This East Coast five-piece called Buddha Brains have put together some interesting styles on their second release Songs From the Open Road. Combining hard rock and metal guitar riffs, funky rhythms, strong vocals, and jazzy saxophone, Buddha Brains bridge the gap between many genres, yet display a keen sense for melodic songwriting to go along with their solid musical chops.
The opening title track features crunchy guitar riffs from Jim Haze and the soaring sax lines of Dave Roman, while "New Mexico" is a definite anthem with hard driving rhythms and a catchy chorus. I was reminded a bit of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" on the rampaging "Revolution Gone", a heavy groove tune highlighted by Haze's gutsy vocals and equally meaty guitar riffs. The band goes for a more rootsy sound on the haunting "I Tell You It's True", and mixes acoustic guitars with heavy thunder on the Gov't Mule sounding "Without Warning." After the acoustic blues of "Nevermind", the band goes for the juggular on the crunchy "Whole Damn Thing", a song that will get you thinking about the state of the world these days. With thick, wah-wah laced guitar licks reminiscent of Warren Haynes or Frank Marino, Haze really shines here, as does Roman on the sax. "All My People" sees the band settle down for some dark, heavy blues rock, with bassist Frank LaPlaca laying down some heavy grooves while his rhythm partner Tom Parsells flails away on the drums. The CD ends with the dreamy acoustic number "Desire", a nice way to end this enjoyable release.
This is a band that should go far given the right breaks. They have it all-songwriting skills, chops, poise, and professionalism. Think of a more talented Cry of Love with added muscle and better songs. I'll be looking to see where they go next.
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