The thing about praising new bands that return to the roots of old music is that the 'old' music has always been around and it still is. Groups are writing new songs using the same old structures that worked for blues and folk musicians of the past, the only difference is that it's guys like The Buzzrats that are doing it instead of, let's say, The Strokes. Probably some guitarist is playing Chuck Berry in a bar room over in Halifax right now. It's just a shame that the current trend isn't into looking to the past to correct our mistakes in the present.



Bands are still making songs like Neil Young was doing when he wrote classics such as "The Old Laughing Lady", although they are not quite as timeless. The Buzzrats produce songs which have that old country and folk tinge to them, but utilize a slightly nauseating form of rock and roll with it. With singer Steve Leggett's quavering voice, sounding like Neil Young's current incarnation of a frank and honest every man, the songs move along like a widening river. One thing that the group does incorporate though, which is actually becoming a trend, is utilizing various instruments to experimental and often successful effect.



Trends and history aside though, the band is simply a few guys getting together to jam and have a good time. They aren't trying to revolutionize and become famous; they just want to make honest music that makes them feel good. The feeling comes across eloquently on songs such as "Where the Rockets Go" and "Wondering Where You Are". On "Wondering Where You Are" the band creates an ode to the more classic rock and roll gems from the golden days of Buddy Holly. The band does well to make an atmospheric and airy sound; reminiscent of something that might be coming from a red Chevy Impala's radio, parked in 1950, watching constellations gently turn.



"Where The Rockets Go" is a reflective song which quite literally takes off. The lyrics are honest and display a place in the mind as well as on the map. Leggett even mentions Ontario in one line, without sounding like a 'canuck'. You get the sense that he was at his desk one night after a bad night of love and wrote this song with the melody swimming in his head. It's the highlight of the album and displays the entire bands ability to bring their instruments to one highly involving sound.



The rest of the album delivers a somewhat banal experience. The instrumentation borders on bluesy and folky, but never really connects with either side. If there is going to be a revival of blues and folk, then let's do it right.



Track Listing

1 Belief

2 Emotional World

3 Wondering Where You Are

4 Cool Papa Bell

5 Mingus on the Bandstand

6 Vibrate On

7 Greaser

8 If You Haven't Any Hay

9 Fireproof Box

10 Mongoose

11 Under Carnival Skies

12 Monday (What I Know)

13 Where the Rockets Go

14 Six Degrees