-Wars-Lego-just-the-coolest-and-most-rocking-thing-like-ever” way, but in a perfectly straight-up, balls to the wall “holy-shit-these-guys-can-actually-fucking-play” way. And for four chaps from Wiltshire to have recorded one of the most exciting demos since, well, their last effort (the quite delicious ‘From Beer To Paternity’) is yet another indication that a little research is all that’s needed to uncover yet another homegrown gem.
For the uninitiated, Buzztone play a variety of punk rock that’s along the lines of Belvedere and Strung Out, but with Si’s distinctive vocal tics there’s no danger of over-Americanising their blisteringly proficient melodic punk. And throughout these four tracks (plus one acoustic effort) there’s a degree of musicianship and sheer class that can only be the product of years slogging it out simply for the love of it. Check the fingerpoint-inducing solo on ‘Scars’ or the insanely fast drumming on ‘Inside Out’…there’s a litany of brilliant moments that just require attention. There’s no pretension or ego whatsoever, just a group of men playing as fast and as loud as they possibly can, and managing to forge a superb noise in the process.
Arguably Buzztone‘s greatest talent is their ability to use the careering momentum of their rhythm section and layer on some beautifully pert melodies to create a constant dialogue between the heavy and the light. Even behind the best vocal harmonies there’s a juddering sense of power pushing everything along, and that’s why Buzztone are the most vital new band to emerge from these fair isles in the last year. They can play, they can write brilliant songs (check out ‘Weapons’ and ‘Last Kiss’ as proof that they can kick it loudly and quietly) and they’re more than prepared to put the work in. So go and check them out because they deserve your time.
Ben