There Goes the Neighbourhood

There's a tendency for bands to fall into the cover band quagmire, playing only the most banal songs pandering to the audience that has never missed an opportunity to yell a "Bah Bah Bah" to every "Sweet Caroline" complete with all of the requisite "so goods", "so goods" and, yes, "so goods". It's the musical equivalent of empty calories. It tastes good at the time, but there's no staying power. No substance.

Buzz Kings don't fall into that trap. Even when they're playing covers, it's Don't Do Me Like That not Free Fallin'. Burning for You, not Don't Fear the Reaper, it's, well, that their set includes a cover of Blue Oyster Cult in 2017, tells you everything you need to know, and why these guys are a group to watch.

Further to that, their debut CD, There Goes the Neighbourhood takes this aesthetic a step further. Now, they not only cover unexpected songs, they also write them. This neighbourhood is bursting with hooks, harmonies and crunchy rhythms.

After All
There Goes the Neighbourhood starts off with a bang with a saturated octave riff reminiscent of the Cult, or Jeff Beck on Heart Full of Soul. The verse throwso into tribal toms, and controlled feedback for the verses, before the chorus kicks in with big harmonies, and a call to understand what the other side is saying. After All calls for the listener to look at the things that bring us together despite the many things, both big and small, that might divide us.

Days Like This
The band channels their inner metalhead on this song. They start off with a simple synth chord leading into diminished harmonies, and a heavy riff. Amid all this though is a hook-laden chorus, again with those harmonies.

That's What She Said
It's no surprise that the song written by the drummer is the one with the drum solo, and it's a great one. It's also surrounded by a solid Yardbirds-esque blues rave up, where everyone has a spot to shine over the driving rhythm section.

Rollercoaster
The band has re-recorded this since it was first released on iTunes. They've become a tighter unit, in every way, and it shows. The low end is tighter and more defined and the guitar/harmonica duel at the end is more fiery.

Blindside
Sounds like a classic summer party song, with a twist!

Down To Georgia
The tale of a Canadian musician, and his adventures south of the border.