Los Angeles – In March, Oxford, Mississippi five-piece Young Buffalo debuted their first LP House via Votiv Recordings. Coinciding with the release, the indie rock act, which was formed by high school friends Ben Yarbrough and Jim Barrett in 2009, played at last month’s SXSW festival. Leading up to their proper debut record, Young Buffalo released a pair of EPs in 2011 and 2012. Barrett and Yarbrough share vocal duties as well as play guitar. Rounding up the quintet is Tim Burkhead on drums, Andrew Guinn on bass, and Will Eubanks on keyboards. On Thursday night at the renowned Troubadour venue in West Hollywood, California, Young Buffalo opened up the night for Matt Pond PA, supporting them on their Several Arrows Later 10^th year anniversary tour.

While Matt Pond PA are seasoned veterans (been around since 1998), the eclectic crowd, ranging from youngsters to an older generation, were able to catch newer band Young Buffalo enthusiastically play ten songs, most cuts off their recent record, House. Young Buffalo occupy a sound that has surf pop blending with indie rock. However, what makes the group unique is having dual singers as well as the dynamic harmonies they pull off as a unit. With comparisons drawn from Surfer Blood to the influence of The Beach Boys, Young Buffalo’s melodic and sprightly sound demonstrated great potential for a band really just beginning.

Falsetto harmonies and bright surf pop arrangements was the overall sound of the night for Young Buffalo. “Man In Your Dreams” had the audience bobbing their head side to side with jangly guitar riffs and Young Buffalo’s staccato style. It opened with a sparkly synth before breaking into a dazzling demonstration of beach-y rock. Their single, “No Idea,” was a definite highlight of the night. It’s a blissful pop rock song with effervescent tones to uplift the human spirit. As a matter of fact, the group’s bouncy style kept the audience tapping their toes and keeping their eyes attentively on them. “My Place” touches slightly on a Grizzly Bear vibe before coming together as a signature sound for the band. The guitar-driven, spry tune featured laid-back harmonies along with dreamy melodies. An innately sunny quality dominates Young Buffalo’s sense of style. With groovy euphonies flowing throughout the course of the night, the Mississippi boys vivaciously performed to a highly responsive LA crowd.

“Sykia” carries a sense of urgency that results into optimism and catchiness. As noted, Young Buffalo are terrific with incandescent harmonies. Their dreamlike, summertime flair is brimming with an abundance of positivity. “Old Soul” came as a pleasant surprise in the mix of songs. The sonically delightful presentation of swooning guitars, shuffling drums, and wistfulness was awesome. The chorus was catchy as hell and the breakdowns were intoxicatingly powerful. The well-written and hooky song sparked much excitement from the crowd.

Young Buffalo had diversity running in their veins. With fast-played guitars abruptly ceasing to conclude their full set, Young Buffalo rocked the Troubadour verifying their energetic youthfulness certainly has profound depth to it as well.

Catch Young Buffalo opening up for Matt Pond PA at a venue near you through mid May.

Photo of Young Buffalo by Sean Kayden

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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