BUFFALO Reissues
Aztec Music (2005)
Australian hard rockers Buffalo, signing to the much revered Vertigo label, mixed Black Sabbath and Deep Purple in a fairly unique way, with John Baxter's use of slide guitar adding an extra dimension to the sound.
Volcanic Rock, released in 1973, (Aztec Music AVSCD006 (47:27) ) is pretty typical if not derivative of hard rock of the era. Dave Tice's vocals are ordinary and at times strained; if anything stands out it's the pounding rhythm section.
Bassist Pete Wells would go on to play far better slide guitar in the far superior Rose Tattoo. There's a hint of Steppenwolf in Till My Death, an interesting mix that's too cluttered to work.**
The following year's I Only Want You For Your Body (Aztec Music AVSCD007 (45:42)) must feature one of the worst covers of all time (an obese woman on a torture rack), the rear showing the band as one of the worst dressed.
The music is a touch better, solid 70s hard rock but certainly nothing to write home about. I'm A Skirt Lifter is a title as silly as the cover. **
With glossy digipaks, bonus tracks and copious notes in the booklets, the excellent packaging far outstrips the music.
Review by Joe Geesin
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