Latest Posts

Personal Style – Demo 2019

December 4, 2019

There is nothing new under the sun. That being said, to express yourself you need to take your influences and make them your own. The fresh-faced Buffalo band of familiar faces, Personal Style, have released their first demo tape, a six song collection of tight punk rock, which they branded as their own. “Total Kontrol,” a title that shows Personal Style making the English language their own, kicks off the demo. Bryan Johnson (of Bryan Johnson and Family, honeyCOMA) delivers a punk-classic three chord winding guitar riff for two measures until the drums enter. Evan Wachowski’s jumpy drum beat establishing the song’s pulse thumps to life low in the mix. Think Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life.” Then the song explodes into a full on punk ringer. The vocals, a low almost flat delivery in the vein of garage rock heroes Pavement, tell about a classic punk trope. The urge for[...]

Cooler Drops New Single “Gentleman”

December 3, 2019

Buffalo’s favorite Indiemo trio Cooler returns with their newest single “Gentleman.” Their first release since 2018’s Buried EP shows a mature side of the band, with deeply cathartic lyrics that are very catchy. Their previous releases have been very guitar driven, and while that energy still exists, the lush harmonies and textures that are present on “Gentleman” really highlight the lyrical acuity of the band. Cooler has always had an ability to write compelling pop-oriented songs about such heavy topics such as mental health, love, and loss and “Gentleman,” which focuses on the end of a relationship, is no exception. Check out “Gentleman” below and be on the lookout for their upcoming EP in 2020. Gentleman by CoolerWritten by John Smigielski

Helmsley – East HIlls #1

December 2, 2019

If you have not yet heard the newest effort by Steak and Cake Records’ foot soldier Helmsley, then you should brace yourself for impact. In the vein of surrealist and expressionistic art, Helmsley wrote East Hills #1, a record full of songs that drastically distort, amplify, and warp traditional musical practices to invoke an emotional response. The first track off of the record, and the first single released, “Narcotic,” introduces the heavy Deerhoof influence that is heard through out. The song’s first five seconds blast a siren that acts as wake-up alarm. Sit up and take notice. From there it delivers a delicious bass line groove that is coated in fuzz effects. Combined with the underlying siren and back beat drums, the EDM-esque track makes it near impossible to keep one’s head from bobbing. “Narcotic” fades seamlessly into track two, “Pratt Fall.” Usually meant to refer to a humiliating instance, “Pratt Fall”[...]

Full Body – Always There

November 27, 2019

Waste not, want not. If one uses their provisions wisely they will never be in need. Rochester-based band Full Body apply those wise words to their musical prowess, and it resulted for them in a wide ranging new album, Always There. Following their much applauded debut record, What’s Good?, Full Body have created a separate, and at times manic, new world. Full Body found themselves recording their sophomore effort away from their home turf. They tracked down to Headroom Studios in the bustling city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, PA, and worked with engineer and producer Scoops Dardaris. Track number one, “Small Voice (Still),” kicks the album off with slow sludge drums accompanied by metallic and beautiful guitar chord picking. Vocals hover over the main melody, and lead singer Dylan Vaisey long-windedly sings the main character’s motivation with the simplistic self-centered line, “I’m here for myself.” “Small Voice (Still)” lays down[...]

Bold Folly – I Think That It Is Wonderful

November 25, 2019

Forget the surreal cosmic expanse on the cover of Bold Folly’s I Think That It Is Wonderful– the key setting of the album is far more cramped: the dirty mouth. It’s an image that pops up at least twice, as far as I could decipher from guitarist and vocalist Timothy Zdrojewski’s shouted vocals. First, in “buddapest”: “When I talk to taxi drivers, I talk real loud with food in between my teeth.” And again, in “war games”: “Stick your dirty fingers in the back of my hungry mouth.” I’d bring those two lines into conversation with another seemingly innocent observation from “CAT,” which Zdrojewski screams at the top of his lungs: “We all breathe the same air.” Taken together, these lines imply the aesthetic universe in which I Think That It Is Wonderful lives – not the neverending cosmos, but inside a stinking mouth, a dank, dark space where the[...]

Tonight: Canetis EP Release

November 22, 2019

Tonight, make your way on down to the Rec Room to catch one of Buffalo’s newest up-and-coming acts as they celebrate the release of some new music. Canetis, a group of young heavy-hitters, just released their first EP entitled Putting Time Together, a five-song collection that perfectly blends alt and indie-rock goodness. Canetis has been making a name for themselves lately, so make sure to catch them as they surely won’t disappoint. Joining them on stage this evening is Buffalo heavy hitters Post Prom, and if you haven’t heard of these guys by now, tonight is the perfect opportunity to see what everyone’s been talking about. Also joining the stage is Grace Greenan as well as Elemantra. Doors are at 6pm, tickets are $10. Putting Time Together by CanetisWritten by Mike Rakiecki

Koko Neetz Reveals New Video for “molecules”

November 7, 2019

Indie-songwriter Koko Neetz (the moniker of dreambeaches’ guitarist Andrew Kothen) recently released “molecules,” the first single and accompanying video off his upcoming album titled i.t.t.i.p. This marks the first release from Kothen since 2016’s Moral Monsters, an excellent EP that shows his prowess as a songwriter. molecules shows us an evolved sound, while maintaining Kothen’s meticulous attention to orchestration. Lyrically “molecules” maintains a gentle existential tone, backed by expertly by simple guitar lines and gorgeous harmonies. Kothen’s attention to detail puts him in a category with orchestration and arranging superstars such as Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Sufjan Stevens. If this track is any indication of the rest of the album, we may have a contender for one of the strongest releases in Buffalo this year. Kothen has proven time and again that he’s a true “musician’s musician”, with wistful introspective lyricism, and a deeply thoughtful approach to recording. for fans[...]

Tonight: Hollerado

November 7, 2019

It’s hard to say goodbye. Especially when it comes to leaving behind someone or something that’s been a part of us for years. It is with great sadness that Canadian indie rock act Hollerado announced earlier this year that they are hanging up their axes and calling it quits (hopefully only for a little while). Forming in 2007, the band first pulled at our heartstrings with the driving riffs of “Americanarama” and the soaring chorus of “Juliette” and has been steadily been churning out hits ever since. But with this bad news comes some good: they announced they would release a new album and embark on a “one-last-hoorah” tour, and they have been coming through with their promises. Hollerado released Retaliation Vacation in June this year to great reception, and have already embarked on their tour. The band will be in Buffalo tonight at Town Ballroom for what will be[...]

Tonight: Justin Roeland & Lady D

November 6, 2019

Indie-folk bard Justin Roeland joins a stacked bill of local songwriters tonight at Nietzsche’s. Currently based in Ithaca, Roeland along with his band Nightswimmers has been a fairly regular sight in lineups recently. With deeply poetic, quasi lethargic lyricism, and captivating melodies, Roeland has proven himself to be a standout member of a sometimes crowded field of songwriters. Joining Roeland tonight are Sonny Baker, known for both his solo work and his work with Lazlo Hollyfeld,  Oats Holy Roller, the moniker of Joe Myers most recently known for his project The Shallows, and Andy Pothier, lead singer of Passed Out. Tonight is a night for deeply cathartic, moderately melancholy music presented by four of the most talented songwriters this city has seen in years. This event will sure to be a hit for fans of Jeff Tweedy, Andy Shauf, Big Thief, and Slaughter Beach, Dog. 8:30pm doors, $5, 21+ Doomed To Bloom[...]

Eerie Shores – Wicked Disposal

November 4, 2019

It is no secret that SUNY Fredonia produces a lot of talented artists, especially musicians. There have been countless acts over the years that have staggered their way up from the Chautaugua County college to leave their mark on Buffalo. One of the latest outfits to make that journey is Eerie Shores. Formed in 2017, the band has finally found it’s footing and now identifies as a five-piece. It is with this identity they have found their groove and have released their debut EP called Wicked Disposal. Upon first listening, it’s apparent that this band wastes no time getting to what it does best, which is heavy, detuned riffs. The EP opens up by hitting you right in the mouth with “Days and Weeks,” a 6-minute heavy rock jam with quite the catchy chorus. From there, the group showcases a bit of their softer side on “Ghosts (Dried Out),” as[...]

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[...]