buva’s latest full-length album All This Humming sets a new standard for homemade, radio-friendly pop beamed in from a bygone era.
The solo project of Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Tom Wolfe, buva blends the horn-rimmed sophistication of Elvis Costello with the jubilant optimism of McCartney’s solo albums. Wolfe wrote all the music, played nearly all the instruments and sang all the songs on All This Humming. It’s a rush of good vibes and tight arrangements, a sonic trip bolstered by Wolfe’s memorable lyrics and creative production.
The 13 new tracks were mixed by Bryan Cook (Inara George, Michael Andrews) at Michael Andrews’ Elgonix studio and feature tasty guitar work by Lyle Workman (Beck, Frank Black, Jellyfish). Loopy illustrations from LA animator/designer/poet Geoff McFetridge round out the package, building on the theme of Wolfe’s homestyle production methods.
From the sun-kissed stanzas of “Out of My Mouth“ to the single-worthy blaze of “Something That I Need to Hear,†the songs are driving and direct, echoing both Revolver-era Beatles and vintage Beach Boys, but without a hint of maudlin sentimentality. And on “Just Step Away,†Wolfe opts for the scenic route, trading guitar-based power-pop for the wide-screen vistas of Hollywood symphonics. Mellotron and glockenspiel unfold in panoramic bliss, quietly reminiscent of Jon Brion’s themes for films like Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love. If you’re not moved, you’re not listening.
Like the humming of a well-worn turntable or the buzz from a magical amp, Wolfe’s songs feel familiar yet fresh, comforting yet ready to explode with new information. His melodic pop transmissions flow from the center of the galaxy, circle the planets and hover like shadows in the four corners of your mind.
It’s buva’s All This Humming. And it’s something that we all need to hear.
Bob Maynard - Jan 2007
Tom Wolfe’s (a.k.a Buva) current residence has marked, shaped, and influenced each of the songs on this beautiful debut album. California (like any other place) is also a state of mind. And in our subconscious, pop represents spring. Through his distinguished and captivating songs, Buva filters (to the delight of our senses) that delicious light of sunset. This is truly one of those most comforting albums. www.radiocitydiscos.com
Buva, the nom-de-solo project of Tom Wolfe, draws on the soft(er) pop of a bygone era, combining moments of Beach Boys harmonies and Beatles pre-Revolver pop without sounding sentimental or maudlin. The occasional strings reminds of the best moments of ELO. This isn`t to say Buva lacks its own identity. Wolfe has combined all of those influences into a sun-kissed collection of pop that reaches back, but pushes the soft(er) pop style forward. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music
Buva's All This Humming: Buva's Tom Wolfe is an admirer of Brian Wilson, Revolver-era Beatles and Gram Parsons (or is that the Eagles?). Buva's All This Humming (Hi-fi In Motion) gorgeously navigates the gentle waters between Pet Sounds and Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed," a sweet-kneed album of soft boy vocals and swirling arrangements that ring in your memory like a good dream. And Buva doesn't come by this muse accidentally.
Like Jon Brion and Aimee Mann, Wolfe is a master at creating cinematic moods and lovesick tone poems within glowing, gently pulsating production epics. Playing all the instruments himself (except for the guitar of Beck's Lyle Workman), Wolfe spins Mellotron, drums, guitars, glockenspiels and the kitchen sink into a lush, Senssuround world of melodic bliss.
All This Humming cements Wolfe's rep as major domo of sonic splendor, creating a daydream nation for all those who long for sweet melodies, gentle rhythms and memorable tunes. Prepare your MP3 player for the backwards guitars, twinkling bells and shiny happy message of "She Makes Me Fall Down." "Out Of My Mouth" recalls Fountains of Wayne, if they had the gusto to reimagine The Beatles' "If I Needed Someone" or George Harrison's "Give Me Love." The song's glistening harmonies send shivers with angelic ascension. "Just Step Away" furthers Buva's bliss, a hush of brushed drums, clarinets, Mellotron and steel guitars creating a dew eyed, misty morning classic. And Buva rocks out too, "Something That I Need To Hear" cruising high and mighty, a driving tune for weekend escapes. by Ken Micallef YAHOO! Music
