Such Great Buzzes is an alt-folk trio based out of Northumberland County, Ontario, that likes to add a touch of jazz to their compositions. Consisting of Matt Kowalyk (vocals/guitar/bass/cello/percussion), John Sharkey (vocals/bass/keys) and Joel Carrier (vocals/drums/percussion), the band makes the sort of music that feels atmospheric. With mellow vocals and an easy-going vibe, the real smooth, cool music on A Lonesome Gathering provides a backdrop to a coffee shop ambience. Their laid-back energy is definitely something a lot of us will be enjoying.
A Lonesome Gathering gets going with “East To Kingston,” where once the instrumentals come in, you get a welcoming sense of what the band is all about. Their sound carries with vibes of jazz, some funk and a great alternative sound. The lead vocalist sounded easy-going. The melodies and harmonies were great. I think the band does a good job here. More smooth jazz arrives for a cool vibe on “Bees On The Bamboo.” I liked how the instrumentals take on a sprawling approach here. Once the lead vocals entered, the music really came together. This was another ambient number from the band. Finger-picking on the acoustic guitar comes in alongside some percussion on “Don’t Make A Fool Out Of Me.” This made for a lively sound. This track had a rather island flavor to it that I loved. The lead singer’s delivery was right on point. More acoustic guitar renderings come through “Ink On Canvas.” I loved the bare and stripped tones here. It made for a welcoming listening experience. Gradually, some electric guitar is woven into the sounds alongside a dancing drumming beat. This was a slow burning song from the band. Once again, some acoustic guitar lights up the sounds on “Meet Me In Magnetawan.” The percussion and drumming beat made for a lively vibe. This felt like a soulful track from the group as the lead singer belts out the lyrics with feeling and verve. Acoustic guitar enters for a mesmerizing feel on “A Man Named Evil.” Next, the stripped guitar vibes are joined by some keys and percussion. The sound was airy and atmospheric. Once the lead singer’s vocals came in, I was definitely reminded of a lullaby. The sound of the lush cello really made this song. Crisp acoustic sounds from the guitar come in on “Wait For The Rain.” Once the lead vocals came in, I enjoyed his resonating timbre. This proved to be a highlight on this album. Percussion and drums roll in for a revved feel on “Dogfight.” This style of rock music felt very immediate. As the lead singer’s emotional voice arrives, the moving music also backs him up. This was also among my favorites. More acoustic sounds from the guitar enter here on “In The Before Times.” On this track, the guitar takes on a moody vibe. Soon, the sounds of the electric guitar come in and a drumming beat. The music altogether was really relaxed. The lead singer’s vocals are somber and tinged with melancholy here. The sounds of strings added a certain lushness to the overall vibe. The band chooses to end their album with this poignant closer. With a lounge vibe that hints at jazz, the music that Such Great Buzzes plays isn’t the type of music that bombards you, instead it takes its time to settle in and letting these pieces evolve. I have to say, the band’s chemistry is great. These are seasoned musicians, who seem to love playing together. Their rapport and drive are evident as they play with synchronized rhythm and pacing. All in all, this was a good album and I look forward to seeing more great things from the band!
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