Buffalo Tom
London Astoria
Some critics say that Buffalo Tom are just another little US college band, but this shouldn’t be seen as a criticism. Okay , so they’re not an Oasis or Verve-style unit shifter but they have a special, loyal following that comes out in force for this gig and who remain loyal to the band. They’re made up of students and graduates, people who have grown up with Buffalo Tom as scenes have come and gone and other band have grabbed the headlines and then disappeared. These are people who’ve stage dived, got crushed in the mosh pit and spent hours shoegazing. They’ve got the DM’s, the t-shirt and still persist with the long floppy fringe. The crowd tonight make up a true fanbase, a dedicated following who knew all the words, cheered, applauded, called out requests and demanded more.
This gig got off to a great start with ‘Velvet Roof’ and just got better and better. They play a mixture of old stuff and new material from their recent album ‘Smitten’ and then finish with their first ever single ‘Sunflower Suit’ which rewards the nostalgics among us. It reminds us that Buffalo Tom have been constants in our lives, they’ve never pretended to be anything that they aren’t nor have they reinvented themselves time and time again.
They are familiar and heartwarming and although they have never quite made the big time they have made some stunning albums, written some pertinent, powerful lyrics and played some great shows. They are a band that I will gladly see over and over again.
