by Brian D. Holland.

Wilderness is the third release from Randy Riviere, also known as Mad Buffalo. Randy creates music that reflects his meaningful, spirited efforts as a wildlife biologist who has acquired multiple awards for work in conservation and environmental issues. The album’s lyrical content involves thought provoking and inspiring accounts of the American wilderness and of the commonplace folk who thrive in it, both past and present. Like Neil Young, Gram Parsons, and Steve Earle before him, Riviere is an old school composer and musician suitable to the folk-rock groove of performers who sing of practical and earthy American ideals. It’s roots music to remind us of who we are and where we come from.

Riviere has garnered respect and notoriety throughout the music industry. It’s an aspect that’s blatantly noticeable in the list of performers playing alongside him on Wilderness. Hall of Fame guitarist James Burton, harmonica player Mickey Raphael (the Willie Nelson Band), Producer Marty Grebb on multiple instruments, and James Pennebaker on steel guitar are a mere few musicians who added their talents to the album’s twelve tracks.

Though Riviere’s voice has a sound of its own, one that’s somewhat relaxed in a baritone register, it’s interesting that a Neil Young ambiance is perceived quite often, even though his range is opposite of Young’s falsetto/tenor. The exception to this ‘closeness in sound yet difference in range’ feature is the song “All I Really Want,” in which his range actually sounds in close proximity to Young’s at times. The Neil Young similarity is perceivable throughout the album, but it’s merely a bonus, and by no means challenges the individualism of Riviere. Though his style often reflects timeless influences of past folk and rock greats, he’s an extremely distinctive and genuine artist in his own right.

Listen to "This World" from Wilderness

Much of the music is in a generic '70s rock, folk-rock, and Americana mode, and the diversely appealing characteristics of each song keep the music fascinating from beginning to end. The album’s opener, “Ohio,” in which Riviere sings of the rich history of the Ohio River, is coerced along by multiple guitars with driving rhythms and dual lead melodies, providing it a 70s southern rock quality. In a generic '70s rock mode as well, yet with a different edge, the sluggish quiver in Reviere’s voice is indicative of Lou Reed in “Rainy Day.” The song’s rhythm guitar arrangement is in that vein as well. “Little Walk” is an appealing rockabilly ditty, very melodic and instrumentally proficient. It’s reminiscent of a modern day Lee Rocker melody, rendering it the perfect choice to segue into the country flavored “Destination Unknown.” “Alkali/Cold Harbor” is in a sluggish Neil Young approach, weighing heavily on lethargic snare drum hits and smooth swaying steel guitar fills. The dreamy “Pretty Boy” is an interesting song with numerous influences, most notably the blatant Beatles-like synth fill in the chorus.

Some will agree that the world needs more down-to-earth music like Mad Buffalo’s Wilderness. Its essence of the American wilderness and stories of commonplace people are personal and insightful expressions of roots America that should never be forgotten. Riviere’s raw and unrefined folk-rock sound lacks the sham of pompous materialism and extravagance that today’s world and its music is typically engulfed in. He reminds us that the time-honored folk-rock music that was so dear to us at one time still exists. It’s not always about multi-tracks, sophistication, and bloated production. Music possessing those traits doesn’t endure the test of time very often. Music that’s genuine and insightful does. Wilderness is the latter.

Tracks:
1. Ohio
2. This World
3. Little Walk
4. Old Kentucky
5. Destination Unknown
6. Alkali/Cold Harbor
7. Let’s Get On With It
8. All I Really Want
9. Rainy Day
10. Angry Town
11. Three Rivers
12. Pretty Boy

Label: Mad Buffalo Records

Links:
Mad Buffalo
Wilderness on Amazon