King Buffalo’s full-length debut was released in March 2016. Ever since the release of their 3 track demo in November 2013, this debut has been highly anticipated by bloggers, reviewers and the stoner hard rock community. The demo, praised for it’s heavy psych fluidity and professional production.
Other project's include their 12″ split with Sweden’s Le Betre on STB Records in February of 2015. The highly anticipated vinyl album sold out in days; selling 350 copies on the first day alone.
King Buffalo was also a part of a Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland Compilation. This Kickstarter release by Magnetic Eye Records, features a 180-gram Double Gatefold Vinyl LP, A CD Box Set and artwork done by David Paul Seymour. Other bands included in this release are Earthless, All Them Witches, The Budos Band, Mothership, Wo Fat, Elder, Mos Generator and many more. The album was released in November of 2015.
Members:
Dan Reynolds – Bass & Lights
Scott Donaldson – Drums & Vocals
Sean McVay – Guitar & Lead Vocals
Monolith
King Buffalo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ridin' over the monolith
I'm makin' speed as I press my lips against the sun
There's a ghost on a distant hill
A cold specter with a bitter pill, and oh
She's breathin' down my spine
Livin' fast now, learnin' to die
(Oh)
Under the cry of the waning moon
Stands a crone with a silver spoon, and oh
How she beckons for you
I'm trying to breath but my head's in the sky
Livin' fast now, learnin' to die
(Oh)
The lyrics of King Buffalo's song "Monolith" depict a journey through an unknown terrain, where the singer is running fast through the shadows and riding over a monolith. The song begins with the singer's hurried movement through a cold, black shadow. The phrase "riding over the monolith" could signify the singer's conquest over some monumental obstacle. The lines "I'm making speed as I press my lips against the sun" suggest unyielding determination.
However, this journey is ridden with obstacles, and the singer encounters a ghost on a distant hill with a bitter pill. The ghost is breathing down the singer's spine, adding an element of fear and urgency to the situation. The lines "I'm trying to breathe, but my head's in the sky/Living fast now, learning to die" could signify the singer's recklessness and the realization that this fast-paced life may not have a happy ending.
The lyrics continue with the introduction of a crone with a silver spoon under the cry of the waning moon, who beckons for the singer. The phrase "trying to breathe but my head's in the sky/Living fast now, learning to die" is repeated, suggesting that the singer is still grappling with the consequences of their reckless actions.
Overall, the lyrics of "Monolith" depict a journey of self-discovery, where the singer realizes the consequences of their actions and the fact that time is fleeting. The sense of inevitability is palpable, with the repeated phrase "learning to die" signifying the singer's acceptance of the fact that everything comes to an end.
Line by Line Meaning
Runnin' fast through the cold black shadow
I am moving quickly through darkness, surrounded by a sense of emptiness.
Riding over the monolith
I am rising above the obstacles in my path.
I'm makin' speed as I press my lips against the sun
I am moving quickly, guided by my desires and passions.
There's a ghost on a distant hill
There is a haunting presence in the distance.
A cold specter with a bitter pill, and oh
This presence is unrelenting and difficult to swallow.
She's breathin' down my spine
I feel this presence behind me, urging me forward.
I'm tryin' to breathe but my head's in the sky
My thoughts and emotions are consumed with lofty ambitions.
Livin' fast now, learnin' to die
I am living life to the fullest, despite the inevitability of death.
(Oh)
An exclamation of emotion that is left undefined.
Under the cry of the waning moon
Beneath the fading light of the moon, there is a foreboding sense of loss.
Stands a crone with a silver spoon, and oh
An old woman holds a symbol of wealth and power, but this comes at a cost.
How she beckons for you
She invites you towards her, tempting with promises of riches.
I'm trying to breathe but my head's in the sky
My mind is not focused on the present moment, but rather on lofty aspirations.
Livin' fast now, learnin' to die
Despite the certainty of death, I am embracing life with urgency.
(Oh)
An exclamation of sentiment that is left undefined.
Contributed by Jeremiah B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.