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Avi Buffalo – Truth Sets In

Single Reviews

A cheery tune for a sunny day – or so it would seem...

Sub Pop, 16th August 2010 / By Jack Urwin
Avi Buffalo – Truth Sets In Avi Buffalo are frustratingly young. However, they’re also kind of adorable and make pretty music so you can’t hold their precocious talent against them for too long. Opening track from their debut album ‘Truth Sets In’ also provides the band’s latest single. A cheery tune for a sunny day – or so it would seem.

The strummy acoustic guitar, gorgeous harmonics, enthusiastic handclaps and sweet vocals (none of which there is any shortage of in this song) are always a recipe for success. The arrangements on ‘Truth Sets In’ are simple but beautiful, and sickeningly effective at placing massive grins on listeners’ faces. However, despite the song’s bright, upbeat sound, there is an overarching sense of despair in the lyrics: “What's another word to scream/maybe one more about the team/try to improve the local scene/we ain't no good anymore” and perhaps even hints at the theme that haunts any teen’s life, regardless of when or where they live: heartbreak - “witchcraft seems to unload and say/that you don't love me anymore”.

Sure, they’re not doing anything particularly original or groundbreaking – but there comes a point where you have to just shrug your shoulders and ask “really, who cares?” They’re clearly having fun with this; they’re young, beautiful and have plenty of time to create their own unique sound. ‘Truth Sets In’ is a must listen before summer fizzles out and we’re all forced back to the grim reality of, well, life. Rating: 7/10

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