(EDITOR’S NOTE — 1120 Press was fortunate enough recently to chat with Emily Scripps, vocalist for Buffalo indie-jam band Tsavo Highway, which earlier this week dropped its new album, ‘Circles.’ Energetic, bright and engaging, the record will be celebrated by the band with an album release show Saturday night at 8 p.m. at Sportsmen’s Tavern. Tsavo Highway is also comprised of Christian Dobosiewicz, guitar; Peter Kern, guitar; Brian Calisto, bass; Brian McMahon, drums and Bryan Levan keys/synth. We’re thankful for Emily’s time. Please read our conversation below.)
Los Angeles keeps burning. Meanwhile, the mercury in Buffalo has plunged to bone-chilling Ice-Age depths. In Washington, an avalanche of Executive Orders has left millions of Americans in a state of fear and uncertainty. And there’s a billionaire on the loose, tossing around fascist-laden “awkward gestures.”
We need a break. We need an escape from the madness. We need something that will make us believe — if only for a moment — that shit is gonna be alright.
Thankfully, the Buffalo indie-jam band, Tsavo Highway, has dropped its new album, ‘Circles,’ providing some much needed light. Released on Tuesday, the 10-song, 59-minute record is a sprawling, vibrant, and free-flowing work filled with skilled musicianship and an uplifting vibe that reminds us, in spite of it all, it’s still OK to smile, it’s still OK to dance.
“It feels incredible to finally share this album with everyone,” said the band’s vocalist Emily Scripps. “We’ve poured so much time, energy, and heart into these songs, and to see them out in the world, connecting with people, is so rewarding. There’s a mix of relief and excitement, knowing that what we’ve created is now part of the world’s soundtrack.
“This album really pushed us to evolve as a band,” she added. “We wanted to honor the
jam-rock roots of our earlier work while experimenting with new layers and textures.
There was a conscious effort to balance complexity and accessibility, to create songs that feel fresh and dynamic but still grounded in the soul of what makes our music resonate. Compared to our previous work, this album dives deeper into storytelling, with arrangements that allow the music to breathe and unfold in new ways.”
Tsavo Highway’s versatility is well on display throughout ‘Circles,’ with songs like ‘Introspect’ and ‘Buffalo Girls’ which exude a bouncy, indie feel. ‘Same Old Town’ is fast-moving and bluesy. Meanwhile, on ‘The Flame,’ the band pulls off a compelling hybrid of traditional jam with an almost melodic alt-metal undercurrent that makes the song both driving and badass. While the beautiful acoustic ‘Queen of the Sea’ gives off a Blues-Traveler-The-Mountains-Win-Again feel. In fact, throughout the entirety of this new album, Tsavo Highway takes the listener on a gripping journey across a musical landscape of evolving sound.
“The themes on this record range from self-discovery and resilience to connection and
healing,” said Emily. “A lot of the songs reflect on life’s cycles — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s about navigating challenges, finding your place, and embracing growth, even when it’s uncomfortable. There’s a mix of personal and universal storytelling, and we hope people can see their own lives reflected in the songs.”
It’s impossible to not feel the spirit of this record, which, at the very least, will keep you moving from beginning to end.
“We’re so excited for the release show,” Emily said. “Sportsmen Tavern is such an amazing venue, and we can’t wait to share this experience with our fans, friends, and family. The energy is going to be incredible, and we’ve got a few surprises planned for the setlist.
“2025 is shaping up to be a big year for us,” she added. “We’re planning to tour, connect with more audiences, and hopefully release even more music. We’re also working on some collaborations and ideas that we’re really excited about. We’re so grateful for the support of everyone who’s been along for the ride with us. Whether you’ve been there from the start or are just discovering us now, we wouldn’t be here without you. Keep listening, keep showing up, and we’ll keep making music for you.”
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