Latest Posts

Hundred Plus Club Drop Music Video for “Cooler”

November 21, 2017

Buffalo indie rock act Hundred Plus Club have dropped a new visual for “Cooler,” the latest single off their upcoming EP Everybody’s Friend, a video that manages to capture the band’s true lo-fi essence. Nestled between a giant projection screen and projector, the band churns out their latest indie rock entry as a myriad of hazy colors, including plenty of blues and reds, and shapes dance across their faces. Angular guitars and cymbal crashes swell and build to a satisfying crescendo as the video fades out with the band’s name and song title flashed across the screen in a familial 80’s graphic font. The new clip was shot by James Carriero, directed by drummer Burak Spoth and co-directed by singer Zain Shirazi. Everybody’s Friend, Hundred Plus Club’s sophomore EP and first since 2016’s For You, will be released November 24 via Admirable Traits Records. In honor of the album’s release,[...]

Darryl Rahn – “Still In Luv”

November 3, 2017

Darryl Rahn’s Newlywed Records debut “Still In Luv,” is a three-minute slice of perfect indie pop, raises the momentum of the up-and-coming singer-songwriter, a New York City-bred artist acclaimed by alternative rock band Guster and discerned favorably by college radio stations statewide. Carried by a thumping bassline and impassioned vocals, “Still in Luv” welcomes in splashes of guitar—both acoustic and fuzzed-out—as well as trickling piano lines. Though the dispirited lyrics cleverly reevaluate the memories experienced alongside someone still entrenched in love (or “luv,” rather) with another man, the tune manages to stray away from balladry and instead takes up a deceivingly buoyant sound. Around the 2-minute mark, the song gives way to a wordless midsection and a breakdown of instruments. The song ends with one last build-up, after a line of questioning shows apparent recuperation from the anguish of lost love before culminating in a cry of “did you tell[...]

Nothing Casual – Blank Slate EP

November 2, 2017

Funktastic guitar licks and striking solos quarterback “Breakdown,” the opening salvo of Nothing Casual’s Blank Slate, the band’s first release since rebranding themselves (they were formerly known as White Shade). Thankfully for Nothing Casual, the guitar work helps mask the rather off-putting vocals of Matt Sacha, whose unique delivery sounds just out of place here. Blank Slate manages to recover rather quickly from its auspicious start on the following “394,” as Sacha’s mellow tones gel perfectly with the track’s indie pop sensibilities. Zach Moore’s howling guitars again work to pace “394,” as the band’s penchant for lush melody gets put on display. The closing “What a Shame” follows suit, with Sacha’s sleepy aesthetic perfectly complimenting Moore’s wailing riffs. The guitar-driven bridge during the song’s latter stages is a highlight. The EP is raw and messy at times, but Nothing Casual do a yeoman’s job in clicking at the right times[...]

Johnny & the Man Kids Release Single “I’m Just a Man”

October 31, 2017

Within the first 40 seconds of “I’m Just a Man” by Buffalo natives Johnny & the Man Kids, a grouping of instruments coalesce one by one—rollicking drums, chiming guitar, a buoyant bassline, a keyboard replicating a theremin, and intervening vocal calls of “1, 2, 3, 4.” Lead singer John Marciniak lyrically pleads with a love interest, tossing his pride to the curb while insisting on living each day to the fullest. The lines “now I / know that I’ll find / some peace of mind / knowing you’re fine” meet a thunderous instrumental barrage before falling back to that initial guitar line and, fittingly enough, a call to “slow down.” “I’m Just a Man” then reintroduces the remaining instruments only to wipe them all away again with exception of an ascending bassline and ethereal sound effects. After another build-up, the words enter, flipping the message to “don’t slow down” instead.[...]

Jon Lewis Band – Baby Brother EP

October 29, 2017

Not too far removed from the release of their Exquisite Corpse full length back in May, Rochester’s Jon Lewis is back with Baby Brother EP, a new collection of emotionally penned, fuzzed out indie rock. “Let It Go” opens Baby Brother with reckless abandon; Lewis’ hazy yet potent vocals underpinned with fervent driving indie rock, before the band opts for cleaner tones and bright melodies on the following “I’ve Got Mine.” EP standout “Hanging On” is instantly memorable thanks to culpable melodies that leap off the record as Lewis spins urgent bar after urgent bar (‘What should you say / When my light is fading / And all my bad decisions come collecting / To keep me hanging on / Would you keep me hanging on?’). The mid-tempo “Ride With Us” features perhaps the best work of drummer Jacob Walsh, and passionate closer “I Want Your Heart” brings Baby Brother[...]

Passion in Constellation Returns with New Single

October 24, 2017

Buffalo-based producer Passion in Constellation has returned, joining forces with singer Star Cvlt to release the new single “A Little More About You.” The track is a sparkly affair filled with flashy keystrokes and surges of synth, all laid underneath Star Cvlt’s (aka Amanda Terragnoli) breathy vocals. “A Little More About You” succeeds in building to the crescendo, which crashes like a tidal wave once the beat drops. Anticipation swells as tempos slow, though it’s only a matter of time before the waves start to crest once again. As a matter of fact, this all happens within the first minute of the track, but that’s just a taste of what’s to come over the course of the next few minutes. “Light up these skies / So at night / I can keep you / Light up this tomb / I’ll be the moon / To reflect you,’ she sings during[...]

Tonight: The Leones

October 6, 2017

Celebrate Halloween a few weeks early tonight at Mohawk Place with the haunting sounds of The Leones, who are bringing their ethereal, reverb-heavy tones to the venue for their second annual October showcase. Armed with new songs off their most recent album Songs From the Canyon, The Leones will be joined for the eerie evening by reformed experimental electro outfit Space Cubs, Brooklyn synth pop band Bottler (featuring former Sleepy Haha’s frontman Pat Butler) and new horror electronic act We’rewolves. in addition Mohawk will be outfitted with the finest Halloween decorations and horror movie VHS tapes to keep the holiday spirit throughout. Bring a new or gently used children’s Halloween costume to donate to Gateway Longview and get a Leones “Ghost in the City” American apparel tri-blend shirt with original art by Mickey Harmon of the Tift Row Houses on Allen St. and an album of your choice for only $10. Everything goes down[...]

Wild Things Return with “Don’t Wanna Feel It”

September 28, 2017

“I’m always on the fence about love / How am I supposed to get some / When I’m always close to my heart / Tell me something I wanna know / Don’t make me give you my all / I’ll fuck it up just show,” Wild Things’ vocalist Ben Cain sings at the outset of new single “Don’t Wanna Feel It,” overtop a driving bass beat, though the best of the track is still to come. It doesn’t take too long for the song’s massive hook to take over, leaving the listener awash in dance floor-ready synths, squeaky clean guitar tones, soaring vocals and plenty of ‘nah nah, nah nah’ call-and-response bliss. “It’s getting harder and harder to fight the fear and the desire,” Cain waxes later on, before the song’s big hook takes hold once again. “Don’t Wanna Feel It” is a fun-as-hell pop banger, but rest assured, once[...]

The Slums – Bloodsucker

September 15, 2017

The Slums describe their band as ‘loud rock ‘n’ roll’ and their music as ‘loud songs,’ a pair of phrases that perfectly describe their latest EP, Bloodsucker. In fact, they’re pretty much the hallmarks of the record. Bloodsucker explodes like a house of fire on the opening title track; a barrage of powerful swagger, cacophonous screams and jarring cymbal crashes.. However, the Slums quickly pump the brakes on the subsequent “Black Dress,” proving they aren’t mere pomp and circumstance by tempering the pace with angular riffs and soaring hooks. This goes until the final 40 seconds or so, when the band brings the noise back to your speakers once the track devolves into a sea of discordant shrieks, wailing guitars and loud percussion. The closing “Eight Months” represents the best of Bloodsucker’s trio of tunes, effectively combining the bands ability to craft stirring melodies and still crank everything to 11[...]

Tonight: Dan Tedesco

September 7, 2017

Tonight, the 9th Ward will be hosting Iowan singer/songwriter Dan Tedesco sponsored by Community Beerworks. Tedesco is a tad edgier than your average singer/songwriter with candid folk songs packed with unapologetic lyrics of an edgier lifestyle. The Iowan musician paints a portrait that gives a nod to Townes Van Zandt while maintaining his own identity. Prior to performing, Tedesco will be showing his film, “Chasing The Light,” featuring himself and giving an insight on what it’s like to be an independent musician as he plays through the countryside. Tickets are $15 with 7pm doors. Written by Lucy Bell

Dean Chatham Drops Video for “Blueberries”

August 29, 2017

Buffalo rapper Dean Chatham has been on the grind for a while now, having released five projects throughout his career and taking part of the hip-hop collective Black Sol, Chatham seems as though he knows what he’s doing. With his newest released EP titled, Red vs. Blue, Chatham recently released a charming music video for the single off of the EP, “Blueberries.” Directed and edited by James Werick, it has a DIY element to it, yet it’s kept professional with clever editing skills like certain shots coinciding with different lyrics that give it a humorous and light feel. Showing shots of his family, friends, and footage of his shows, the video for “Blueberries” gives a genuine view of the rapper by capturing him in a candid and relatable light. “Blueberries” also gives an authentic view of Buffalo and how Buffalo welcomes anyone with open arms. At one point, Chatham sings with[...]

Tonight: Humble Braggers

August 12, 2017

Nietzsche’s is set to host a night of up-and-coming acts tonight for undoubtedly a well-rounded show set to the brim with local talent. Set to headline is mysterious art rock project from the minds that brought us Well Worn Boot, Smokin’ Black Tar. The band is still in its infancy and has not released any recorded material yet. Also on the docket are local electro pop trio Humble Braggers, who by this point you should be very familiar with by reading our blog. Poughkeepsie-based chamber rock act The Warp/The Weft will be making their Buffalo debut as the opener on the back stage. The band is touring in support of their new album Mapping an Absence which came out at the end of July.  Sprinkled in with performances in the front are the avant garde act Green Schwinn. Doors are at 9pm with a $5 cover. I Know Better, I’m[...]

How Music Influences Gambles at Online and Offline Casinos

August 10, 2017

Casinos and music have always had an inseparable relationship. Both online and conventional land-based casinos have exploited the hidden possibilities of music to attract more and more customers. Music played in the background as well as incorporated into the USA online casinos at EasyMobileCasino.com, is selected with great care in order to deliver just the right psychological impact. For instance, if you visit the popular Platinum Play online casino, you’ll notice how music has been effectively integrated into all the casino games and rooms! It’s not just the casino-owners, even the players are aware of the impact of music on their gambles! Many create their own customised playlists for specific purposes – to cheer up, to focus or to relax. Let’s learn more about how music influences gambling at online off-line casinos, like https://casinos-enligne.fr/. How offline casinos select their music? Both offline and online casinos select their music very carefully.[...]

Goo Goo Dolls One Of Several ’90s Bands On Tour This Summer

August 8, 2017

Dedicated music fans know that most bands that even reach a moderate level of success don’t stop touring if they can help it. This is particularly true now that streaming accounts for most of people’s music acquisition and it’s harder for bands to make money on singles or album sales. Tours bring in the cash, so most bands that are able to are going to stay on the road as long as they can. This is actually pretty cool for fans of artists and groups from past decades. Sure, it can be kind of sad to catch a group past its prime, but it’s equally awesome to see your favorite artists long after you thought you’d have the chance catch them again. This summer, there are a number of pretty big ‘90s bands out on tour, and it just so happens that acclaimed Buffalo boys Goo Goo Dolls are part[...]

Tonight: Smokin’ Black Tar

May 25, 2017

Tonight, Nietzsche’s is slated for a unique bill that boasts an impressive spectrum of genres, ranging from indie pop to rap to straight-up enthralling confusion. Arguably, the most noteworthy aspect of tonight’s showcase is the first public outing of new Buffalo-based art-rock project  Smokin’ Black Tar (featuring former members of Well Worn Boot and Mr. Boneless). The creative new project has four distinct characters – Ol’ Negro, a charismatic hobo approaching his early sixties, a raccoon aptly named Raccoon, a drummer/cottonball that loves cigars named Cotton, and lastly, a wispy unionist named Yankee Joe. We sat with Ol’ Negro to get his take on tonight’s show: “I’ve always shied away from being in a band. Something about singin’ and dancin’ for white folk just don’t sit well with me. But one day, whiles we was on the drink, Yankee Joe convinced me that we ain’t gotta do it for the folks in front[...]