Rochester NY’s King Buffalo have been busy during the pandemic. Following on from their “The Burden of Restlessness” release earlier in 2021, “Acheron” is the second of a planned trilogy of albums. The band ventured to Howe Caverns to record the album’s four tracks in a day-long session looking to expand on its predecessor’s sound.
Each of the albums four songs clocks in around the 10-minute mark and kicks off with title track “Acheron”. The sound of running water leads to a gentle, folksy guitar and soft vocals that have a ‘60’s love era Donovan feel. Expansive riffs arrive in a hypnotic, psychedelic swirl and set up “Zephyr” nicely with its laid back beat and chiming guitar overlaying a very Jefferson Airplane styled track before lifting into Hawkwind infused space rock territory.
Flourishes of “Animals” era Pink Floyd pop up on side two. The smoking, slow burn of “Shadows” is pure psyche prog with synth flourishes before album closer “Cerberus” which for these ears is the standout cut. A rich, chunky riff grows out of the trippy mist and sets up a stinging lead guitar break. This is the grittiest track and whets the appetite for what will come on the third album instalment.
“Acheron” is an album carefully constructed and thought out. An LP that isn’t really genre specific, it is more heavy by nature and mood than relying on sheer brute aural force. I’ll be checking out its predecessor and awaiting the follow up. An interesting listen that rewards.
(7/10 Johnny Zed)
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