Oxford Town, Mississippi is a small settlement made famous by Bob Dylan in 1963 for the wrong reasons. Now it’s about to have the spotlight put on it again for all the right reasons, through budding indie outlaws Young Buffalo. These feral young talents are preparing to release their debut download single “Catapilah” through Young and Lost Club on January 3rd 2011 and a limited edition 7” vinyl on February 14th 2011.
Consisting of Jim Barrett, Ben Yarbrough and Alex Von Hardberger, who share lead vocals and writing duties, Young Buffalo have come from unsuspecting beginnings to deliver a new sound that draws on a very eclectic mix of influences combining Neutral Milk Hotel and Conor Oberst’s country drawl, with a hint of Fleet Foxes-esque melodic power balladry.
Their debut single ‘Catapilah’ is definitely one of the band’s most organic creations; recorded in Oxford, Mississippi with Kyle “Slick” Johnson (Wavves, Cymbals Eat Guitars) in Dennis Herring’s Sweet Tea studio, while “hanging out together and enjoying each others company” it’s an enjoyably unique and personal jam to brighten even the darkest day.
Whilst most bands come together bonding over a specific sound or genre, Young Buffalo benefit from each member’s personal musical tastes, interests and multi-faceted musicianship. Through all the contributing vocals and unusual harmonies lies an exciting melodic power, showing the wealth of maturity lying beneath Young Buffalo’s youthful appearance. (The three piece are in fact only 19, 20, and 21 years of age.) Born and raised in a small local community, they have been astounded by the response and support they have gained recently and how this has spread across the borders nationally and now internationally.
Their latest fan is Radio 1’s Zane Lowe, touting them as “a very exciting new band ” and tipping them to make an ‘album of the year’ in 2011. Young Buffalo are going from strength to strength.
Heading to UK shores in February 2011, live is where the band come into their own, with the interchanging of instruments and lead vocals creating an exciting unpredictability when they perform. The experience never feels like just another indie band. The band will be playing shows in London the week of release, including supporting Miles Kane at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen.
FEBRUARY 2011
Weds 16th Feb Rockfeedback @ The Lexington w/Guards
Thu 17th Feb NME Awards show @ Hoxton Bar & Kitchen w/Miles Kane