Album review: Spare Parts by Austin act Buzz Electro features loud guitars and nasty riffs
Guitars should be loud, and riffs should be nasty. The drums should sound like they hold the keys to the entryway to hell. Luckily, Buzz Electro got the memo. On their newest record (released June 7), “Spare Parts,” the band gives it their all as one of the acts in Austin doing their best to be the loudest, horns up, drinks spilled version of rock n roll out there.
In some moments, there’s some noticeable Queens of the Stone Age worship, while the next, it feels a little Soundgarden, which, if you’ve got the pipes and the howl, is never bad. One of the most noticeable things about Spare Parts is just how clean the production value is – if this was a home job, whoever was behind the computer did a stellar job of capturing the tonality of a live band in a room going for it. For a rock record, it is one of the two streets you want: beautiful and bright, with shimmering vocals and clear as-day bass tones and guitar riffage, or absolutely grimy, straight from the black metal basement (Or Ian MacKaye’s house).
Throughout Spare Parts, the record feels like a love letter to rock n roll; worn-out Vans, too much weed, and maybe too many cheap bottles of Lone Star on a work night. Whatever the case, tracks like “Low Life” and “Packsaddle” show off the band in its best form as a non-stop, head-banging party. Upon the second listen, multiple points throughout the record feel more like a Dazed and Confused soundtrack without falling into that hokey trap where every band in town wanted to sound like Black Sabbath pre-COVID. (Thank fuck, that’s over.)
“Low Life” kicks off with a gritty, foot-stompin riff that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The lyrics, steeped in rebellion, capture the essence of rock’s golden age. “Packsaddle” follows suit with its relentless pace and catchy hooks, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Another highlight is “Dually,” a track that combines a haunting 70’s 70-style melody with a ferocious groove, showcasing the band’s versatility, which makes it feel like the truck they’ve clearly cited. (And more of that solid Soundgarden energy.)
Thematically, Spare Parts delves into life’s raw, unpolished facets, from the highs of reckless abandon to the lows of existential contemplation. Buzz Electro doesn’t just play rock and roll; they embody it. The album’s closer, “OOB 24,” is a fitting end to the band’s latest journey – a burning anthem that crescendos into one of those jams you hoist the drinks to through the sweat of a joint like Chess Club on Red River.
Featured photo by Cameron Kisel courtesy of Buzz Electro
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