I discovered Rum Buffalo back in 2016 when they were playing at Malta’s Earth Garden Festival.
Rum Buffalo a new persona
These guys dominated the stage, spreading their infectious energy which had our heads bobbing and hips shaking instantaneously. Their sound has developed dramatically since then, but it still retains that signature ‘Rum Buffalo’ quality.
Their latest track, “Screama Preacha” brings whole different energy. It is a dark, twisted concoction of heavy swing, hard-hitting rock, and aggressive staccato melodies. All tied in together with the exuberantly deviant vocals of frontman, Jake Alexander Stevens.
Listening to this track is kind of like being in a haunted house at a fun park. Just when you think you know what is around the corner, something pops up and startles the shit out of you.
The first section is an intro to Rum Buffalo’s new persona. Moving away from the pleasantly upbeat funk they started out with busking on the streets of London.
We got a taste of Rum Buffalo’s fresh alter ego earlier this year on their track Dark Mountain. This latest release just keeps feeding into the sexy villainous character this seven-piece jazzy muster has developed.
Breaking traditional genre borders
Moving into the middle section, we meet Kathika. The belligerent bassline introduces this ‘provocative and unsettling breakbeat Barbarella’ to switch up the song’s energy.
I was a little confused the first time I heard the transition. It reminded me of Limp Bizkit, but it eventually grew on me. It plays into their eclectic energy. Bringing rap elements into the mix .which shows how hard Rum Buffalo can break traditional genre borders. A little bit of experimentation is necessary for a developing band and they are heading in the right direction.
The song closes off with a very scatty brass encore. Turning back to the catchy opening riffs that bring the song full circle. It brings elements of old-time swing with harsh undertones to keep playing into their frantically rich persona.
Rum Buffalo Social
Image courtesy of Rum Buffalo