A Buzz, Buzz, Buzzing Away
Bombadil could make for the most exciting campfire sing-alongs ever.
Bombadil
A Buzz, A Buzz
Released on Nov 30, -0001
Straight out of Bolivian folklore, Bombadil will show you what international folk is really about. A Buzz, A Buzz, Bombadil’s latest album off of Ramseur Records combines a variety of folk styles with blues and pop music for a Middle Earth-esque musical experience. Sorry to have to bring about a Lord Of the Rings reference so early, but after a few tracks you would be wrong to argue against the reference. Full of heart, interesting sounds and style - this album is definitely a keeper.
The first thing that struck me on this album was the eclectic use of exotic instruments. They must be excellent musicians due to the fact that all four members each play over three different instruments on the album. Some of these include the zampona, charango, glockenspiel, as well as various other bells and whistles. Furthermore, these boys were not afraid to sing. Every song features nearly all of the members wailing away at some point.
“Trip Out West” starts this album off in a slow, folk story-telling manner, which is continued throughout the remainder of the album. The song tells the story of a wonderer who encounters strange adventures on his travels in the west. The next track, “Julian of Norwich,” has a marching drive behind it, separated by a chorus that sounds straight out of the baroque era.
“Rosetta Stone” and “Johnny” are two of the best songs on the album. “Rosetta Stone” opens with some impressive glockenspiel chops. The rest of the song is just like your classic folk rock song, containing powerful, emotional drives between soothing piano and voice duets. “Johnny” on the other hand, is of a breed all its own. Fueled by catchy bits of guitar and piano, the song is also packed full of chanting and wonderful vocal presentation.
A Buzz, A Buzz may have to be one of most strangely attractive albums I’ve heard in some time. I was skeptical when I first heard of the band, but their latest masterpiece really has me in a state of awe. Bombadil sets themselves apart from all others, and this album is enough to satisfy that harshest skeptic. The catchy and unique songs of this album will leave you singing along and craving more.
High Point: “Julian of Norwich” may be the catchiest song I’ve yet to hear this year…and I do enjoy a catchy song. I love the whole band involvement and the lyrics behind the song.
Low Point: “One Two Three,” while sincere, it’s a bit slow and dragging, and doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the album.
Quick Point: For their live shows the band even dresses up in rustic Bolivian attire. What more could you ask of a band?
High Point
Low Point
Posted by Andrew Scott on May 19, 2008 @ 12:00 am