I’m always surprised when a talented band like Houston’s Buxton hasn’t caught on beyond critics and music enthusiasts. Buxton formed when Sergio Trevino (principal songwriter) joined Jason Willis (multi-instrumentalist) and Chris Wise (bass) to record 2005’s roots music inspired debut album, Red Follows Red. By the time Buxton was ready to record their second album – 2012’s Nothing Here Seems Strange – the band had added Justin Terrell (drums) and Austin Sepulvado (guitar/keyboard) and evolved their sound from straightforward roots music to twangy indie rock with elements of psychedelia, honky-tonk, ambient noises and distortion. Now with the release of their third album, Half a Native, Buxton continues to evolve their sound this time working with producer Thom Monahan (Devendra Banhart, Vetiver) in L.A. The eleven track LP takes on an introspective – almost melancholic – hazy sun soaked vibe that is less twangy and more intimate than previous efforts. Highlights include: the heavy-hearted “Old Haunt” and “A Little Bit More”; the title track; the energetic rocker “Miss Catalina 1992”; and atmospheric tracks “What I’d Do” and “Pool Hall.” Buxton’s Half a Native elevates the band from any one specific genre into a sound that seamlessly intertwines multiple types of musical influences into a sound of their own. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Dawes, Marmalakes, Middle Brother, Seryn, Young Mammals