Latest Posts

STCLVR – “Gutterlungs”

June 4, 2019

Jamestown, NY’s STCLVR is back with a throbbing new post-industrial single, “Gutterlungs.” Seemingly taken from a DJ set performed by Lucifer Himself, the track combines Hacienda-ready drums and synths harkening New Order and Happy Mondays and pairs them with Helvete-approved guttural screams soaked in fuzz and reverb. George Moore, the mastermind behind STCLVR, laments achingly over its concise three and a half minutes, dragging listeners further down the void with each bone-breaking drum loop and every lung-tearing scream, all melding together in a twisted maelstrom of gut-crushing pulses and thuds: “In a sweat-soaked bed, so old and dead, gutter habitat, expressionless stare.” Like sitting cross-legged without affect staring blankly down the middle of a crowded, sleazy nightclub dance floor in the strangest part of town, the completely polar dichotomy between the track’s danceable backbeat and the hopeless, nihilistic dread within Moore’s wails proves to be the song’s biggest strong suit.[...]

No Glitter – The Old City

June 3, 2019

Rochester based outfit No Glitter released their album The Old City this past February. No Glitter is the solo project of drummer Billy Martin, best known for his work with The Ginger Faye Bakers and Vacation Daze. In 2018, Martin entered the studio after a visit to his hometown of Syracuse, NY. Aside from several guitar solos, Martin recorded all the music on the album. The result is a riff heavy 90s influenced alt-rock sound that deserves to be played loud. Throughout the record, Martin maintains a high energy and demonstrates his ability to write compelling hooks and anthemic choruses. A perfect example of this would be “Window Seat,” which builds a call and response structure throughout the verse and explodes into the chorus. There’s also a fair amount of brooding as well, such as “Ladybug | Little Squid” which drips with stoner metal sludge. A true standout is “Cherry[...]

Tonight: Space Cubs

June 1, 2019

Indietronica multimedia ensemble Space Cubs will be releasing their hotly anticipated LP The 4th Age, with a show tonight at Mohawk Place. Originally born in 2011 as a venture of songwriter/producer Suzanne Bonifacio, the group grew with the addition of multimedia whiz Shawn Lewis (Lesionread), and guitarist and visual artist Adam Pressley (Frenchpressley). It’s been fascinating to see how the band has progressed, growing their sound with each release anchored consistently by Bonifacio’s powerful, otherworldly vocals. Most recently, the band released three singles leading up to their new album; “Shelves” in November 2018, “Sideways” and “Circular” which were both released a few weeks ago. If the singles are any gauge, this new album is going to be special. With the ability to channel early period Eno ambient, as well as the jagged, angular art-rock of Radiohead, Space Cubs have consistently proven themselves to be one of the most interesting bands[...]

Ugly Sun Drops Single “Little Fire”

May 29, 2019

What the world needs now more than ever is an injection of feel good party music, and Buffalo’s own Ugly Sun has the prescription. The band, consisting of brothers John and Harrison Crook, is a duo hellbent on delivering catchy 70’s era rock riffs and infectious vocal melodies. Case in point, their new single ‘Little Fire’. The song starts with an airy guitar melody that steadily builds until it combusts into a full on arena rock guitar lick reminiscent of Nazareth’s ‘Hair of the Dog’. John Crook, bass and lead vocalist, delivers a flawless howl recounting possibly the steamiest of romantic encounters, as the proof is put on display front and center, ‘I’m hangin’ by a thread when you lick it up’. After a short and sweetly stripped down bridge the song’s chorus roars to life with rock ‘n roll tricks that always deliver; crashing cymbals, steady tambourine, and layered[...]

The Tins Drop Latest Single “City Lies II”

May 28, 2019

Buffalo indie darlings The Tins have returned with another new single, “City Lies II.” A follow-up to “City Lies” off the eponymous 2017 EP, the track is an excellent example of the Tins’ knack for mastering different sounds. “City Lies II” begins with a bare-bones guitar riff, begging the listener to wonder what could be around the corner. Soon enough, a drum beat and cymbal crash interrupt this wonderment as we enter the mind of lead singer Mike Santillo. Santillo’s vocals are exceedingly haunting in this particular track, mingling with developing guitar, ghostly harmonies, and sparkling synth to express the thoughts of disillusionment, stagnation, and mental entanglement that come with extended city life – not unlike the themes explored on previous singles from The Tins. What’s perhaps most compelling about this single is something the group gets right over and over again: the artful combination of energy and heart. You won’t[...]

Tonight: VR Sunset

May 24, 2019

Local synth-pop group VR Sunset will be headlining a stacked local bill tonight at Nietzsche’s. VR Sunset is the brainchild of Reggie Clark, known for his past contributions  with Lesionread and Planet Three. In January they released their debut album Artifact which drips with new-wave psychedelia. Standout tracks include “Tame The Beast,” “Clear Views,” and “Tidal Wave.” With plenty of fuzz and de-tuned synths it’s surely a must listen for fans of Tame Impala, The Flaming Lips, and Neon Indian. Also on the bill tonight are alt-rockers Nylon Otters, indie stalwarts Hundred Plus Club, shoegaze outfit Chevron Bloom, and bummer punks Talking In My Sleep. With such a diverse lineup, there’s surely something for everyone. $7, Doors at 9pm. Artifact by VR Sunset Photo by Zach Anderson Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: North by North

May 20, 2019

The unicorn of rock ‘n roll bands happens to be the two piece line-up. Stripped down, this combo of guitar and drums delivers more punch than a full piece orchestra.Take for example, The Flat Duo Jets influencing the White Stripes who gave credence to the Black Keys. Following suit, from the city of Chicago, I’d like to introduce to you North by North. Self described crunch rockers playing sweaty fever dream rock ‘n roll, North by North use their experience of over 650 shows to their advantage. They unleash boogie-woogie grooves from drummer Kendra Blank and psych-surf riffs from guitarist Nate Girard to create a rich and colorful atmosphere that reminds one of The Stooges mixed with Sonic Youth. They will be in town tonight in support of their latest album Last Days of Magic. Also on deck tonight are garage act The Gennies, buzzing newcomers Halo Nellie, and raw rock act[...]

Tonight: Passion Pit

May 20, 2019

Cambridge-based indietronica band Passion Pit makes their return to the area tonight with a show at the Rapids Theatre. Frontman Michael Angelakos, who spent his formative years in Buffalo, will be bringing the tenth anniversary tour of their major label debut Manners, a glistening, danceable record that is filled to the brim with hooks. However beneath the gloss, Angelakos is able to write very openly and honestly about his struggles with his mental health. Far from being gratuitous, these songs highlight Passion Pit’s ability to write compelling pop music that is still anchored by these honest emotional conversations. With standout tunes such as “Sleepyhead,” and “Little Secrets” highlighting Angelakos’ falsetto coupled with catchy danceable synths, this concert is definitely a must see. Tickets are $37.50 GA Standing and $119 VIP. Doors at 7pm, music at 8pm. Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: Basement

May 16, 2019

Tonight, England’s Basement invades Buffalo’s own Rec Room on Chippewa for potentially one of the best rock shows you’ll see all year. The group has done a good job of keeping us patiently waiting for another show since their visit to see us last spring at Mohawk Place. Since then, they’ve released Beside Myself in October of 2018, which is full of ear catching hits including “Be Here Now.” Joining them for the evening are Philadelphia rockers Nothing, as well as L.A. alternative/grunge revivalists; Teenage Wrist, who have just released the enticing 3-song EP entitled Counting Flies. Doors at 7pm with a $20 advanced ticket. Beside Myself by BasementWritten by Mike Rakiecki

Tonight: The Sea The Sea

May 14, 2019

The Sea The Sea come to the 9th Ward tonight in support of their latest album From the Light. Expect the group to bring along with them their folk harmonies that rival The Fleet Foxes. Mira Costa, keyboard, guitar, vocal, and percussion, approached Chuck E. Costa after a talent competition, and the two used their mutual love of gospel and Sunday Service to craft indie-folk-pop. Currently playing with a drummer and an additional vocalist/, The Sea The Sea have carved out their definitive folk sound with extraordinary pop hooks and should brighten up your rather cloudy Tuesday/May. The Sea The Sea are accompanied by Koko.Neetz (Andrew Kothen). Doors are at 7pm with a $12 door. Written by Kevin Prentice

Pink Guitars – Hand EP

May 13, 2019

“DIY or Die.” That phrase, created in the seventies by punks willing to put it all on the line, has grown into a mantra for the hardcore community. By the grace of god we are lucky enough to bare witness of that philosophy’s magnitude with the freshman release of Hand EP by Pink Guitars. Erected from the ashes of the past group, Supergoner, Pink Guitars’ creative force, Sean Wild, drew from his influences; Black Flag, The Germs, Sonic Youth, and No Wave bands Mars and DNA. The lead track establishes the tone for the entirety of the EP.. “On The Inside” begins with dissident feedback before the punch of the 1-2 driving punk drum beat, which had put Wild’s musical ingenuity to the test. Lacking a full drum-set for the recording, he employed the use of drum-hit samples to round out the bass, toms, and high hat percussion. Layered on top[...]

Tonight: Wild Once

May 10, 2019

Tonight, you need to get down to Mohawk Place to see one of the best all-local lineups this year has to offer so far. Wild Once is kicking off the weekend by celebrating the release of their new EP Perennials. If that wasn’t enough to get you out the door, let us remind you that you will receive a FREE copy of the release with a ticket purchase. In case that doesn’t get you jazzed enough, keep in mind that the lineup absolutely rules. Synth-pop titans Humble Braggers are playing their first show in quite some time, which, in and of itself, is a good reason to attend. Joining them as well are rising post-emo acts Cooler as well as Worse Things. Doors are at 8pm, tickets are $10.  In the meantime, check out Wild Once right here: Perennials by Wild OnceWritten by Mike Rakiecki

Tough Old Bird Reveals First Single off Upcoming Album

May 9, 2019

Late late month, Filmore NY’s Tough Old Bird dropped “Harbor Song,” the first single off their upcoming album The Old Great Lakes. “Harbor Song,” finds them expanding their sound slightly, in a way that highlights their rustic, blues tinged Americana stylings. The track opens up with a soulful trumpet duet, which is soon joined by a gentle beat in the drums. Lead singer Nathan Corrigan’s vocals balance perfectly, with a lilt that carries a certain weariness. The track is extremely evocative, conjuring up images of dusty, yellowed photographs. As the track builds, the layers grow, but at no point overpower Corrigan. Perhaps this is the real beauty of Tough Old Bird; their ability to capture Rust-Belt languor and the weariness of the road without succumbing to it. Aside from their expanding fanbase, this track will also appeal to fans of Buck Meek, The Avett Brothers, and Townes Van Zandt. Tough[...]

Tonight: Caroline Rose

May 8, 2019

Sharp-tongued satirist Caroline Rose brings her LONER LOSER FREAK Tour to town with a show at Buffalo Iron Works tonight. Rose is currently finishing up a year plus long tour behind her critically acclaimed third album LONER, which was released on New West Records in 2018. A far cry from the alt-country styling of her previous two albums, LONER finds Rose embracing a synth forward sound with danceable hooks. Lyrically, this album covers topics such as death, loneliness, self-doubt, and misogyny amongst other things. But the beauty of the album is Rose’s ability to deal with such serious and potentially traumatic topics with such unflinching candor. Rose uses satire as a means of translating or transforming the inherent anger and pain of her subject material. Coupled with her infectious pop sensibilities, Rose is able to capture attention in a way that doesn’t minimize the weight of the topics she covers.[...]

Coral Collapse – Don’t Wait to See Me Say Goodbye

May 6, 2019

Buffalo natives Coral Collapse have released their second album entitled Don’t Wait to See Me Say Goodbye. The effort showcases the bands ability to combine spaced-out guitars, clever and crafty drum-work as well as haunting-yet-mellow reverb-laden vocals to create an indie pop work of art that can sit comfortably next to Beach Fossils or Wild Nothing. There is a strong since of cohesiveness that unites these ten songs. The album opens up with “Nocturnal,” as it should. The beach/surf rock tune immediately catches your ear and buries itself into your brain with the jangly guitar riff and ensuing hi-hat beat that follows. The vocal rhythm and melody is the perfect counterbalance to the otherwise busy instrumentation in the track. The album flows seamlessly through “Atlantic”, “Never Go” and “ After Hours”. One of the highlights on Don’t Wait to See Me Say Goodbye come from the tracks “Mono”, where the band picks[...]