Earache (label)
16 February 2016 (released)
30 January 2016
With an album name like ‘Love And The Death Of Damnation’, you know an artist is going to be hardcore but quirky. This certainly describes The White Buffalo aka singer-songwriter Jake Smith. After picking up a guitar at the late age of 19, Smith hasn't stopped playing since. With 9 of his songs featuring in Sons Of Anarchy and many others landing in soundtracks of movies such as ‘Shelter’, it is obvious The White Buffalo’s new album has high expectations.
Many artists struggle to tell a story with their music but not Smith. Each song creates a narrative that has you captivated, starting with ‘Dark Days’. At first listening to the track it seems to have a strong commercial country sound with lyrics such as “wipe the dust off my saddle’ but if you dive in deeper you hear about a man reflecting on his dark past but looking to the future with hope.
The intriguing stories continue with next track ‘Chico’ about a conflict between Chico and another man. After just 2 minutes 54 seconds you will feel as if you know Chico and his story personally and if that doesn’t show a talented lyricist then I don’t know what does.
Unfortunately Smith’s lyrical talented isn’t reflected in ‘Go To The Distance’ as he uses immature lyrics about getting “stoned” and referring to women as “a piece of ass”. The chaotic ramble of a song is full of profanity that flaunts his unconcerned attitude.
The tempo is brought down for the ballad ‘Radio With No Sound’. The track is so melancholy but intoxicating with a hypnotic melody. The stripped back simple track demonstrates Smith’s stunningly gentle and warming vocals telling the heartbreaking story of an abandoned child who grows up to become a heavy drinker. The raw emotion enhances the unforgettable narrative, making it the highlight of the album.
Jake Smith is joined by folk rocker Audra Mae for ‘I Got You'. Mae says "I’ve been a fan for years so it’s exciting to be in the same room with Jake, let alone singing alongside him in the studio. ‘I Got You’ is honest and gorgeous and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. What an honour and such a pleasure.” This is shown in the track as their vocals gel so perfectly together forming a catchy song that progresses through the bridge with such passion and power.
The constant waltz between ballads like ‘I Got You’ to chaotic up beat tracks like ‘Modern Times’ all comes to an abrupt holt as the chilling track ‘Last Call To Heaven’ begins. Haunting violins enhance Smiths dark vocals telling a story about a man searching for help from a low place in his life. Although chilling, the song stays flat and doesn’t progress to the emotion that the rest of the album does.
Final track ‘Come On Love, Come On In’ ironically shows such hope and triumph that suggests Smith isn’t phased by the darkness and emotion he has just created. The gospel influences force a soulful sound that consolidates Smith’s passionate vocals. Unlike the other tracks that are more gritty rock, ‘Come On Love, Come On In’ is bursting with happiness, which suits The White Buffalo, making it a perfect track to end the album.
