The Buddyrevelles are among the first generation of bands not merely copying the sound and attitude of Nirvana-era alt-rock, but genuinely absorbing and assimilating such stuff and spitting it back out as something honest and true. The band’s fine sophomore LP American Matador (note the reference admittedly, “American Sub Pop” just doesn’t roll off the tongue as mellifluously, or lend itself as well to cover art) conjures everything from the Pixies to Superchunk to Shudder to Think with its crunching melodies, soaring vocals, and shifting dynamics, yet somehow everything old is new again, invigorated by the sheer conviction and intelligence of the performances. For just a trio, the Buddyrevelles’ sound is surprisingly complex and robust, lending standout cuts like “I’ll Take You in My Car” and “At Least Ten Years” an anthemic power ideally suited to frontman Aaron Grant’s piledriver songwriting — the extended instrumental passages which bolster “Pablo’s Theme” and “Dave on a Plank” reveal a reach and scope rare among the group’s indie rock antecedents. – Jason Ankeny
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