Latest Posts

Super American Drops New EPYOBWOC

January 28, 2020

Pop punk duo Super American just dropped their newest EP YOBWOC. Where their 2017 release Disposable gave us an angsty unabashed pop punk sound, their 2018 full length Tequila Sunrise showed us a more mature, refined sound. Clocking in at just over five minutes, YOBWOC is a perfect hybrid of their two previous releases. Super American 2.5 shows us their ability to write deeply infectious and energetic pop punk songs, that still have the nuance a maturity of Tequila Sunrise. YOBWOC opens up with the blistering “Chlorine Fight Song” which at only :40 definitely leaves us wanting more, in the best possible way. Next up is “Untitled” which blends early Blink-182 energy with the nuance of a band like The Story So Far. Finally, “Tangerine + Guava” simmers along with energetic outbursts in the midst of a restrained energy. I sincerely hope that YOBWOC is leading to another full-length release[...]

Nylon Otters – s/t

January 27, 2020

Nylon Otters have bid us all farewell with its newest – and final –, self-titled EP. Though pretty much everything they’ve put out has been noteworthy, this release is the most polished we’ve seen from the Buffalo indie act, and shows growth over the years that the Otters have been playing and recording together. While they often found themselves stamped with a well-intentioned yet reductive comparison to a certain nineties grunge band some of us love and others love to hate, Nylon Otters were unfettered by perceived similarities. On this newest EP, we hear the influence of musical movements across the 20th century – a little grunge, indie rock, jangle pop, maybe even some math. With all these sounds mashed together, a Nylon Otters song is supremely recognizable, whether you’ve heard it before or not – and their sound was built by the prowess of only three people: vocalist/guitarist Logan Ross, bassist[...]

How Do Casinos Use Music To Keep Patrons Entertained And Engaged?

January 26, 2020

Listening to music makes even the hardest moments in life a little more enjoyable. Exercising, driving, or working can often be turned into exciting activities with the right tune playing alongside them. Music does more than just fill the silence. It can create a mood and even determine the atmosphere of a room. Slow music means relaxation while faster music leads to excitement. Casinos offer a very particular experience that music helps create. But how can organized beats and vocals alter a player’s gambling trip? The music that a casino plays in the background contributes largely to the success of every player’s experience. The right music will allow them to loosen up and have fun while the wrong music could drive them away. Since music is a comfort people seek in many situations, casino owners have figured out just the right hits to play to make their establishments hot places[...]

Tonight: Allison Pipitone and Kevin Lewis

January 24, 2020

Back beyond the tall grass and among the ghosts of Buffalo’s silos sits the rustic venue Duende. A burgeoning spot for Buffalo’s cream of the crop musicians has a ‘must-see’ show this evening. Buffalo songbird and leader of the Alison Pipitone Band, Alison Pipitone, and Kevin Lewis, lead-singer and guitarist of The Space, present an evening of acoustic originals. The two share a unique relationship that had been forged through the Buffalo music scene, as Pipitone has taken Lewis under her wing. Both talented musicians and storytellers will delight and conjure up spirits of the past and present. Doors at 6:30pm. Written by Kevin Prentice

Darth Nater – Untruth

January 20, 2020

What do you get when you cross Weird Al Yankovic with a sociopolitical agenda? The answer is Darth Nater. The musical force, which is driven by singer-songwriter Nate Noworyta and his skilled guest musicians, which include saxophonist Alec Miller and drummer Christian Bowman, have released a twelve song album titled Untruth. Please, do not take the Weird Al comparison as put-down. He is a musical genius, and Darth Nater are hot on his heels. The proof is in the pudding of the album’s first track, “Every Lie I’ve Ever Been Told.” It begins with cymbal crashes and bright electric guitars while the lyrics lament the danger of lies. After the eight bar intro, the band kicks the song into high gear and it is evident that Darth Nater has come to play. A guitar riff that sweeps through arpeggios sound like a mixture of contemporary jazz and folk/rock. Think Mountain[...]

Tonight: Sons of Luther

January 18, 2020

Driving alt-rockers Sons of Luther headline a diverse indie showcase tonight at Mohawk. With a dark, brooding sound, their most recent EP Do What You Can really highlights their riff heavy, new wave aesthetic. Joining the  line-up is dark-pop producer Medusa. To call their music danceable would be an understatement, but it’s also deeply dark, even menacing at times. Truly the most compelling aspect of their music is how cathartic it is. A perfect hybridization of aggressive synths, unique samples, lush harmonies, and diss track lyrics, Medusa is a singular artist and commands your attention. Also on the bill is indie emo-punks Passed Out. In a similar vein of Modern Baseball, Passed Out writes deeply cathartic lyrics that succeed in their mission of making you “very sad, then happy, then very sad again.” Finally, rounding out the bill is jangly dream-pop outfit Coral Collapse. With enveloping shoegaze textures, and a danceable driving[...]

Best Gift Ideas For Music Fans

January 18, 2020

Music is a part of everyone’s life, but to some people, it means just a little bit more. Instrument players and concert lovers, turntable and stereo aficionados, CD collectors, and emerging artists all enjoy music to the extreme. When the music fan you are closest to has a birthday or you need a holiday gift idea for them, you might opt for the standard band merch or yet another album to play. It’s time to start thinking outside the box for your friends who love music. Concert tickets can be a fun idea but can really break the bank. New instruments are also pretty expensive, and they probably don’t need anymore. Creative gifts with meaning are the way to go to really make an impression on your music-loving friends. But how do you know which ideas are going to make them smile? Here are a few of my favorite gift[...]

Pop Punk’s Not Dead: Goo Goo Dolls Serves Up a Miracle Pill

January 17, 2020

If you’ve never heard of the Goo Goo Dolls, then let’s get you up to speed. The Goo Goo Dolls were formed in 1986 by Buffalo natives Johnny Rzeznik, Robby Takac, and George Tutuska. The Goo Goo Dolls would go on to enjoy a successful music career, as they churned out notable hits that ruled the airwaves in the late-1990s such as Iris and Slide. Both songs reached the top 10 of the Billboard Top 100 during their respective runs on the charts. Unlike other bands of that era, the Goo Goo Dolls have put together a pretty sizable body of work that encompassed the mid-2010s, with their last album Boxes being released in 2016. In fact, the band has been pretty active, as the Goo Goo Dolls were last on the road back in 2017 as part of their Long Way Home tour with Phillip Phillips. More recently, the[...]

Tonight: Laveda

January 9, 2020

Albany-based lo-fi dream pop outfit Laveda share an interesting bill tonight at Nietzsche’s. After forming in 2017, the group burst into the spotlight when their debut single “Dream. Sleep” was premiered in February 2019 by Pitchfork Radio at their Mid-Winter Festival in Chicago. Since then the group has released two more singles, most recently “If Only (You Said No)” this past November. With lush harmonies and shoegaze textures, their songs completely envelop you. Definitely a must-listen for fans of Beach House, Slowdive, and Tennis. Also on the bill are Fredonia synth-pop group superficial. and Buffalo alt-rockers Red Button Dilemma. superficial. is a deeply fun band, in the wheelhouse of groups such as The 1975 or Wallows, while Red Button Dilemma fuses new-wave aesthetic with a gritty alternative undertone. The lineup compliments each other quite well, and will definitely be a great night to discover some new favorites. Doors at 8pm,[...]

Tonight: NYE @ Nietzsche’s

December 31, 2019

Tonight Nietzsche’s is hosting a stacked local music bill and  this year may truly be one for the record books. With acts ranging from synth-pop to psychedelia to moody indie-rock there’s most certainly plenty to go around. Headlining will be everyone’s favorite synth-pop act Humble Braggers. Known for their energetic live shows, they’re sure to make you dance the decade away in style. Also on the bill is local psychedelic heavyweights Deadwolf. True revivalists, their lush textures harken back to the “golden age” of psychedelic acts such as The 13thFloor Elevators or Strawberry Alarm Clock. Rounding out the local “heavys” on the bill is indie-rock outfit The Burkharts. With a distinctly lo-fi dreamy surf-pop sound, they’re a deeply fun band and certainly one to get you moving. Also on the bill is Urban Planning and relative newcomers to the scene The Best Strangers. Urban Planning plays jangly, moody indie-pop, with[...]

Koko Neetz – I.T.T.I.P.

December 23, 2019

First, a science lesson: Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of all matter. They’re made up of only three basic subatomic particles – electrons, protons and neutrons, as you probably remember from sixth grade. Their dance, multiplied across the 1080 or so atoms in the universe, makes up existence in all its wild, varied forms. The songs on I.T.T.I.P., the new album from Koko Neetz (Andrew Kothen, who you may also know for his guitar work in dreambeaches) are atomic in the sense that they start from almost nothing and put the same few components into motion with each other to propel melodies forward. While the atom has electrons, protons and neutrons, Kothen has an acoustic guitar, a drumset, a quiet piano, a shimmer, the hint of a Mellotron, and his own wispy voice with which to create. And create he does – I.T.T.I.P is both a showcase of Kothen’s[...]

Tonight: heave

December 18, 2019

Do you need to escape the winter cold? Nietzsches has you covered this evening with a night of soulful folk by a Christmas Tree. Tonight’s lineup will feature Heave, who will play a solo set from lead singer Emily Finlan. A good portion from Heave’s catalog will translate well to a solo acoustic performance, as many tracks from their EP Pike are stripped back and subtle. That said, it will be nice to see Emily deliver a solo version of their full band Buddy Holly-esq tune ‘Boys’. Support acts, Sidney Jeanne, a punk rock carnation, and scene newcomers Blunted Lip will round out the night. Bundle up and make your way to out.. $5 cover and doors at 8:30pm. Pike by heaveWritten by Kevin Prentice

Canetis – Putting Time Together

December 16, 2019

Things have been quite hot for newcomer Buffalo band Canetis. In short, the indie. alt-rock band formed in 2018, released their first single in July 2019, and have recently come off a raucous release show for their EP Putting Time Together. On first listen, their alt-rock sound becomes quite apparent, as well as the excellent execution of sophisticated song structure. Canetis have come to play. The first track off Putting Time Together is “Double Take,” which introduces the album with a four bar build of drums and long guitar tones. It breaks open into a syncopated guitar riff played with a palm mute. East Bay punk, Rancid and NoFx among others, popularized the fuzzed out guitar groove and lend influence throughout Putting Time Together. The transition into the chorus swings the song from groove to powerful ballad style rock and roll. Lead vocalist Brendan walks the tight rope to connect[...]

Dogs in Stereo – Idle

December 9, 2019

Most of us know what it’s like to feel idle. While stillness itself can be situated in a state of calm, idleness implies expectation of eventual movement. That’s why we use the word to describe a car that’s started, but isn’t moving; we’re still, but the parts inside are still turning. Buffalo’s Dogs in Stereo explore that paradoxical combination of stagnation and restlessness in their new EP Idle, a melancholic, living collection of six songs filled with longing. Idle is a step in a different direction for Dogs in Stereo. Previous efforts by the Dogs exhibited earnest, lo-fi rock with charming melodies and captivating guitar work. The essence of earlier work is still around on this new EP, but clean production and more deliberate songwriting are clear marks of artistic maturity. They’ve also seemed to move into the computer age with more synth than we’ve seen in the past, a[...]

Breakfast for Dinner Releases New Single

December 5, 2019

Fresh-faced indie-pop outfit Breakfast for Dinner just released their newest single “She Ate My Heart Out Like A Hurricane.” Originally based out of the DIY scene in Corning, NY, they’re now based out of Buffalo. The heavy garage rock/DIY aesthetic is very clearly presented in their first single “Wonder” which came out earlier this year. “She Ate My Heart Out Like A Hurricane” shows a much more evolved sound from the band. At the outset, the song pulls you in with glistening synth textures, a driving beat, and a reverb drenched lead line. The breathy vocals in the verses are balanced well by the stronger chorus, which is undeniably catchy. With a sound akin to Robyn, Bat For Lashes, and iamamiwhoami, Breakfast for Dinner has a deeply mystical indie-rock sound that still manages to channel a DIY pop-punk aesthetic. This neatly packaged song is a great addition to your playlist. Keep[...]