Latest Posts

On the Cinder – Lamplighter

October 21, 2019

Punk rock acts as a conduit to free oneself. Restrictions are lifted, and the only requirement lays in the band’s willingness to persevere. On The Cinder began their crusade in The University at Buffalo. They hit the ground running, feeding off of the advice they now dispel to younger bands, “Once you have eight songs get in the van and go.”. An EP, two tours through America’s underground circuit, and a then a full Length LP with a tour of Canada filled the bands schedule. Then, as life often does, On The Cinder got delivered a curve-ball. “There has been a lot of loss since our last album,” Mike Jacos, bass and vocals, describes the unique process surrounding Lamplighter, the bands newest effort, “This new material reflects the changes we’ve had to overcome.” The changes brought about a polishing of the On The Cinder sound, which thrives in the contrast[...]

Tonight: Kevin Scoma

October 18, 2019

Longtime Buffalo songwriter Kevin Scoma recently released his first solo EP Into The Dreaming Sea and will celebrate with a show tonight at Duende at Silo City. Full of lush harmony, gentle electronics and a deeply indie-folk vibe, Into The Dreaming Sea is an extremely strong showing from an already established songwriter. Scoma blends influences in a compelling way, especially on a track such as “I’ll Be Around,” a tranquil ballad that incorporates a lightly strummed guitar and banjo pattern accentuated with shimmering electronics. At the risk of comparing, the overall aesthetic of the EP fits neatly into Carrie & Lowell-era Sufjan Stevens. Another standout track is “I Was Never Afraid to Die,” which gradually builds to a brief yet stirring guitar solo. Lyrically, the album is deeply introspective and pairs beautifully and at times heart-wrenchingly with the music. Scoma has created a deeply cathartic release, further highlighting his talent[...]

Tonight: 21 & Under Battle of the Bands

October 11, 2019

Local DIY powerhouse label Steak and Cake Records will be hosting the first official matchup in their 21 & Under Battle of the Bands tonight at Sugar City. The winners will be determined via an audience choice secret ballot. The winner from tonight will square off against the winner from another battle in March 2020, at a final battle in June of 2020 which will feature a panel of guest judges. An often-overlooked demographic, label mastermind Brandon Schlia is once again showing his commitment to the local scene by highlighting and elevating these emerging talents. Tonight’s matchup will feature 4 emerging local bands: Muddle, Gunther’s Radio, Not For Nothing, and Oscar’s Cash. Muddle plays a grungy style of pop-punk, akin to early Green Day or Foo Fighters. Gunther’s Radio leans more towards a 90s alt-rock style, in the vein of Spacehog or Sponge. Not For Nothing is a buzzy indie[...]

Tonight: Gloin

October 9, 2019

Tonight, get on down to Mohawk Place to get your over the Hump Day blues, as an evening of shoegaze and space rock will ensue. Toronto’s Gloin will be making a pit stop here in Buffalo as part of a larger U.S. tour. Their latest EP, Soft Monster released in April earlier this year, has been described as sounding “similar to some of the earliest Ty Segall stuff you can find.” This show will sure be one to remember, as Buffalo doesn’t get many heavy-hitters from north of the border. Joining Gloin on stage this evening is Buffalo’s Chevron Bloom, who’s EP Henry, released earlier this year is certainly one that deserves your attention. Lastly, Niagara Falls’ Ekohta will also be making an appearance. Overall, this might shape up to be one of the better psychedelic music nights we’ve seen in a while. You’ll certainly not want to miss this one, doors are[...]

Tonight: Alex Berkley

October 2, 2019

Poetic indie-folk bard Alex Berkley headlines a very diverse bill tonight at Nietzsche’s. A mainstay of the local scene for many years, Berkley has been devoting his time to other pursuits, namely marriage and fatherhood. Among his more interesting projects is his 3 part Days of Fun series; where he wrote a song every day for the month of February in 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively. But it was his 2008 debut Lists and Listlessness that still garners widespread acclaim. With his everyman persona and deeply poetic and relatable lyrics, Berkley has cemented his status as one of the finest singer-songwriters in the Buffalo music scene. Those who have been lucky enough to catch one of Berkley’s rare appearances in the past few years have been treated to intimate performances with a deep emotional staying power. It’s very exciting to see his return to the circuit, and one would hope[...]

Tonight: Cat Power

September 27, 2019

Indie-folk songwriter Cat Power will be making a stop at the Rapids Theater tonight. After the release of her critically acclaimed third album, 1996’s What Would the Community Think, Power has become one of the most celebrated voices in the indie scene. Her powerfully soft voice and deeply poetic lyrics have put her into a class of musicians such as Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, and P.J. Harvey. Her most recent release, 2018’s Wanderer, marks a departure from her longtime label Matador. Instrumentally simple featuring very little beyond piano, guitar, and voice the record feels very intimate. Power has an uncanny ability to summon and convey an array of moods, and that is extremely apparent on Wanderer. Lou Reed inspired songwriter Arsun will open the show. Doors at 7pm, music at 8pm. Tickets are $40 Day of Show. \ Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: Worse Things

September 26, 2019

Tonight, make your way down to Nietzche’s in Allentown to catch hard rockers Worse Things perform a headline set. Though it might be a Thursday night, in our opinion it’s really just Friday part 1, and that’s as good a reason as any to catch more than one great Buffalo act. Worse things, who released a self titled EP last spring, are one of The Queen City’s most underrated bands, and it’s only a matter of time before they work their way up to larger stages. If that’s enough of a reason to head out tonight, they will be supported by one of Buffalo’s newest groups, Canetis, who’s newest single is a banger in and of itself. Also joining them is former Rochesterian turned Buffalonian Karsten Brooks as well as newcomers Shid. You’re not going to miss this one. Doors are at 8pm, cover is $5. We’ll see you there.[...]

Ever Onward Debuts New EP

September 24, 2019

It’s not very often you hear post rock coming out of Western New York, let alone some serious musical landscapes that can take you on a journey from start to finish. Ever Onward,  the brainchild of Colin Berardini, readies for a big 2020 with the release of his three song EP, Learning to Breathe. The EP has a very powerful motif and is extremely cohesive from top to bottom. The ambient drones and soft piano hooks act as the sonic glue which really makes this an easy listen from start to finish. The record, which is self-described by Berardini to represent the journey of a relationship from it’s very beginning through to marriage, and all the stages in between. Learning to Breathe begins with “Disposition.” This song serves as the perfect introduction as it begins with swirling synth drones and builds with guitars and keys as it finally erupts at the 2:40[...]

Tonight: Bethlehem Steel

September 14, 2019

Celebrated indie rockers Bethlehem Steel celebrate the release of their new self-titled album with a show tonight at Mohawk Place. The follow up to their much-lauded full length Party Naked Forever shows the band is continuing to evolve and hone their sound. With their loud, fuzzy punk ethos and cathartic lyricism, the band has become a mainstay of Brooklyn’s thriving indie scene. This release also showcases the addition of guitarist Christina Puerto, whose tasteful lead work fills out the band’s already established textures. The true standout on this record as always is lead singer Becca Ryskalczyk, whose soaring vocals continually ground the band. Her ability to seamlessly transition from a contemplative, reflective tone to suddenly channeling anger and frustration is thoroughly compelling. While a far cry from her days as a singer-songwriter, Ryskalczyk has an innate ability to captivate listeners, which is only highlighted by the outstanding musicianship of the[...]

Sons of Luther Releases New Batch of Singles

September 5, 2019

Western New York rockers Sons of Luther just dropped the single: “In A Cult,” the second of several they will be releasing every Friday for the next six weeks. The interesting concept will be sure to string us along through the end of summer while it transitions us into Autumn bliss. The track gets off to a quick starts, as dueling guitar and synth leads immediately catch your ear. The sound is akin to The Killers or Kings of Leon. Then, just as quickly as it starts, the mood changes, much like summer does into fall, as Werner draws you in with his sultry voice which is accompanied with twinkly guitars and soft pads. The track resumes it’s pop-rock sensibilities as you are reminded that “Anything is possible, if nothing is impossible.” The highlight of this song has to be the bridge, where the babes draws you in with a groovy[...]

Roger Bryan and the Orphans – Keep You in Mind

September 3, 2019

Veteran americana indie rock outfit Roger Bryan and the Orphans recently released their new record Keep You in Mind. The quartet’s first release since 2017’s 9er EP, Keep You in Mind is quite simply a gorgeous record that further cements Bryan’s status as one of the most talented songwriters in Buffalo’s music scene. Bryan’s deep vocals have an extraordinary ability to feel brooding, exuberant, wistful, or contemplative as each song progresses. The title track, which kicks off the album does a nice job of setting the tone, with an upbeat sound and a thoroughly catchy hook. I must also make special note of the standout lead guitar work on this record by Bryan’s fellow Harvestsum alum David Calos. Another fabulous track is the blistering “Faster Than Forward” which almost begs to be played with the windows down. “Roll It” shows a slower side of the band, with mournful pedal steel underscoring[...]

Tonight: Wild Once

August 24, 2019

Tonight, make your way on down to Nietzsche’s for what’s sure to be an amazing night full of talented performers. For starters, Wild Once will be making their return to the stage in Buffalo following a short run of out-of-town dates in support of their latest release, Perennials. Also performing tonight is the elusive, yet ever intriguing Brent Martone of Head North fame. It has been quite a while since we have seen him performing, but surely that means that he’s got a few tricks up has sleeve, and perhaps a few new tracks to follow suit. Supporting these acts on stage tonight are atmospheric rockers, Previous Love as well as your friendly neighborhood kids, West Ferry. Doors are at 9pm, cover is $7. We’ll see you there. Perennials by Wild Once Written by Mike Rakiecki

Tonight: Rust Belt Brigade

August 21, 2019

One must pay dues in life, and that certainly holds true for the music scene. The two acts taking to the stage at Nietzsche’s tonight are paid in full. Both The Rust Belt Brigade and 20,000 Strongmen forged their respective paths through the time honored tradition of busking. This helped the Rust Belt Brigade transform from a punk-duo to a four piece Americana band with strong rhythms and a swamp folk style vocal. Meanwhile, 20,000 Strongmen, headed by everyone’s favorite banjo picker Mike Strongman, sound as though they just stepped off a back porch of 1940’s Appalachia. Leave your technology at home tonightand enjoy music stripped down to its bare bones being played by the finest acoustic musicians Buffalo has to offer. $5 at the door and the show starts at 8:30pm. Written by Kevin Prentice

Chaz Hearne & the Dazzlers – Intelligence is Rising

August 19, 2019

Rochester folk-rock artist Chaz Hearne is back with another album – and this time, he brought friends. There’s strength in numbers in Intelligence is Rising, the musician’s latest release under his collaborative moniker Chaz Hearne & The Dazzlers. According to Hearne, the mantra “Intelligence is rising” came to him while he was visiting what may be the best thing this country has to offer: national parks. Nature is present on Intelligence is Rising, both lyrically and in its instrumentation. While the great outdoors is a recurring theme on the album, the sound has a natural quality to it as well, with a glowing openness and clarity that come from heartfelt songwriting and the innate skill of its personnel. With the opening title track, Hearne displays his signature banjo-picking finesse, but also brings the talent of a long list of other local musicians to round out his sound – including Susanna[...]

Tonight: M.A.G.S.

August 18, 2019

Tonight, Buffalo-native turned California rock and roller M.A.G.S. makes yet another long-awaited pilgrimage back to the Queen City to dazzle us with a night filled with incredible music. Starting in 2015, the mind behind M.A.G.S., Elliot Douglas, has been steadily writing and recording some of the most anthemic garage-rocky songs with no signs of slowing down or downturn in quality. Head on down to Milkie’s on Elmwood this evening and you will catch not only him, but some of the best indie-riffage that Buffalo has to offer. Supporting M.A.G.S. on stage tonight will be some of our favorites in local up-and-comers Johnny & the Man Kids as well as the grungy-yet-catchy Nylon Otters. Doors open at 7pm, cover is $8. Written by Mike Rakiecki