Latest Posts

Tonight: Pinky Doodle Poodle

May 3, 2019

Japanese power rockers Pinky Doodle Poodle will be making a stop at Milkie’s tonight at 8pm. Known for their heavy, riff based music with positive lyrics, PDP maintains a fairly active touring schedule. After catching the ear of Robby Takac, the band was signed to Good Charmal Records and released their first full-length record in 2014. Their most recent release, Poodle Boogie was released in 2017. Core members Yuria and George have created a high-energy guitar driven sound that balances scorching riffs with playful lyrics. Rounding out the bill tonight are the punk outfit Radical Operations and instrumental rockers Good-Dude. In addition to their show at Milkie’s, you can also catch PDP at the Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend. Doors at 8pm with a $6 cover. Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: The Felice Brothers

April 29, 2019

Catskills based folk rockers The Felice Brothers will be making a return to the area with a show at the 9th Ward on April 29that 8pm. They’ll be touring in support of their new record Undress, out May 2 on Yep Roc Records. This will follow up their 2016 release Life in the Dark. Far from being novices, The Felice Brothers have already proven themselves to be a formidable force in the Americana scene. In 2017, the band served as Conor Oberst’s backing band on Salutations, and his subsequent tour. They will also be performing at the Borderland festival this Fall in East Aurora. This new album features a paired down sound, and is far and away their most reflective and personal release. On Undress, The Felice brothers tighten the scope of their increasingly sociopolitical songwriting. The title track of the new record features rich imagery and a decidedly political[...]

Tonight: Coral Collapse

April 27, 2019

Nietzsche’s is the best place to be tonight if you are looking for new music. Come out and celebrate two new releases, Don’t Wait To See Me Say Goodbye from Coral Collapse and Shapes of Color from M.T. Lakes. Needless to say, it’s going to be a great time. Joining them are Buffalo’s “animal rock” experts Bold Folly, as well as the humble, soft-spoken offerings from The Shallows. Doors are at 9. $8 cover which includes a physical copy of Coral Collapse’s new album. Written by Mike Rakieki

The Flaming Lips – King’s Mouth

April 26, 2019

Two years have passed since Oklahoma’s Flaming Lips last graced us with an album, with the last arriving in the shape of ‘Oczy Moldy.’ Calling anything the Flaming Lips do ‘offbeat’ at this point is a complete redundancy, but some of the criticism they received for that release doesn’t seem to have stung them in the slightest. If anything, they’ve only become more obscure and experimental. The Flaming Lips are, of course, anything but a band of young up and comers. They’ve been with us since the late 1980s and should by rights be settling into middle age comfortably, and sitting back on their riches. That isn’t really the way of this band, though. While high-art concepts and openly pretentious visual and musical ideas are usually the preserve of the young, the Flaming Lips are still showing bands half their age how to employ such notions effectively. Make no mistake;[...]

Tonight: Laura Jane Grace and the Devouring Mothers

April 15, 2019

A long creative career is never a singular track. Different incarnations, both visually and sonically, are required for sustainability. Laura Jane Grace, the lead singer and guitarist for punk band Against Me!, started garnering underground fans with demos, eventually earning support from punk-purists NOFX and their label Fat Wreck Chords close to twenty years ago. Seven studio albums followed, along with success on the Billboard 100 chart, but that did not give Grace complacency. An AOL TV series about transgender lifestyle, multiple columns written for Noisey, and a full length confessional book allowed fans a direct look into her personal life. Now, the punk-rocker who wears many hats has a new side project, Laura Jane Grace and the Devouring Mothers tour their first album Bought to Rot. Containing songs Grace deemed not appropriate for Against Me!, the album still packs the hardcore punch and melodic rhythms that is her forte. Catch[...]

Tonight: Single Mothers

April 14, 2019

Ontario’s Single Mothers brings their debaucherous brand of rock-and-roll to the Rec Room this evening. The band, formed in 2008, recently released their third album, Through A Wall in September of 2018, and is visiting the city of good neighbors to show us what it’s all about. It will certainly prove to be a show we’ll all look back fondly upon. Single Mothers will be sharing the stage with Boston’s Rebuilder, as well as Buffalo acts The Eaves and Worse Things. 

Tickets are $15, doors are at 7pm.  Check out Single Mothers’ “Dog Parks x Switch Off “right here. Written by Mike Rakiecki

Hate Club – A Clear Mistake

April 9, 2019

Albany’s Hate Club are keeping their torches lit. Their latest effort, A Clear Mistake, marks their fourth release in only two years. Besides highlighting their admirable work ethic, A Clear Mistake presents a conceptual recording of a difficult aspect of the human condition; Mistakes and Regrets. The cover art, flames engulfing a home, signify the watershed moment of life irrevocably changing, and sets the stage for the aptly named first track, “Hot Take.” Chugging drums from Ian Kerr-Mace build throughout the verse, while Noah Bondy tells a hard truth, “Relationships sour, we count down the hours alone”. The chorus opens up in Nirvana-esq fashion, with an equally tough pill to swallow, but lubricated with harmonies by Bondy and Audrey Goodemote, “All your favorite bands have moved away.” Track two, “Earth Signs,” a structurally rich song with a 1/2 time signature intro and bare bones bassline verse from Alex Brooks then[...]

Tonight: The Demos

April 5, 2019

Spring is upon us (kind of), and there is no better way to both celebrate the warmer weather (sometimes) and clear your sinuses than to come out Nietzsche’s. This is a show you definitely do not want to miss. Even if dancing isn’t your thing, you will have fun you will have at this show. The Tins are sure to sonically bring the house down with their new-wave rock that features tight grooves, tasteful electronic percussion, nostalgic vocal effects, and truly amazing guitar shredding. Also on the bill is Rochester-grown The Demos, who will certainly have you dancing right out of your shoes with their upbeat, indie pop beats and catchy hooks that you’ll be humming for days. The Leones are also joining in on the festivities, and they’ll have you feeling melancholic with their dreamy guitar parts and distant psychedelic vocals. Don’t fret about feeling somber though, because they[...]

Maybird Drops New Single “Gonna Lose Your Mind”

April 3, 2019

Rochester psych pop quartet Maybird just released “Gonna Lose Your Mind,” the first single off their forthcoming album. This release will be a follow up to their 2017 EP Keep In Line, which was produced by Patrick Carney, best known for his work with The Black Keys. Maybird was first signed to Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records back in 2016. “Gonna Lose Your Mind” features lush psychedelic textures, and the unique addition of a horn section. Lead singer Josh Netsky’s vocals dance effortlessly around the track, and are joined in a haunting duet during the chorus. The result is a track that will appeal to both new and longtime listeners. Keep an eye out for their new album, dropping May 3rd on 30th Century Records. Written by John Smigielski

Chevron Bloom – Henry

April 1, 2019

In the interim since Buffalo’s Chevron Bloom debuted their first recording, they’ve packed on some muscle with the addition of veteran axe-man Gerald Thomas, and the now-foursome has just released a second recording—another EP titled Henry. While this enhanced instrumentation affords them a bit more range and complexity, Henry remains largely rooted in their established lush and spacey indie rock sound, while marking a progression towards a slightly darker and more urgent place. However, unlike many other bands carrying on the torch of the 90’s shoegaze sound, Chevron Bloom crafts their dreamy soundscapes through solid and original songwriting rather than relying on a wall of effects noise and sonics, and that gives this album a unique soul and character. The raw sparkle of Galaxie 500 is a palpable undercurrent in these songs—especially in frontman Jay Sallese’s vocal delivery—but they also channel the moody intensity of late-era Unwound, especially on “Halfway[...]

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[...]