Needless to say, I’m sold. Track after track on their self-titled album, produced by the band and a Chris Bell (Grammy Nominee) of Blade studios, feels like a friendly clasp on the shoulder while walking through the proverbial southern countryside, past the melodic swamp lands, up and over the rolling hills of foot stomping beat, and down through the head bobbing creeks.
Jason Lovell’s (Vocals, lead guitar) brings a raw, powerful voice, almost effortlessly. Luring you in with his entrancing voice, all the while Michael Burgess (Bass) keeps your heel clicking with an extremely smooth bass line. Even on their lighter bass songs, like “What’s a Boy To Do”, he adapts with a subtle compliment to the rest of the compilation. Then we get to Brad Haefner (guitar, mandolin), the man plays a Mandolin… A FREAKING MANDOLIN! You may have noticed a female accompinment to some of the songs. That would Shannon McNally (Grammy nominated), who’s voice reminds me of the country power vocalist Reba McEntrie days. This Country Rock power band has even gotten the opportunity to open for some pretty impressive bands; Joan Jett, Foghat, Cheap Trick amongst others. To build the value even higher they are the 2014 winners of both the “Shiner Rising Star” and “The Texas Showdown”. Ok now here’s the mind blowing part. The band was formed in 2013… I’m going to let that sink in… In two years they’ve managed to cohesively create this incredible debut album, so I’m going to go ahead and say it, keep your ears to the radio for Buffalo Ruckus.
P.S. If these guys don’t win Artist of the Week, I will have lost faith in the internet.