King Buffalo – Regenerator
Release Date: 2nd September 2022
Label: Stickman Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Stoner Rock, Psychedelic, Heavy Psych.
FFO: All Them Witches, Pink Floyd, Elder, Somali Yacht Club.
Review By: Anthony Petitt
Continuing with a prolific release schedule reminiscent of their 70’s forefathers, Heavy Psych band King Buffalo is finishing their self-proclaimed “pandemic trilogy” that started with 2021’s The Burden Of Restlessness and Acheron with the grand conclusion Regenerator. The New York trio’s signature sound is recognizable from the moment the guitar apparates on the title track, Regenerator. Guitarist Sean McVay always manages to dial in immaculate clean guitar sounds, and that is no different here. The drums are loud and punchy, and the nine-minute song is faster than most King Buffalo music. The bass work, warbly and enchanting, mostly acts as a background fixture but is given a moment to shine eventually.
One of King Buffalo‘s defining features is the ultra tight rhythm section, as exemplified on track two, Mercury. The bass playing from Dan Reynolds gets a more prominent spot in the mix, and Scott Donaldson‘s ride cymbal work would make Nicko McBrain jealous. King Buffalo, with this trilogy of albums, has really managed to expand their sound without feeling watered down, alienating existing fans, or retreading existing ground. That is quite the accomplishment!
Overdriven vocals and a catchy guitar melody lead into a stellar synth section in Hours, and before too long we are met with Interlude, in all of its stripped-down, bluesy glory. After this mid-record palate cleanser is Mammoth. The song appears low-key at first, but the guitar solo in the latter half is possibly the best on the album, with the outro organ and choir-like vocals being the cherry on top. The ultra smooth sound of Avalon is a pleasure to listen to and experience. One thing I would like to see from King Buffalo is some more adventurous vocal melodies. There is a hint of this on Regenerator, but they mostly remain near their already established wheelhouse.
The album ends on a solid note with Firmament, its powerful riff echoing in your mind long after the song ends. Despite releasing so many albums in such a short span of time, King Buffalo sound as invigorated and creative as ever. 
(4.5 / 5)
