Buddie - Agitator

 

I've been sat on this for a while and then completely missed last Friday's release, I had better not make the mistake when the excellent Crafted Sound's upcoming release of label mates Silver Car Crash's new album. Buddie's second album is magnificent, every bit as good as I expected and more.

I reviewed the holding EP, Transplant, here and that was an absolute joy, but this full length album is even better. This is Indie Guitar Pop of the highest order, very 90s, but with an ability to trend across the genre. Incredibly melodic and riff driven, it will certainly push IDHAS followers buttons.

There's a real lyrical adeptness to match the catchiness. Class Warfare has a riff not a million miles away from Don't Fear The Reaper and leads into a big does of melodic pop until an almost Psych close. Buddie certainly pack a lot into individual songs.

We'll Never Break is fine Slacker Pop, Backwards Behind mirrors Teenage Fanclub, Worried is pure Weezer and Game Of Global Consequence could be something written by Andy Partridge. Move On even has a real Sunshine Pop vibe.

As with the EP, there are comparisons to Alex Lifeson's second half of the 80s Guitar riffs, particularly on Labyrinth, then there is noise rock fuzz of Ugly In The End and the best may be saved until last with the slowed down closer Restive Summer, an epic sign off.

Most will probably not notice the aims of the splendid lyrics being too busy tapping their feet and singing along to the choruses. I like to think that I know my subject (in a totally modest way of course) and to me Buddie are one of the most vital Pop Rock bands of recent years and Agitator is album of the year material.

You can listen to and buy the album here. There are also links here, where you can also find out more about the wonderful Crafted Sounds label.

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