Buffalo Traffic Jam at the Tuning Fork

The Tuning Fork is a small, even tiny room, and Buffalo Traffic Jam walked into it like they’d outgrown it already. They’ve been selling out bigger venues overseas this year, so seeing them up so so close on a low stage with fog and blue lights everywhere felt a bit like catching a secret.

The band is built around Frankie Cassidy and Nathan Ross. Frankie is out front on acoustic guitar with a capo on, white cap pulled low, singing in a raspy voice that sounds like it’s been through something. Nathan plays electric guitar and mandolin, and between songs the mandolin and a banjo were propped up at the back waiting for their turn. Behind them the bassist held down the bass, so did the drummer, and the keyboardist filled in the gaps on keys, so the whole thing sounded fuller than a two-piece folk act should.

They mixed it up well. “Barely Holding On” and “Can’t Let Go” were stripped back and quiet, and then they threw in a cover of “House of the Rising Sun” that suited them. The low ceiling made it feel like a campfire that someone had turned the volume up on. “Fool’s Gold” came near the end, and that’s the whole room of people knew.

They had the room for the best part of an hour and a half, and it never dragged, and nobody looked like they wanted it to end.

What I’m taking from the night is that this was probably the last time they’ll play a room this size here. Next time they come to Auckland it’ll be Town Hall or bigger. I’d bet on it.

Thanks Live Nation and 818 for having us!

Photos: Stephen Sun / @stephenscamera