ACHERON

Few albums capture the strange, claustrophobic atmosphere of the pandemic as perfectly as King Buffalo's Acheron. I remember it vividly: we were all locked inside, and although it was a harrowing time, there was still music, and some bands dared to create. One of them was King Buffalo, who recorded this extraordinary live album at Howe Caverns in New York, an idea that seemed unthinkable at the time. The result is an extraordinary album where the band's sound blends organically with the natural acoustics of the cave.

Acheron includes four tracks spanning over 40 minutes. The title refers to the River Acheron from Greek mythology, also known as the "river of sorrow," which fits perfectly with the subterranean, aquatic concept of the album. It's a conceptual piece about the end, about taking one's last breath to Charon, the ferryman who carries souls to the afterlife. The production, by Grant Husselman, stands out for its clarity and warmth, while retaining a classic, organic feel.

The album incorporates authentic cave reverberations, such as the faint sound of running water, which subtly emerge during transitions. The compositions emphasize wide, open spaces with minimalist vocals, echoing guitars, ethereal basses, keyboards, and extended solos that build a gradual and immersive narrative. The opening track, "Acheron," begins with meditative riffs that transform into dense layers of guitars and keyboards, and its sonic evolution offers a complete emotional journey. "Zephyr" continues with gentle rhythms and swirling psychedelic drones, punctuated by dynamic shifts and powerful solos that provide energy and flow. This is followed by "Shadows," a track notable for its simple yet hypnotic rhythm, fluid bass lines, and spacey guitars. Its reverberation evokes a sense of desolation, accompanied by introspective lyrics. After this reflective moment, "Cerberus" closes the album with a dramatic psychedelic crescendo, built on palm-muted triplet riffs and a cinematic intensity that's almost visual.

It's one of the band's best works, combining elements reminiscent of Pink Floyd's most experimental and psychedelic era without losing its originality. With Acheron, King Buffalo achieves their most experimental album to date, crafted with elegance, style, and a confidence that consolidates the band's extraordinary discography.

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