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Tonight: Orations

March 29, 2019

Tonight, get on down to Mohawk Place to catch an electrifying lineup that is sure to start your weekend off right. 

Buffalo-based shoegaze act Orations will be performing tonight in celebration of the release of their new LP Receiver, which is dripping in subdued, moody, post-punk goodness. The band has generously dropped two new tracks: “All The Honey” and “False Face,” on their Bandcamp to hold you over until tonight. Trust us, you’re not going to want to miss this one. Sharing the stage with them is local fuzzed-out emo heartthrobs Cooler, and the unassuming-yet-thrilling Nylon Otters. There will also be solo performances by Dave Allison and Bill Nehill. Doors open at 8pm with a $7 cover. 

In the meantime, you can check out Orations’ “All The Honey” right here. Receiver by OrationsWritten by Mike Rakiecki

Tonight: Mikaela Davis

March 29, 2019

The best way to blaze your own trail is to learn all of the rules, and then throw them away. Rochester native Mikaela Davis studied orchestral harp for symphony playing in high school and college, and then she moved to Brooklyn to forge her own singer-songwriter career. This evening, she will bring her new album Delivery to the 9th Ward. Produced by Grammy Winner John Congleton, Delivery hands us beat and groove driven tracks such as “Get Gone” and “Do You Wanna Be Mine,” as well as beautifully sparse songs, “Emily” and “All I Do Is Disappear,” that proves Davis successfully forged her own harp centered singer-songwriter career. Also on the bill are rising Rochester rock act Dangerbyrd. Doors open at 7pm and there is a $12 cover. Written by Kevin Prentice

Lovers Walk Launches Debut Single, Project

March 28, 2019

Rochester-based songwriter Ian Proper has just released “Starry Eyes,” the debut single from his newest project Lover’s Walk. Proper, previously known for his work with Sports and The Young Couples, has found a mature sound that blends indie-pop sensibilities with a driving eighties energy. With a tasteful use of harmonies, and seemingly effortless hook, “Starry Eyes” is a promising showing from Proper. Keep an eye out for a full release, as it will be interesting to see what direction this project will head in. Starry Eyes by Lovers WalkWritten by John Smigielski

Tonight: Tokyo Police Club

March 23, 2019

Tonight, Canadian indie rock all-stars Tokyo Police Club’s finally  return to Buffalo. As per usual, this will be a performance that is certain not to disappoint. The band, hailing from Newmarket, Ontario is sure to bring its’ signature brand of catchy, up-tempo indie-rock to Town Ballroom. This marks their first show in Buffalo since a relatively intimate, yet extraordinary performance in January 2017. Tokyo Police club will be touring in support of their fourth album TPC, released in October 2018. On the record, which includes the singles such as “Hercules” and “New Blues,” the band breathes new life and another wave memorable hooks of into their familiar catalogue, one many of you have looked fondly upon since 2008’s breakout Elephant Shell. Tickets are available starting at $22 and can be purchased. Doors open at 7pm. Written by Mike Rakiecki

Fredonia’s Karrot Kake Releases New Single

March 22, 2019

Fredonia’s own fuzz-punk trio Karrot Kake just released their new single, “Autopilot,” via Nonexistant Records. Karrot Kake was founded when members Jon Fridmann and Kaleh Mendez-deMello were only in 5th grade. After adding Jon’s brother, Mike, Fridmann, their lineup was set, and the trio has been steadily turning out records ever since. The new single “Autopilot” features its’ fair share of swinging acoustic-guitar work, starts off with just that. Before you know it, drums and electric guitar enter, as does Mendez-deMello’s vocals, which are akin to Wayne Coyne or Jello Biafra. The simple arrangement is sure to sucker you in with an airy and approachable verse, before the band kicks it into high gear and into full-fledged folk- punk mode, where you can tell the band likes to live. The remainder of the track is full of energy, as a fury of edgy near-screaming vocals and frantic drum work keep you[...]

Tonight: SMUG

March 22, 2019

Local pop punk trio SMUG are celebrating their return tonight  on a jam-packed bill at Nietzsche’s. The band has been busy since the release of their debut full-length Gorgeous, which came out at the tale end of 2018, recently returning from a twelve-date east coast tour as well as wrapping up a successful college radio campaign. Joining these rascals will be grunge rock re-imaginists Ugly Sun, riot grrrl up-and-and comers Party’s Over, and the second ever revealing of somber indiemo act Wild Once. Doors are at 9pm with an $8 cover.

Tonight: Ben Folds

March 21, 2019

Alt piano-rock stalwart Ben Folds returns to the area with a rare solo show this evening at the Fallsview Casino. Known for his energetic and engaging live performances, this show will certainly appeal to old and new fans alike. Folds first rose to prominence with the Ben Folds Five after their 1997 release Whatever and Ever Amen. With songs like “Brick” and “Song for the Dumped,” Folds used his trademark sardonic wit and profanity to diffuse lyrics of melancholy and self-conflict in a way that resonated with audiences. Following the breakup of the Ben Folds Five, Folds released his debut solo record Rockin’ the Suburbs in 2001. What has been described by Folds as “punk rock for sissies” is actually a carefully crafted synthesis of pop and classical sensibilities that have defined his genre bending sound for decades. Currently,  Folds works as the Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony orchestra[...]

Tonight: Jose Gonzalez

March 19, 2019

Tonight the University at Buffalo Center for the Performing Arts will host Swedish singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez and The String Theory. Gonzalez’s indie style dates back to 2006 when he covered The Knife’s song “Heartbeats,” which immediately made college radio salivate. To prove himself worthy of the singer-songwriter moniker, Gonzalez continued to work on original material, releasing three solo albums within ten years. His latest effort is a live album, Jose Gonzalez & The String Theory. By creating the unlikely partnership with the avant-garde chamber orchestra, Gonzalez proves that he is not finished pushing the envelope of modern music, and that his ability to take risks keeps his fans fascinated. Doors open at 7:30pm and there is a $29 cover. Written by Kevin Prentice

Best Violin Strings for Beginners

February 13, 2019

Best Violin Strings for Beginners Before choosing a new violin string, it’s important to consider the level of skills in playing the instrument. There are violin strings for professionals, and there are specially made for beginners. So how do you find the perfect strings for your new violin? Choosing a Quality Violin String If you’re a beginner in playing violin, the type of string you use will have a huge effect in creating the sound. For instance, type, tension, and gauge of the strings have an impact on dramatic and subtle changes made. So you really need to find the right strings that matches the quality of sound you want to create. Below are some helpful tips to make sure you get the best violin strings as a beginner: Understand the different types of violin strings. The three main types of strings are synthetic, steel, and gut; they all differ[...]

Tonight: Boy Jr.

December 16, 2018

Rochester originated indie artist Boy Jr. celebrates a new single release this weekend tonight at Milkie’s! in 2015 Erica Allen-Lubman equipped with musical talent, a computer, and a dream, combined the three to release an expressive EP titled No Hard Feelings with the help of Delaney Hafener and Chris Ozone.Since then, Allen-Lubman under the name Boy Jr. has released Some Tunes, Some More Tunes, and “It’s Enough,” each a new development on the artist’s sound, as well as a deeper look into her mind. By far “It’s Enough” is my favorite Boy Jr. release so far. It’s a hard-hitting track that showcases the culmination of three years’ worth of tweaking and development by Boy Jr., proving that she can rock as hard as the full-set bands that perform. Watching a promo video posted to the Boy Jr. Facebook page is reminiscent of watching a young Amy Winehouse perform in the[...]

Tonight: Ava Luna

December 5, 2018

Soulfully innovative indie group Ava Luna performs tonight at Mohawk Place! Since 2007, Ava Luna has been garnering attention for its creative blending of genres, ranging from soul and R&B to reggae and psychedelic with heavy synths. However, Ava Luna’s recent release, Moon 2, has amassed recognition for being vastly different from its earlier works; most attribute this change to Carlos Hernandez stepping back from his leadership role, allowing his bandmates to contribute more creatively during the recording process. The result: an extraordinary album of stellar extraterrestrial sounds. Ava Luna creates its own world through which it easily maneuvers listeners in this album. Maggie Lange of Pitchfork puts it perfectly, stating in her review, “It’s an electro-funk that plays on a gravity plane where everything is a different weight, sounds melt more deeply and float off more easily.” Listening to Moon 2 is like being projected back in time, yet[...]

The Tins Drop Two New Singles

November 30, 2018

Local indie rock group The Tins have released a new double A-side single, featuring the the tracks “Saksaywaman” and “Open Minded.” Recorded in Buffalo’s own Mammoth Recording Studio, The Tins collaborated with distinguished producer Ted Young (The Gaslight Anthem, Andrew W.K.), and engineer Jessica Thompson (Train, Natalie Merchant) to mix and master the songs. The dual-sided single combines balancing tracks, creating a work that’s both fun and thoughtful. First impressions of “Saksaywaman” are that it’s a relaxed yet danceable track. The vocals of Adam Stanley and Michael Santillo are reminiscent of Bear Hands singer Dylan Rau, specifically in tone. However, The Tins have differentiated themselves while simultaneously adding to their genre. One of the most outstanding parts of “Saksaywaman” is the percussion. It’s so simple, but it provides such a necessary rhythm and accent to the song. The little clicks of the clavas compliment the hustle of the guitar’s melody. As for “Open[...]

Tonight: Death From Above

November 25, 2018

103.3 the Edge proudly presents Death From Above tonight at The Rapids Theatre! The duo from Toronto, Canada has had a tumultuous past, yet has overcome difficulties and differences to continue creating some pretty banging music. While no one knows for sure how Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler met (they perpetuate various tales from gay bars to pirate ships), Death From Above has been jamming since 2001. Within a short 17 years, the band has changed their name twice, overcame a five-year hiatus following creative differences, and released three full-length albums. Most recently, their album Outrage! Is Now dropped in September last year, featuring the single “Freeze Me.” In fact, “Freeze Me” has popped up on my Spotify playlist a number of times these recent months; their sound closely relates to Muse and Royal Blood combined, creating a hard-hitting powerhouse backed by strengthening, yet subtle, synths. I remember listening[...]

Tonight: Forager

November 17, 2018

Surf’s up at Milkie’s tonight with featured band Forager! Described as a “surfgaze” group, Forager originated in 2016 Cleveland, Ohio with mainstays Raye Hart, James Thain, and Justin Bellino. The group has gained notoriety among college radios and indie bloggers following their first EP release this past February. Deadbeat Suite is a classic vivacious “feel-good” album with one catchy track after another. The driving hooks and bouncing rhythms instills the urge to get up and dance like Uma Thurman and John Travolta in cult classic “Pulp Fiction.” The major tones throughout the album bring a sense of serenity and blissfulness. There’s nostalgia for a time and music genre that seems to have fallen by the wayside over a number of decades. It’s time for a revival with bands like Forager. Tonight’s lineup includes local rock groups Nylon Otters and Halo Nellie. Doors open at 8pm with a $5 cover charge.[...]

Tonight: Cougar Sweat

November 9, 2018

Nietzsche’s is hosting a rock show featuring Cougar Sweat tonight! Originating in Atlanta, Georgia in 2016, Cougar Sweat prides itself on being an energetic, joy-embracing group. With Caleb Chauncey on guitar and vocals and Nate Cook on drums, the band released a self-titled EP in February 2017 and a single called “Peace” this past May. The tracks deliver a full sound despite having only two members, calling references to modern influences like Royal Blood, Dead Sara and Ok Go. Cougar Sweat indeed lives up to the “people-to-people style, stuffing a venue with solid sounds and brotherly love” description on the group’s Facebook page. Tonight’s lineup includes fellow Georgia rock band McLeod, as well as Buffalo natives Velvet Bethany and Venus Vacation. The show begins at 10 pm with a $5 cover charge. Age restrictions are 21+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Written by Samantha Schweitzer