Los Angeles – Last American Buffalo is a very accurate description of what this band is: ‘70s cowboy. A cross between hoedown and Led Zeppelin, with the flannel shirts, high-heeled boots and bolo ties to match, they’re like the American buffalo itself – steeped in history and representing an all but forgotten genre.

Playing at Silverlake venue The Satellite, to a sparse hipster crowd that ebbed and flowed unconscionably, LAB is five dudes and four guitars that strongly channel a bygone era.  The “not indie rock” rock group, who chose the name for its Americana, manifest destiny-vibe, is pretty clear about what they are not: Electronica, synths, manufactured music.  They tote Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Neil Young and a little ACDC (“for good measure”) as their musical inspirations, and both visually and in sound, they look the part.  Long manes, a Goodwill-on-Vine wardrobe, and a little bit of funk (mostly on the part of Vic Artur, bass/vocals.)

The band was formed by lead singer/guitarist Kevin Compton and he has been its only unwavering member.  Before Josh Grolemund (guitar) and Vic Artur joined in 2011, the band had 11 different member lineups, not including drummers.  Grolemund brought in Grammy nominated producer/musician Billy Mohler who took an immediate liking to the group and produced their first EPs following “Bohemian Blues.”  In 2012, they self-produced “Here She Comes” and began collaborating with Bryce Wayt of The GT350s, who then joined the group as an additional songwriter and frontman.

Wayt’s absence from Thursday’s Satellite show was noticeable to anyone familiar with their most recent album “Long Way Down,” released in July.  Wayt has very distinct female-sounding vocals and it’s unclear his current role in LAB or how many of the heavily Wayt-fronted songs were featured in the set.

Compton is clearly something special, though, and more than enough in the way of front men.  A determined leader of the group and brilliant lyricist, he has an intensity and focus that is palpable.  He’s charismatic and funny to watch, too.  On the few songs where he went sans guitar, his highly personalized dance style reached its peak.  He hunkers down and twitches his fingers out to the side, frenetically hopping and looking in a small way like he needs to pee.  It’s endearing to watch and clearly an exercise in ownership—he’s just feelin’ it.

The band began their set without any words or mention to the audience and such was their mode of operation for most of the show, an exception being when Compton stopped to introduce their newest members, Eli “The Wolf” Wulfmeier (guitar) and Freddy Bokkenheuser (drums.)  The set included the super catchy “Lonely Spaceman,” as well as “Come Down” off their new album, and several songs off “Here She Comes.”

LAB is at their best when rocking out together.  They have a habit of breaking vocals and meeting mid-stage to face each other in a dance/jam out and it was infectious when they did.  Live, however, they didn’t feel as focused as on the album.  “Long Way Down” is a very measured, heart-felt, Tom Petty-esque work, and a bit of its magic was lost in overzealousness—probably only a result of too much sound, but it didn’t feel as powerful.   

It was an overall fun show by a band worth investigation for anyone who has a bone to pick with the current market.  Or for anyone who just loves roots music.  Their entire discography is available on their website, and it has a lot to offer.