Killing Buddha
COMING UP FOR AIR
(Space Cousin Productions)

  Killing Buddha is one of the freshest sounding, knock your socks off, uber-bands to hit the Sacramento music scene in years. Even if you don't recognize the name, you might remember some of the faces, especially if you were around 3 to 4 years ago when groups like Birthday, Crash*Star, Avantgarden, and Brother Madison were just beginning to hit their stride. Considering the stellar lineup, it should come as no surprise that Killing Buddha's repertoire combines an impressive array of multi-layered musical elements-- including psychedelic distortion-infused guitar and bass riffs, ethereal keyboard melodies, and even a hint of jazz from saxophonist Michael LaPilusa. Throw in some low-key indie songwriting, and alternating male and female vocals provided by Wesley James (formerly of Orisha and Birthday) and Sandi Leeper (Pyre and Crash*Star), and you've got a delicious space rock sandwich fit for any musical appetite.

That said, Killing Buddha's debut album, Coming Up For Air, is tasty, but far from perfect. While the songs themselves run the gambit from 'ok' to 'bloody amazing' (especially the hauntingly beautiful "Little Death" and wall of sound psychedelic freak-out "Huh???"), overall the project lacks the same creative energy that flows so freely during their live performances. The vocal tracks appear uncharacteristically flattened and atonal in some spots (most noticeably during the first song), though perfectly fine in others. Another cruel blow is that the most impressive songs are all weighted toward the second half of the CD, which might turn off first time listeners not willing to sit through the first 20 minutes.

Like a color print of Van Gogh's Starry Night, this album reflects the size, shape, and color of the artists' vision, but not all of the texture. If you're already a fan of the band, buy the album. But if you want to get the full sensurround experience, I thoroughly advise checking out any one of their numerous upcoming shows, or for a special treat, make sure you catch a performance at World 2-- the amazing venue located in Rancho Cordova designed and decorated by frontman James, which boasts incredible sound, unmatched visuals, as well as frequent live performance art by local dancers and friends of the band.