Rock is dead? Wrong! Rock is Dead Star, the new EP from Rochester, NY based King Buffalo. The latest offering from The Flower city trio is exactly what fans of the group would expect – but better. For those not familiar with the group – what are you waiting for, get this release on your play lists as soon as its available March 23. 

As you prepare yourself to listen to this self-described “Stoner Rock” band the strong recommendation is to clear your schedule for about 40 minutes, get your headphones, till your mind, and crank it up. Starting with ominous and hypnotic “Red Star Pt. 1 & 2,” the band’s groove is immediately felt. They take you on a ride in the cosmos of your mind and showcase the various styles they’ve been refining since they self-released Demo in 2013 through 2018’s Longing To Be the Mountain, and the experimentation of Repeater. From the pounding drums, and bass to the ever-mesmerizing vocals the immediate feel of the album is a chaotic peace that King Buffalo has perfected. 

The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Sean McVay, bassist Dan Reynolds, and drummer Scott Donaldson who create a vibe that few bands are consistently delivering. Listeners will continually ask themselves “where have I been, and where am I going next” while floating through this album. 

Cultivating various styles listeners journey through heavy blues, a bit of jazz, prog rock and so much more. Above all else, Dead Star is rock’n roll at its finest. 

“Echo of a Waning Star is up next and maintains the galactic voyage and begins to beg the question, “Is this a ‘concept’ album?” Ultimately, does it matter? It doesn’t, what does matter is McVay continues to induce the listeners trance with vocals and guitar that perfectly match the haunting rhythms of Reynolds and Donaldson, all melded into an uncompromising synthesis.”  

Following that is the instrumental perilousness of “Ecliptic” which advances the mood of the album, and relaxes the listener all the while setting up the grandiose Eta Carinae. Much like the stellar system of the same name, this tune’s luminosity reaches the 6th magnitude and intensifies Dead Star’s brightness.

On tap next is the EPs namesake track, “Dead Star,” and it is a ride for the ages. Beginning with an acoustic feel of a single guitar and McVay’s eerily solemn voice the song builds, shines, explodes and then fades back into the night like a true dead star. 

Last up is the radio edit for “Red Star Pt. II” and it’s as “radio friendly” as King Buffalo is going to get. Still, the power of the group is felt, but this is a 4 minute ride instead of a full 16 minutes. 

Dead Star is an EP that showcases a group who has found its place in music but clearly isn’t satisfied with it and is constantly moving in new directions. 

King Buffalo is currently on the road and if they come to your town, check them out.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Don Manuszewski