The Buttertones rock the Old Rock House in St. Louis

st. louis, mo - september 5, 2024

St. Louis has been waiting patiently for The Buttertones’ return to their city—and their wishes were granted on part two of the FACE TO FACE WITH FANTASY tour. The Los Angeles-based cult rock band, formed in 2012, took the stage downtown at the Old Rock House last Thursday following opening duo New Misphoria.

After the first few songs, lead singer Richard Araiza stopped to “read the room” and gauge what kinds of songs the crowd wanted to listen to for the rest of the evening. The unanimous response was fast and the band soon began performing “Winks and Smiles,” giving the audience one chance to prove they can move—and it was hard not to. The setlist for the night brought a high energy that made you want to get out of your seat, and the way Araiza and guitarist Modeste Cobián, moved across the stage made you want to follow along. There was an overall impressive talent showcased that night—from smooth vocals to energetic drums to soulful saxophone lines–which encouraged everyone to focus every bit of their attention on the stage.

The Old Rock House is an intimate venue–you can hear and see everything from any spot in the building. This added a new dimension to The Buttertones’ show, a feeling of being immersed in the music rather than simply observing it. This band is not your average rock band. They have a sound that is dreamy, sultry, and almost psychedelic, creating an atmosphere that is addicting to be a part of and makes you want more. On top of building an unforgettable energy, they tell stories with their lyrics and paint a picture for the audience in every song. As they’ve said themselves, their music provides a cinematic experience.

A new album is on the way and the six-piece could not pass the opportunity to play a new song, “Chaos Reigns.” This song was intense and expressive, highlighting the talented vocals of Araiza and bassist Karly Low. A quick taste of the upcoming album heightened the excitement for the final two songs, “Dionysus” and “Orpheus Under the Influence.” In these final few songs, the audience got to hear the range of influences on The Buttertones’ music. Of course, the hints of surf rock and SoCal charm—but on top of that, an elegant and romantic sound that feels vintage and jazzy.

The Buttertones are beyond impressive, in everything from vocals to musicality, proving why they’ve been creating tunes for over a decade and will continue to influence music for years to come.