Buddha Trixie - Real

Buddha Trixie

Real
self-released; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Buddha Trixie is a band from San Diego, CA comprised of Andrew Harris, Daniel Cole, Dennis Moon and Kenzo Mann. They recently released a four-song EP entitled Real. After spending some time with the EP it’s evident these guys have a lot of talent in terms of their creativity and technical ability. The songs aren't only well written but offer the kinds of aesthetic treats that are elusive to an ample amount of bands.

The band starts off with “Be There” which immediately displays why this band rules. First off the vocal delivery is attractive in a number of ways. The lead singer seems happy to be there, is dynamic and at the same time has a nonchalant vibe. He sings “London Bridge is falling down / But I can't go now, can't go now / My friends are caught in a deadbeat town / So I can't go now, can't go now.” 

Then there is the music, which is just as infectious as the vocals. Around the thirty-second mark the band introduces inventive drumming and guitar work but certainly isn't the last time. The outro on this song is not to be missed. It reminded me of The Flaming Lips if they sounded more like The Strokes. 

At the beginning of the very next song “Real” I was reminded of The Strokes again. Only this time they were covering “Teen Age Riot” by Sonic Youth. This isn’t a knock on the band but if you don’t notice similarities to “Teen Age Riot” by way of the vocal melody then you haven’t heard the song before. The band shows many reasons why they aren't to be dismissed when they go into a psychedelic, warbly breakdown that eventually gets smothered by ascending and descending lead guitar. 

The next song “Worship Me” is a straightforward rock song that tips it hat to ‘90s bands like Weezer and Fountains Of Wayne while the closer “99 Cent Tacos” is another rocker which contains some inventive techniques such as the panning modulation.

Buddha Trixie is a solid band with a few tricks up their sleeves but I don't think they have peaked. The first two songs on this EP are incredibly strong. I would have liked to hear a twenty to twenty-five percent improvement in terms of recording quality and I think the band is a few degrees away from truly finding their own sound. They are definitely getting there and I wouldn't be surprised if their next release were even more realized.

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