Energy

Buzz Violet

Single Review

Written by Luke Knowles

I always get quite curious when members of established and somewhat successful groups or bands decide to branch out with solo projects. Mostly its because I wonder how different the new material will be from the existing shape and sound of their previous collaborations. I’ve heard some Stella work from the likes of Myles Kennedy of the band Alter Bridge and more recently from Marcus Mumford of, well you guessed it, Mumford & Sons. However I’ve also heard some that I wished I hadn’t (the less said about the attempt made by Kelly Jones the better). Either way it is always a gamble and I will always admire anyone who takes the chance. So enter the ring, Buzz Violet.

The brain child of George Edwards, one half of acclaimed Alt-Pop duo Petrie, Buzz Violet is an offering of everything you have come to expect from George but with a side step into a more bedroom indie pop vein. Whilst as a duo George infused his vocals and production with a more Alt-Hip Hop leaning his debut release ‘Energy’ exchanges this harder edge for a subtler touch. The use of a catchy and simple guitar refrain acts as an anchor for the rest of the song to really flow around it. There really does feel like there is movement within the composition like a gentle current pulling you through a bright coral reef. Even the beat while prominent and steady carries a hint of subtlety to it that allows it to blur into the sounds around it.

As I said this track takes on a more laid back approach to the production that creates a joyous haze that is mirrored by the vocal and lyrics. Exploring the whirlwind of life, love and everything in between George’s vocals are the part of the song that really paint the picture of what he is trying to achieve with the track. Delivered delicately in the beginning and allowed to be let loose during the songs hook they really express a great range of feeling and expression across the compositions canvas. Leaving in the natural fuzz from the microphone of a louder tone really adds an element of rawness to the track as well that is a nice touch. Again, it is elements like these that stop the song from sounding too polished and squeaky clean.

Overall George Edwards has started Buzz Violet strong with this release. It is in noway the peak of what he can achieve, it is merely the first measured step on to a uncertain path. However with Energy as the indicator of things to come I can safely say that we can expect interesting things from this solo venture and I very much look forward to his next few steps.

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