You know how there are certain albums that remind you of a significant other, either past or present? Or albums that you hear when single and think “this would be a great album if I were in a relationship or needed a record to help me get through a breakup?” Well, save this one in the memory banks or buy it right away: The Picture Show by Buffseeds. As far as debut albums go, this one is amazingly special. Combining the soaring vocals of frontman Kieran Scragg with guitars that are intermittently driving and chiming, the songs are incredibly deft at tugging at the heartstrings. Scragg imparts a double-edged sword to the heart: his falsetto and soulful delivery, along with his biting lyrical commentary, team up to hit you where it hurts the most, in the same tried-and-true manner as Thom Yorke, Matt Bellamy of Muse or James Mudrizcki of Puressence. From the punchy debut single, “Casino,” to the sweeping album opener “Sparkle Me,” The Picture Show is diverse in tempo and arrangement, yet held together by an inherent underlying songwriting quality that weaves its way throughout the entire 12-song work. Adding “Who Stole The Weekend,” “Ocean Blue,” “Barricade,” and “Hideaway” it’s almost easier to find songs that DON’T slay you on first listen than picking out the stronger offerings. So when you are in need of some lovelorn comfort or are basking in the glow of love found, reach for Buffseeds: it’ll hit the spot.

Buffseeds
Fantastic Plastic/Sanctuary

1. Who Stole The Weekend?
2. Casino
3. Live – Buffseeds Performance Wipes Rain From Sky In London
4. Win An A-Trak Serato Picture Disk
5. Anvil Making a Push For Best Picture