Album Review: Bombadil - A Buzz, a Buzzl

Tom Bombadil, a J.R.R. Tolkien character, is described as "a spry fellow, with a quick, playful wit who has a jolly, carefree attitude, and very little seems to concern him." It seems fitting that the Durham band that bears his name conveys his personality on their debut album, A Buzz, a Buzz.

The album is a collection of well crafted pop songs. They're intricate but at the same time loosely arranged. The band doesn't take themselves too seriously, yet their lyrics are smart and scattered with historical and literary references. Their choices of instruments and sounds tend to sound very much like they're from another time. There is definitely some European influence on the band, seemingly Irish or Celtic (I'm no expert though).

The song "Julian of Norwich" is about a woman from the 1300s who locked herself in a church because she was convinced God was speaking to her. The song is a jaunty tune with a chorus that sounds like a gang of drunken pirates. It's a good thing.

It goes without saying that their music is loose and fun on songs like "Julian of Norwhich," "Cavaliers Har Hur" and the Beatlesesque tune, "Johnny."

Though the band's energy is derived from their intricate arrangements and instrumentation, the songwriting is the backbone of the band. The songs shine on slower, more sparsely arranged tunes like "Three Saddest Words," "One Two Three" and "Get To Getting On."

Bombadil have managed to create a debut album that's sophisticated and smart, yet playful and accessible. They sound familiar yet fresh. They would appeal to older fans who may like their label mates The Avett Brother and The Everybodyfields but will also appeal to younger fans of Bowerbirds and Arcade Fire. Bombadil have what it takes go far.

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Bombadil will release A Buzz, a Buzz via Ramseur Records on April 29. They will celebrate the release with a free in-store performance at Schoolkids Records in Raleigh on the 29th at 7PM.

You don't have to wait until Tuesday to get your hands on their new album though. The band will have their official CD release party at the Cat's Cradle tomorrow night, April 25. The Love Language and Nathan Oliver will open the show which begins at 9PM.

Also, tune in to WUNC on Friday at noon to hear the band featured on the program "The State of Things."

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Download "Smile When You Kiss" and "A Buzz, a Buzz" from A Buzz, a Buzz.