Buffalo Tom

It would be very tempting to add Buffalo Tom to the long list of reuniting bands from the height of the "alternative” era, but the problem is they never split up. Instead, they did their own thing while still playing together occasionally, always promising to make a new record, eventually. And nine years after Smitten, they’ve finally delivered. None of the trio have learned any new tricks during their hiatus but that doesn’t stop Three Easy Pieces from being a very enjoyable record. The band were always known for their wonderfully melodic pop songs and that hasn’t changed. They may sound a little world-wearier, leaning towards more downbeat moments, but there are songs that wouldn’t sound out of place on any of their earlier releases. One of the most obvious points of reference would be Teenage Fanclub, simply because they share a similar consistency. Yet Buffalo Tom haven’t smoothed over their rough edges as they’ve aged — there’s still plenty of that ragged glory that kept them poised on the edge of greatness for such a long time. It’s hard to believe they sound so fresh and invigorated, making Three Easy Pieces one of those few albums from a ’90s band that doesn’t just live up to expectations, it exceeds them dramatically.