Latest Posts

5 Expert Tips for Buying Your First Instrument

November 6, 2018

If you are currently searching for your first instrument, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. There is a multitude of decisions to be made, and these options can seem endless. There is the brand, model, make, size, etc. For accessory-heavy pieces like guitars and drums, you need to think about all the supplemental equipment as well! With so many options, it’s always best to do your research. Although the musical world is expansive and varied, there are some universal buying tricks that can be used on many instruments. The following article will divulge four aforementioned tips and tricks for buying your first instrument! 1. Consider a Trial Run When perusing possible instrument choices, it may help to test possible candidates by playing them. You wouldn’t want to buy a drum set only to discover you don’t like the wiring on the snare drum! By testing out possibilities, you allow your musical[...]

Tonight: Peel Dream Magazine

November 1, 2018

Rising indie rock act Peel Dream Magazine is performing tonight at Mohawk Place! Releasing their debut album Modern Meta Physic in early October, Peel Dream Magazine has caught the ears of a wide audience.Joe Stevens, who formed the band, takes inspiration from bands like The Velvet Underground and The Beatles, relaying his own perception of their sounds. While not much seems to be written about the band, what is published are the things I wish I could write about a band. There is so much adoration in these authors’ words for Peel Dream Magazine and the music they produce. Regarded as “a record of slowly unfurling charms”on For the Rabbits, Modern Meta Physic brilliantly showcases the band’s take on a 90’s interpretations of the psychedelic sounds of the 60’s. Tonight’s opener is Buffalo’s own heave. Having released a new demo titled “Andy” at the beginning of October, the show at[...]

Tonight: Avi Buffalo

October 25, 2018

Indie musician Avi Buffalo is performing tonight at Mohawk Place! Having beginnings as a  solo project by frontman Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg, Avi Buffalo at its core is still Zahner-Isenberg. However, the project evolves into a full-fledged band for live performances and some studio recordings. Avi Buffalo has released a self-titled album, and At Best Cuckold through Sub Pop Records. Both LPs were dutifully worked over, progressing with each year that passed to complete them. At Best Cuckold has proven to be a great development of the band’s sound and genre, leaving audiences waiting to see what the next album brings. Joining tonight’s lineup are Highland Park duo Haunted Summer, and Buffalo’s very own Stress Dolls, and Parade Chic. Mohawk Place opens its doors at 7pm. Tickets are available for $10. Written by Samantha Schweitzer

Tonight: The Tins

October 19, 2018

Local indie pop act The Tins are returning to Mohawk Place this evening.  Recently releasing their self-titled full-length album, The Tins have received a warm welcome among listeners.  Notably, The Tins has been included in the NACC Chart’s “20 Most Added Songs.” Having formed nearly ten years ago, The Tins continue to evolve as a band, most recently  introducing more psychedelic flavor with their latest release.  “Jubilee,” a new single from the album, is especially airy and light, seeming to take influence from The Beatles (“Penny Lane” crossed my mind on this one).  Having collaborated with the Goo Goo Dolls’ Robby Takac, The Tins is something to be admired, adding to the phenomenal sounds coming out of the Queen City lately. Joining The Tins tonight are Buffalo groups Witty Tarbox, and newcomers Leyda.  From the Capital Region, indie pop rock band Lucy rounds out the lineup. Doors open at 8pm to[...]

Tonight: William Elliott Whitmore

October 14, 2018

Iowa DIY artist William Elliott Whitmore is live tonight at Rec Room! Throughout his almost 20-year career, Whitmore has released seven full-length albums; his most recent release, Kilonova, is starkly different, being his first cover album. As an artist that takes influences from folk, blues, and punk rock genres, Whitmore pays homage to those that have greatly impacted him. Most notably included are Bad Religion (“Don’t Pray on Me”), Johnny Cash (“Five Feet High and Rising”), and Bill Withers (“Ain’t No Sunshine”). Keeping the integrity of the included songs, Whitmore delivers the messages in a significantly different manner that’s wholly and beautifully his own. Rec Room doors are at 7pm tonight. Tickets are $12 in advance. For those 16 and older, please be ready to show ID. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Written by Samantha Schweitzer

Tonight: The Beths

October 9, 2018

Delaware Avenue’s best basement bar, the 9th Ward, plays host tonight for touring New Zealand buzz band, The Beths. Playing in support of their new album, Future Me Hates Me, The Beths will be churning out punchy lyrics with sweet vocals and driving indie rock instrumentals. The band may sound familiar as they’ve been featured heavily on SiriusXMU over the past couple months, in addition to securing clutch write-ups via Pitchfork. Fans of Lucy Dacus or Courtney Barnett would be amped for this one. Doors are at 8pm with a $10 cover.

Tonight: MC Chris

October 4, 2018

MC Chris is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of MC Chris is Dead tonight at Mohawk Place! Originally self-released in May of 2008, MC Chris is Dead relays the tale of the rapper’s journeys in his worldly afterlife following his red carpet assassination in the album Dungeon Master of Ceremonies. The album features the artist’s iconic high-pitched rapping voice, geek knowledge, and seamless flow. Being performed in its entirety, the album’s tantalizing rhythms and thoughtful story line will have everyone in Mohawk Place jamming! What better way to kick off the Halloween season than dancing to an album about a zombie nerdcore rapper? Doors are at 7pm with music starting at 8pm. Tickets are $16 and available to those 16 and older with ID. Written by Samantha Schweitzer

Bearhunter – Nothing Further Beyond

October 1, 2018

Buffalo indie rock mainstays Bearhunter have been around for over 10 years. In the life of a local band, that sort of staying power is almost unheard of… But when you’re crafting finely-tuned music like this particular trio, it makes sense to stick around. The trio, brothers David and Mike Calos and bassist Robert Pusateri, have recently released a new album called  Nothing Further Beyond. These nine tracks are a fitting ode to the fading summer, full of airy, danceable indie rock that goes down smooth. Bearhunter’s dynamic immediately brings to mind the sound of modern rock royalty like Arctic Monkeys, Raconteurs, or Spoon. The guitar work from David Calos is impeccably nuanced – his sense of dynamics is truly incredible and helps carve out Bearhunter’s niche in the crowded indie rock scene. What’s more, Calos’ vocals are a tasteful mesh between smooth and rasp without having too much of one or the[...]

Tonight: Kal Marks

September 29, 2018

The fourth stop in their fall tour, touring Bostonites Kal Marks play the Tudor Lounge tonight! Having humble beginnings as a solo project, the indie rock trio have released three full-length albums through Exploding in Sound Records. Typically described as “the loudest band in Boston,” Kal Marks decided to switch things up for their latest release Universal Care, reigning in their volume and lightening the tone on a few tracks. Universal Care has influences in Nirvana and sludge rock, as well as the sounds we hear coming from more modern indie rock bands, namely Pile. The latest LP has been nominated for the “Album of the Year” award for the 2018 Boston Music Awards. Kal Marks is also a nominee for “Rock Artist of the Year.” Local artists Bold Folly and Soul Butchers are joining tonight’s show. Doors are at 9pm with music beginning shortly after. $5 at the door.[...]

Tonight: Super Whatevr

September 21, 2018

Sugar City is hosting a rock show with headlining Cali natives Super Whatevr. This groovy alt rock band is touring in support of their debut full-length album Never Nothing , which came out this past January via Hopeless Records. Listening to the album is reminiscent of bands like Modern Baseball (first heard specifically in “Katherin with a K”) and Microwave. Seamlessly woven into the fabric of upbeat rhythms are heavier messages within the lyrics and tones. A catharsis for the band, they’re hoping Never Nothing will bring peace to listeners also struggling with demons. Also on the band’s east coast tour are Beach Goons (surf punk) and Canadian band dubé (indie grunge). Additionally, tonight’s show at Sugar City also has alt rock band The Orange Friction as local support. Tickets are $12 and available to all ages. Doors are at 6:30pm. Written by Samantha Schweitzer

Tonight: Hundred Plus Club

September 13, 2018

Mr. Goodbar is hosting a quality local bill tonight, featuring notably Hundred Plus Club.  The four-piece last released an EP titled Everybody’s Friend . Notably last March, the EP reached #30 for “Most Added Album” on the North American College and Community (NACC) Chart.  Listening to the EP, it’s easy to hear why they made the list with their approachable indie rock leanings reminiscent of Bloc Party, Interpol, and Tokyo Police Club. Since releasing the album, Hundred Plus Club has been playing a number of local and in-state shows with bands like The Rifts, Humble Braggers, and Younger Then. Also on the billt tonight are rock bands The Brownstones  (formerly Nothing Casual) and Venus Vacation (formerly Major Arcana). The show will be held in the upstairs portion of the venue for a 21+ audience.  Doors are at 8pm with a $5 cover. Everybody’s Friend by Hundred Plus ClubWritten by Samantha Schweitzer

SLUGS – Cool World

September 4, 2018

Los Angeles-based band SLUGS have released their second EP titled Cool World, and it may just be the perfect summer album. A refreshing take on the classic rock sound our parents taught us to love, Cool World demonstrates an appreciation for the origins of the genre, as well as its promising future. From front to back, this 6-track album will have listeners’ full attention with little effort. There are elements reminiscent of well-known bands such as Dead Sara, Royal Blood, and Weezer (check out “Curveball” specifically for this reference) in choices of guitar tones and vocals. However, the interpretation of the genre itself is something we see developing in upcoming bands (some local examples include Cooler, Ellsworth). At its foundation, the music is still rock. Yet, there’s something wholly different about the songs by these emerging artists. To accurately depict this difference is challenging, because the distinction seems to entirely[...]

Kerfuffle at Canalside (6/16/18)

June 21, 2018

Buffalo’s indie leaning radio station, Alternative Buffalo,  has successfully done it again. Last Saturday, the radio station hosted its 5th annual incarnation of their growing music festival, Kerfuffle. After a long day of fist bumping, it was abundantly clear that the crowd loved the programmed bands along with the adorable puppies offered by the SPCA . Nobody does it quite like this radio station when it comes to hosting a giant crowd at one of the most scenic spots on the Buffalo waterfront. Throughout the day, a roaring crowd of 10,000 people enjoyed a bill with nine of the most exciting active alternative bands in the music scene today. These bands include: Mainland, Mansionair, Family of the Year, Robert DeLong, Marian Hill, Manchester Orchestra, Taking Back Sunday, Matt and Kim, and last but not least the headliner, Awolnation. See the gallery below for a visual representation of these performances. Mainland[...]

5 Bands to Catch at Thin Man Brewery’s Summer Solstice

June 16, 2018

Today Thin Man Brewery celebrates their second annual Summer Solstice street festival, where the up-and-coming establishment takes over the Elmwood Village block between W. Utica and Hodge and provides ample tunes from talented locals as well plenty of craft beers to wet your whistle. Doors start at 12pm with the fun going until about 10pm. Tickets are $20 for the GA with a $30 VIP option for the high rollers. Here are five bands we recommend checking out today, beer in hand. The CPX (3pm) If there is a community festival in Buffalo, chance are the CPX will make an appearance on the bill – and with good reason. The Americana-country leaning outfit has been in the local scene for years with their accessible sound and commanding stage presence, the CPX is a good lead-in to an afternoon of brews and sunshine. Bold Folly (5:30pm) Bold Folly are an up-and-coming[...]

Nylon Otters Reveals New Singles

November 21, 2017

The Nylon Otters emulate a bit of Nevermind-era Nirvana on their debut studio single, “Pollenblonde,” a bouncing and rhythmic track comprised of fuzzy guitars, monotone vocals and repeating avant-garde lyrics (“It feels great, Pollenblonde / ‘Aint it a strange thing we’re on? / It’s just fake, all in all / But it’s okay really, I don’t mind / I’m not mad,” Logan Ross sings during the chorus) set atop a bed of raw production, which suits this track perfectly. The band amps things up a bit on b-side “Loose Ends,” a rollicking tune that introduces a bit of driving Americana into the mix. All in all, “Pollenblonde” and “Loose Ends” do not ever comprise a total of five minutes, so there’s not really much excuse for you to not at check them out. Pollenblonde by Nylon OttersWritten by Brian Campbell