Farce the Music

Jul 26, 2013

Isbell and Shires on Letterman

Album Review: Buffalo Gospel - We Can Be Horses

Buffalo Gospel - We Can Be Horses

We Can Be Horses is pure Americana, somewhere near the center-point between bluegrass, folk, singer-songwriter, rock and country music. Dusty and divine harmonies. Intelligent, artistic, passionate songs, expertly played. "Mule" will burrow into your head with its heartbreaking opening line, then take up residence by the time the "you never know that a little love is all you need till a little love is all you got" refrain rolls around. The whole album feels organic, warm and comfortable, but more than willing to make you a little uneasy or drag you into darkness with lyrics that cut deep. There's clearly a theme or two running through the album with the frequent mention of animals and directional song titles, but they may be red herrings as the main themes I discern here are journeys of faith and loneliness. My favorite cut is "The Long Way Home," a song of sailors and devils with lyrics that continually move and circle back like a ship drifting in and out of an eddy. Overall, a very strong album that will bring you back for many listens. Recommended for fans of Townes Van Zandt, The Fox Hunt and Lucero, among other acts.