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What happens when you mix fuzz-filled indie rock fuses, exhilarating Mick Jagger swagger moves and four '70s rock’n’roll enthusiasts all dressed in denim? You get a classic rock with a distinctly 21st century twist: exciting and ever so promising Welsh rock four-piece Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard.

Cardiff’s big, bold and brash ensemble is comprised of brothers Tom Rees (lead vocalist) and bassist Eddie Rees, as well as long-time friends Zac White on guitar and Ethan Hurst on drums. Through the power of word of mouth, their creation of ever-present playful records, and the natural ease which they display when delivering magnetic hype-building live performances, Tom Rees and co. have proven themselves to be one of the most exciting new British bands.

Backhand Deals, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard’s debut album, has been both highly-anticipated and a long time coming. With more than half of the album tracks having already been dropped, you’d think fans have been given a full taste as to what to expect from this album—not so. Each track is unique, and on Backhand Deals they all come together and work cohesively as a whole. 

Introducing the album and acting as a "transitionary song” between where the band have come from, and where they’re heading is sugar-rush track ‘New Age Millennial Magic’. Consisting of funky pop synth sonics, intense gauzy guitar riffs, as well as incredible vocal harmonies, the track is an ode to the ‘know-it-all’ fellow millennials, who want to change the world but, when the going gets tough, can’t step up to the mark. 

The candid witty lyricism and contemporary storylines act as a protagonist throughout the long play and draw influences from modern classic songwriters such as Father John Misty, whose 2017 album Pure Comedy was Tom's primary obsession around the time Backhand Deals started taking shape. The ‘fake-it-till-you-make-it’ millennial anthem ‘Faking A Living’ is a prime example. Groovy danceable synths and fascinating funky bass lines underlie Rees’ urges: “Everybody fake a living / don’t give in to those forgiving”.

Second track on the album ‘Good Day’, similarly implements meandering guitar riffs and upbeat vocals and offers a catchy, memorable and equally witty chorus which will stick in your head for days. A new hymn for the over-thinkers.

The band’s passionate emphasis of each melody and utilised instrument in the creation of their unique sound is deeply refreshing given the present music scene—and talk about those quirky '70s Queen-inspired piano synths on ‘Feel The Change’ and ‘Demolition Song’! Contradictorily 'Yourself’ is one of the slower songs on the album but by no means does it lose Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard’s trademark electrifying guitars, which beautifully contrast with the pensive lyricism “I've been lying wide awake without you these nights / And I've been trying my best to turn up and be polite / But there's no one to control the / Happiness death camp that's inside of me”.

Fuelled with groovy '60s/'70s bops one after the other, this is by far the most adventurous Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard have ever sounded. It is no surprise, therefore, that the album’s concluding song and latest teaser is ‘A Passionate Life’. An open letter to Rees’ internal lyrical mind, it’s an explicit and purposeful song that rolls out over steady, plodding stabs of piano and melancholic guitar lines.

When listening to this album as a whole, you will notice that Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard do not shy away from creating extremely honest, catchy music with no pretence. Very cleverly, the Welsh quartet have managed to sonically deconstruct many elements of modern indie rock whilst proudly retaining their faith in glam rock’n’roll as a religion—almost as if to emphasise how brilliantly the two genres unite. Backhand Deals is a playful, feel-good debut album that lives up to the band’s well-earned name.

Backhand Deals arrives 25 February via Communion Records.

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