Buffalo Rose - “Runaway”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Lake Street Dive, Margo Price, Alison Krauss

Based in Americana and bluegrass forms, Buffalo Rose twist expectations by leaning into straight-pop songwriting versus throwback, back-porch country. Their musicianship stands out (instrumental “The Cosmos and the Canyon” is low-key one of Buffalo Rose’s best tracks), razor-tight and played well both in tension and release. Buffalo Rose mostly goes for pretty tones full of soulful vocal harmonies and lush acoustic picking, but stretches subtly from there. Based out of Pittsburgh, Buffalo Rose have a full-length and both a studio and live EP released since, but there’s a vibe here of a band looking to still try on different hats in a normally traditional space. (Kevin McStravick)