Last Minute Plans: Avi Buffalo At The Empty Bottle

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 13, 2014 7:00PM

Photo credit: Renata Raksha

Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg, better known as the frontman and primary songwriter in Avi Buffalo, has a gentle touch when it comes to creating music for his band to play. His sophomore album At Best Cuckold is a collection of finely crafted and well mannered rock. Gentle strumming is broken by stammering runs up and down his guitar's neck, all borne forward by assured if subtle drumming. Zahner-Isenberg's sweetened vocal delivery helps the songs to shimmer and bounce off occasional pockets of ornate instrumentation tucked into unexpected corners of a composition.

We described the music as well mannered but don't mistake that for meaning boring or bland. Avi Buffalo's ambition pushes these songs forward, and his direction is one based in trying to create complexity that feels natural. And while you will find yourself lulled into simply appreciating the end result, there are moments here and there where his skill pokes you on the shoulder just to remind you that everything that feels so free and easy was actually built on much thought and adventure.

Avi Buffalo is in town to play The Empty Bottle tonight, so now's your chance to see how all this craft and care translates to the stage.

Avi Buffalo plays tonight, Nov. 13, at The Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 9 p.m., $12, 21+