What an intriguing record this is. Admired by Snoop Dogg, Buttering Trio present a different take on down tempo bliss, bringing in elements of what make trip hop, soul and psychedelia ideal late night listening, but adding their own very individual side too. The trio – KerenDun, Rejoicer and Gymbass – have been friends for a while, jamming together in Berlin, which explains why their first album is so instinctive. It’s also no surprise to learn that quite a bit of ‘Toast’ was recorded overnight, because the nocturnal sounds are complemented by woozy vocals, cool keyboards and lazy beats that occasionally pick up to a fast paced walk. At times it’s heady and a bit druggy, but ‘Toast’ is also thought provoking and inspiring. ‘Fall Into Abyss’ occupies a lush world with its dreamy, contemplative vocal, while the saxophone-powered ‘Ganjaman’ is aptly psychedelic. ‘Tired Love’ has some striking sounds, too, like an outtake from an Erykah Badu album. It’s easy to see why Snoop is so excited, for while ‘Toast’ won’t be everyone’s bag it is something genuinely different and oddly endearing.
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
