The Budos Band VII (Purple)

Two years after releasing the Frontier's Edge EP, The Budos Band arereturning with their first full-length since 2020's Long in the Tooth.Titled simply VII, the new album sees them doing what they do best:laying down hypnotic, horn-spiked grooves that menace andmesmerize in equal measure.Produced by Budos guitarist Tom Brenneck with Simon Guzmánengineering, VII features 11 tightly constructed new tracks that drawon the group's wide range of influences, sounding like only the Budoscan. It's music for getting down, for nighttime drives, and for alternateheadspaces a beguiling mix of mystery and rhythm that stands withthe formidable work they've released in their two decades ofrecording.VII was recorded in California and serves as The Budos Band's firstfull-length album on Diamond West, the independent label founded in2023 by Tankel and Brenneck. It's also the group's first album toinclude instrumental contributions from percussionist Rich Tarrana,who previously played in the Frightnrs. All told, it succeeds in openingup some new sonic spaces while staying tethered to the intuitive,unique musicality that made them such a sensation from the jump.