True Lions Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo… is a tribute to the tenacity and work ethic of Alison Hawkins

One studio album, one split album, three EPs, and a couple of demo and cover releases in local “elevated folk freaks in Kansas City” group True Lions have been consistently kicking for the last five years. The big reason? The sheer tenacity and work ethic of frontperson and vocalist Alison Hawkins. Recording and re-recording 32 songs over that span of time is no small feat.

The eight-person squad that released LP The Fempire Strikes Back in April 2021 has been reduced to three, and Hawkins remains the sole contributor from their one-and-only full-length. From April 2021 to February 2023, the group added Fempire guest artist Fritz Hutchison on guitar, plus newcomer Carly Atwood on the bass, for the three-song EP The Greatest Planet in the World. Percussion and flute members were included for the single Fake Trees a couple of months later, plus clarinet and trumpet for their split album with Hutchison titled True Lions // Fritz Hutchison, released just a few weeks after that.

But the trio on The Greatest Planet is back for another short EP, this time released on New Year’s Day, with the rumpus name Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo.

Recorded live at BRC Audio Productions in Kansas City, Kansas, back in November with Tyler Routon and Will Crain, the same studio where Greatest Planet was recorded, there is an air of good old-timey fun with these three tracks. Mixed by Ross Brown, who contributed heavily to the band’s LP work on Fempire, this completely makes sense as a short, quick holiday release.

“Goner” starts everything off on a fun note. Adapted from an Ozark Old-Time fiddle-tune, the opener to this brisk record was written by Hutchison, with some help from local folk artist Betse Ellis. It’s quick and light and will assuredly be a fun live staple. Hawkins has plenty of great stretches on the fiddle throughout.

Next is a cover of The Roches’ hit from 1989 record Speak, “Big Nuthin,” a track that references the group’s appearance on Saturday Night Live. Are you a fan of that cut? You will find some liking here, too. The vocals from Hawkins can almost be mistaken for the Roche sisters themselves. The only difference between the two is the absence of the pop undertones of the original minor hit.

Hutchison’s backing vocals are a nice complement, and the two share the first chorus together while splitting back and forth for the second go-around. The constant acoustic backdrop throughout the vibrant four minutes makes for a perfect occasion for two vocalists to appear. A pleasant mix all around.

“Columbus Stockade” finishes everything out raucously… and the group certainly saved the best for last. There is a clear Louvin Brothers vibe here (“If in your heart you love another / leave me darlin’ I don’t mind”), with shared vocals again and a faster, more rompy swagger reminiscent of the good ol’ days of folk. Hutchison’s acoustic solo after the second chorus is the highlight of a more dour cut in comparison to the other two (specifically “Goner”).

The trio made their rounds in the city throughout 2023, and I am sure 2024 will bring the same. On Sunday, January 21, they will co-host the 3rd Annual Krewe de Cryptid Parade and Party off Union Avenue in KCMO. Everyone is invited to wear a warm costume and gather in the back parking lot of The Ship to assemble as many brass, strings, bell… and general merrymakers as possible. The parade ends at Cap Gun Studios, which will be transformed into a Mardi Gras Cryptid Wonderland for a full evening of live music.

Tickets are $15, and food will be available via the Cauldron Collective’s pop-up kitchen.