Buddahead
The Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ - July 26, 2004

New York's Buddahead is a 5-piece band that delivers smooth alternative rock ballads with emotional lyrics. Dan and I caught them live; and the show was fantastic...read on for more.

Rocking out with his tremendous electric sounds, Buddahead gave a thrilling performance. Dan and I ventured to the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ, on July 26, 2004 to see the New York-based rockers open up for Everlast.

Opening up with my favorite track, "Strong", the band produced amazing string sounds with its four guitarists, and the drummer who kept the beat. "Strong" is a tune that can merge deep introspection with the wailing guitar style that usually blindsides such gems. But this song has it all; meaning and great tuneage.

"Invisible" is an alternative rock ballad, and by the time I heard this song, I could tell where all the neat electric swirls I love on the album were coming from. One word — Nick. An electric guitar god, you could call him. Not only does he play great a mean guitar like the bass and acoustic players (as well as lead singer Raman Kia on electric), but he sings back-up vocals, stirs up one heck of a solo and, by the end of the show, was breaking into his own churning intermissions. Not to say that each band member didn't sparkle in his own way, because they did. But trust me even if you don't like the music, this guy has talent worth seeing live.

So besides the ring in my left ear from Nick's amp, it was well worth it just to see him jam out.

Kia's vocal capabilities are limitless, and they resonated in every song as the band progressed with "How Does It Feel" and "Take It All Away". As he did on the band's debut album, "Crossing the Invisible Line", Kia delivered emotional vocals in a higher, almost sometimes British-sounding pitch.

For a band that is still coming out of its shell, they sure have the live show to-do list down. Fun stage banter — check. Spotlighting each band member — check. But most of all, breaking into cool cover songs in the middle of an original — double check. Let's just say that the guys delivered a surprise interlude of the Rolling Stones' hit, "You Can't Always Get What You Want." Sharp.

"Holding Me Back" tells a tale of bitterness, as Kia sang, "I've been hurt/I've been burned/You could be helping me out." The band closed with what should soon be a national hit, "When I Fall." The song has the most pop sensibility, yet retains the alternative rock roots that the band contrives.

After a lengthy-yet-enjoyable guitar interlude in "When I Fall", it was unfortunately time for the set to end.

And even though the show wasn't as long as I would have liked, it was great to see this emerging band step into the spotlight and entertain the crowd. A group of genuine musicians, Dan and I left the show eager to see them play again soon.

Thanks to the members of the band for being so cool and putting on an awesome show.

Reviewed by Kristen Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com