brian swanson

Monday night was the last night of Last American Buffalo’s residency at the Silverlake Lounge. Residency night is pretty much the easiest night to go out. It’s already the end of July, so if a band holds four shows in a month… I should really try and catch one of them. The bar makes for a pretty small venue, but it also makes for better crowds, so I had to artfully crowd-weave my way around to the front. Last American Buffalo was pop-rock, but I liked it more than most pop-rock bands. They’ve got a modern oldies vibe—if that makes any sense. I thought the music would sound a lot more rock n’ roll without the keys, but at the same time those keys added a pretty pleasant sunny undertone. Most of their songs came off as pretty optimistic—I don’t know the title but the bassist has a moment where he makes his instrument toot like a horn. Kevin Tyler (their singer) had a pretty impressive mustache. But my favorite character had to be the drummer who was dressed in a stylish fro (pick included) with bright white blazer and matching kicks. With the exception of one enthused fan who repeatedly jumped onstage slamming his tambourine, the crowd was modest—but I’d say these fellas are a worthwhile act.

—Brian Swanson