A lengthy (35 min!) new EP! Dead Star continues the risk-taking that fueled Repeater, honoring the core dynamic of King Buffalo as a band while boldly introducing new ideas and sides of their sound to their audience. Self-recorded in late 2019 and early 2020 by guitarist/vocalist Sean McVay, bassist Dan Reynolds and drummer Scott Donaldson, Dead Star continues to push King Buffalo's psychedelic aspects deep into the cosmic ether, and basks in elements of ambient drone, space rock, prog, mantra-style heavy and synthesizer soundtracking, as well as the bluesy, classic riffing and creative urgency that has underscored their particular style since their 2013 demo and 2016 debut album, Orion. ''In the early stages of Dead Star, we made the decision to make a strong commitment to experimentation,'' explains guitarist/vocalist Sean Mc-Vay. ''From exploring different time signatures, tunings and textures, to tweaking the songwriting processes themselves. We're extremely proud of these recordings, and feel it's some of our most ambitious work yet.'' Recent years have found King Buffalo touring throughout North America and Europe, with highlight festival performances, support slots and headlining shows, and they bring that experience to the songwriting of Dead Star's six tracks, be it the sprawling two-part leadoff ''Red Star Pt. 1 & 2'' or the John Carpenter-esque instrumental ''Ecliptic'' ahead of the chug-and-crash-prone ''Eta Carinae.'' All the while King Buffalo maintain a flow and atmosphere that has served as a hallmark of their approach.
