The White Buffalo is known for his gruff voice and deep lyrics. (Courtesy photo)
Consider the following a dip into the musical realm of possibilities there are beyond the new Britney Spears album. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Or, rock out. Whatever is most fitting.
The White Buffalo
With a voice as gritty as an old Ford on a dirt road, The White Buffalo plays acoustic tunes with melancholy, but beautiful tones. With an edge of outlaw and a twist of raw alternative folk, this one-man band is perfect for relaxing outside on a Colorado evening, reflecting on life’s imperfections. The White Buffalo is unique in that the artist isn’t who you’d imagine: A big, burly, bouncer-looking man who croons lyrics like “’Til you blew in just like paper in the wind/I just wanted something to believe in.” Listen to “Love Song #1”
The Civil Wars
Americana/folk duo, The Civil Wars, is comprised Joy Williams and John Paul White. Here, you’ll fall in love with their rich, haunting harmonies and deep-seeded strings and piano. They both write their own songs and they tour without a backup band, showing their true musicianship. Because of their two-(wo)man status, their songs are like conversations and their harmonies weave in and out of each other flawlessly. Listen to “Poison and Wine,” which was featured on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The lyrics are worth listening to more than once and the melody is simplistic and achingly beautiful.
Boy & Bear
Fresh from Australia, Boy & Bear were featured artists at this year’s SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas. These indie folk rockers are compelling with their driving vocals and choral-like harmonies. All members are singer/songwriters and each tried their hand at solo work before collaborating and creating what now is Boy & Bear, with Dave Hosking at the helm. “So won’t you keep from the beggars of bones/for the night comes to bring them home,” they sing in “Mexican Mavis.” Give it a listen while we all wait for them to come back and tour in America.
Chikita Violenta
Chikita Violenta has been around for a while, but since their release of their newest album, “TRE3S,” they are gaining momentum in the alternative rock world—and fast. The band is made up of Mexico City natives and is loved for their spunky guitar pop. The anthem-like pop/rock sound is more present in their latest endeavor, and their Latin influence puts them in a different category. Their echo-y and distant vocals bring a lightness to songs like “Roni,” which is off their latest album.
Contact CU Independent Entertainment Editor Taylor Coughlin at Taylor.coughlin@colorado.edu.
