Words: Ryan Getz
Dave Buker and the Historians have found their niche and they are thriving within the space they have created.
The self-described electro-folk band we’ve covered here at Tuned Up before. They have been in my local music consciousness nearly as long as this blog has existed, yet for some reason they seem to fly under the radar still. I think its because they are unassuming and choose not to pull too many punches in the local scene. They have proven their weight through the music though, as is evidenced by the fact that Tuned Up has spent three LP cycles with the band now.
As aforementioned, the band exists within a mid tempo sort of indie music they call “electrofolk,” seemingly tailor-made for the slower months of the year. Quintessential music for the Autumn and Winter seasons, or perhaps a moment when you want to slow down. The last Dave Buker album seemed to pair well with rainy afternoon drives, and this record begs to be heard live more than the other album. The song “Some Birds” has a heartwarming chorus that would fit right in sung in some hole-in-the-wall beatnik establishment in Portland, or in a fancy Manhattan club. The “electro” in “electrofolk” emerges in a more unconventional way in the subtle synths and rhodes of the title track of the record – this is a highlight of the album, and shows a peak of what this band is capable of. Brass arrangements from Adam Bidwell of Ohio favorites MoJoFlo adds a nice bit of pizzazz to this track. Credit must be given to Paul Valdivez for his arrangements as well.
While listening to the title track I had a curious thought. Even in the album’s most upbeat moments I don’t always feel compelled to move, as I’m oft to do while listening to peppy music. I’m not amped up with adrenaline – I’m content to just be. Conversely, the song “Scared,” which the band released as a single early on, is one of the more chill songs on the record but I feel similarly content to just be. Not excessively chilled out. I’m not sure what it is about the band’s style that makes me feel this way – but it’s certainly unique to the Columbus scene.
For Every Heartbreak has me convinced that there could be a national audience for this band. Perhaps you feel the same.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/231352521″ /]
0 Comments