Latest Posts

Hypoluxo – If Language

October 7, 2016

Drawing inspiration from bands like Beach Fossils, DIIV, and Told Slant, it isn’t difficult to figure out the hometown of new Broken Circles signees Hypoluxo. Further building on “that Brooklyn sound,” Hypoluxo’s new record, If Language, takes atmospheric dream pop and jangly post-punk guitar work to the next level with Sam Cogen’s captivating baritone. Comparisons to Matt Berninger are obvious; however, Hypoluxo prove themselves to be much more than “what it’d sound like if that guy from the National sang for Beach Fossils.” On first listen, songs like “Winter” and “Name Game” drift and lilt along as soundtracks to sleepy, freezing days indoors, while quicker paced songs such as the single “Directions” and album opener “Fronts” seem to hazily speed by like a cannabis-fueled summer road trip. What’s special about these moods, though, is their malleability. While those tracks appear as such at surface level, the band’s penchant for both[...]

Just Announced: Lazlo Hollyfeld & Friends Play LCD Soundsystem

August 30, 2016

It’s never too early to plan for Halloween. With Every Time I Die set to hit the road for the spooky season, we had to put our annual Soul Patch Halloween bash on hold for the year and look elsewhere for our yearly rager. In comes Lazlo Hollyfeld. The long time experimental rockers, fresh off tackling Radiohead’s In Rainbows and then some this spring and summer, will next take on the catalog of DFA heavyweights LCD Soundsystem on Friday, October 28th at Mohawk Place. The legendary dance-punk group triumphantly returned to the festival stages this year, and with a new album in the works, it seemed hitting for the Buffalo band to dive into James Murphy and crew’s collection of tracks. Joining the Lazlo crew will be tribute band Girl Jeans. Led by Humble Braggers’ Tom Burtless, the fresh-to-the-scene cover group will cover all of your favorite emo/screamo/scenester hits of the past.[...]

Tonight: The Ataris

August 29, 2016

The Ataris may only have released five albums in their twenty one years as a band, but there’s something to be said for a punk band that has stuck around for that long. Vocalist/guitarist Kris Roe is the only original member on this tour, but they’re still playing the same songs you grew up listening to and is guaranteed to be a fun and nostalgic time. Don’t miss your chance to see them tonight at Mohawk Place because you never know if this might be their last tour. Doors open at 6pm with opening slots from The Barksdales and Younger Then. $15 cover. Written by Derek Neuland

Tonight: See Through Dresses

August 13, 2016

If you have been finding yourself listening to Verucca Salt, The Breeders, Dinosaur Jr., Blake Babies, and other great 90’s “alternative” bands lately, then the lineup tonight at Tudor Lounge can help you scratch that itch. Touring Omahans See Through Dress blends elements from all your favorite bands that Matt Pinfield used to play on 120 Minutes, with a sound that ranges from indie rock to shoegaze to dream pop. Also on the lineup are 80’s gothrock act Orations and raw garage punk band with riot grrrl influences, Trinkit. Doors are at 9pm with a $5 cover. Written by Derek Neuland

Governess – (Let Me Be Your) Governess

August 10, 2016

Have you ever partied so hard that you blacked out? If so, think of that last thing you remembered happening when you woke up the next day. Whatever that may be is what Governess sounds like. The bands’ debut album, (Let Me Be Your) Governess is a foul blast of fresh air to purify your poisoned hearts, and gleefully torch your saccharine souls. The concept of “rock n’ roll” has been twisted into so many different forms over the years but at the root of all the best kinds is attitude, energy, and some sort of lust, which this album is soaked in. You can’t fake this; sure you can try, but the kids always suss out the posers and this should pass any test you wanna throw at it. There are many influences heard on Governess’ debut (hard rock, 70’s sleaze, vintage punk, & a sprinkling of metal, in case[...]

Passed Out Share New Single Off Forthcoming EP

August 2, 2016

Passed Out is the aggressive hat that lead singer Andy Pothier wears when penning frustrated call-out anthems. The Buffalo-based songwriter has been an integral part of the area’s growing scene, regularly playing the circuit with his folk-y introspective solo jams as a singer/songwriter, as well as the percussionist for swamp buskers, Pine Fever and psych-rock act Deadwolf. Late last week, Passed Out dropped their new single “Winnipeg” off of their forthcoming EP, Infinite Regression. Immediately, “Winnipeg’s” intro is reminiscent of The Anniversary’s “Till We Earned a Holiday.” The track is all about a $20 hockey bet backed by an aggressive Japandroids-esque hyper abrasive backing. Fans of Bright Eyes and Desaparecidos will enjoy the vocal style and arrangement on this one. The band describe themselves as “very sad, then happy, then very sad again” and they definitely follow that formula with “Winnipeg.” Keep Passed Out on your radar for their release show on Thursday, August 18th[...]

Alpha Hopper Teases Tracks from Last Chance Power Drive

July 26, 2016

It’s impossible to put Alpha Hopper in a box, and their song “Western Walk” off their upcoming album Last Chance Power Drive is no exception. It starts off sounding like a straightforward post-punk song, in the vein of your favorite band on a Killed by Death or Bloodstains Across compilation. The one you always put on mix tapes and hope your friends ask you “Who is that band and where did you find them?” That all changes when the second guitar comes in. That’s when you get a taste of their psych-rock influence which fuses with their punk sound and builds up to the end and leaves you wanting more. Which is why this song, at nine seconds short of two minutes, is the perfect length. It gives you a good taste, but when it’s over you just want to hear what’s next. Luckily we don’t have to wait much[...]

Public Enemy at Canalside (6/23/16)

July 12, 2016

It has been said that in this materialistic, over commercialized and warring world that we live in, that the music offered to the masses is dull, corporate and without voice or purpose. The cult of celebrity is upon us and it ceases to be about what we say & how we say it.  More often than not we are concerned with how we look and how others perceive us. We are measured by how many Twitter followers we have and by the amount of photographs we post on Instagram. Words are still powerful weapons but only when delivered by the right voice, speaking with utmost clarity & conviction. Since their formation over 30 years ago, the message from Public Enemy has been both loud & clear –  one love, nonviolence and brotherhood. These words were laid down unflinchingly Thursday night at Canalside in Buffalo as people of all colors came[...]

Charles Bradley @ Canalside (6/9/16)

June 28, 2016

The 2016 Canalside season kicked off in extraordinary style on Thursday, June 9th. One of the more interesting shows at the venue over the past couple years went down as Charles Bradley & the Extraordinaires provided a soulful experience for the enthusiastic crowd. Bradley’s set started with a sharply dressed backing band laying down a midtempo soul-funk foundation while the frontman was introduced by the bandleader and sashayed on stage. The set was littered with autobiographical tales hitting on heavy subjects: the songs played on Thursday hit on heartache, social injustice, and his lengthy, humanizing struggle to make for himself the blessed life he now leads. Bradley knows how to work an audience into a frenzy using all of the natural tools at his disposal: his serpentine arms and legs, his always-in-motion ass, and, oh yeah, a voice that could stop a bulldozer in its tracks. Let’s hope this is[...]

Tonight: Secret Pizza

June 9, 2016

If the big crowds at Canalside ain’t your thing, or if you just want to keep the fun going well into the night, then head on down to Mohawk Place later on as Rochester’s Secret Pizza heads west to headline a stacked indie rock bill. The fuzzy four-piece, fresh off the heels of releasing its debut record Nothing Needs to Happen (one of our most recent Albums of the Week) via Dadstache Records, is on night two of its 10-day tour of the Northeast to support the album. Nothing Needs to Happen has a bit of everything: post rock, grunge, shoegaze, plus the joined forces of co-singers Phil Shaw and Gina Caliolo carrying the booming songs through heavy riffs, sneaky melodies, and plenty of distortion. The full album can and should be listened to here prior to tonight’s set. It’s pretty great. Band buddies Del Paxton will be supporting Secret Pizza, along with a[...]

The Soft Love EP Release Show at Mr. Goodbar (6/4/16)

June 7, 2016

This was the first Buffalo local show I’ve attended in quite some time considering I’ve been on the road so much. I’m glad I went to this because I’m truly stoked in the direction the music scene is heading in right now. I felt like I was in Brooklyn. Check out the photos below to see what I mean. Deadwolf The Naturalists The Soft Love Post and Photos by Andy DeLuca / @shmandeluca

Disturbed at Rapids Theater (4/5/16)

April 13, 2016

Chicago-based heavy metal band Disturbed performed at the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls last Tuesday night in support of their sixth album, Immortalized(the band’s 5th consecutive chart topping album).  An energetic, powerful and hits filled performance provided the fans with exactly what they have been waiting for during the band’s self-imposed four year hiatus. Performing a mixture of songs from their new album littered with hits from yesteryear and a few covers thrown in, Disturbed were triumphant in their return to WNY. Rapids Theatre was the perfect intimate setting for their latest cover of Simon & Garfunkles “Sound of Silence” and the venue was literally shaking as the band ended the night with “Down with Sickness.” Non Point Disturbed Setlist: Ten Thousand Fists The Game The Vengeful One Prayer Land of Confusion A Welcome Burden Stupify Darkness The Sound of Silence Inside the Fire Stricken The Light Closer / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For /[...]

Guest Picks: Lesionread

December 28, 2015

For our Best of 2015 coverage, we once again decided to reach out to some friends of the blog to get an idea of what made the year in music so great for them. For the latest installment in the guest series, pop artist Shawn Lewis, aka Lesionread, submitted his year end list. Earlier this year, the musician released Lesionread’s Greatest Hits Vol 1, a career spanning collection which includes remixes from Ay Fast, Jon Bap, Charles Bordeaux, and more. You can stream/download the album here. Make sure to follow all of the blog’s year in review coverage throughout the month of December. ​The year is now over, and so much has happened. Lesionread went on our first full USA 2-month-long tour (see #LESIONREAD_USA2015 for all instatweet videos and phone documentation before I gave up trying to capture all the fun) Listen to Me by Lesionread Anklepants brought his dick nose[...]

The Arkells @ Town Ballroom (12/11/15)

December 23, 2015

It was nothing but love on Friday, December 11th, between the crowd at Town Ballroom and musical act The Arkells. High-energy would be an understatement to describe the emotions of the band and audience. Hailing from Hamilton, ON., the Arkells started the show with “Cynical Bastards” from their latest album, High Noon, setting the tone for the concert. They did not disappoint with a variety of hits from their current album and past albums Michigan Left and Jackson Square. It seems Buffalo has fallen in love with these Canadian boys, but the feelings are mutual. Lead singer Max Kerman says they wanted to return to Buffalo before the year was over with mentions of returning to Canalside in 2016. Kerman gets sentimental talking to the crowd about Buffalo, the Town Ballroom and the people involved behind the scenes at the famous spot. “Music brought us together and it’s been love ever since,”[...]

Staff Picks

December 22, 2015

To cap off our Best of 2015 coverage, we asked a handful of our staff writers to submit their favorite albums and songs of the year. Make sure to follow all of the blog’s year in review coverage throughout the month of December Cliff Parks Favorite Album Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear I don’t want to go with this album, it was my Album of the Year So Far earlier this summer and I loved the latest from Tame Impala, CHVRCHES, and Neon Indian, but with America currently cracking up, Father John Misty’s sophomore album is album of 2015 now more than ever. Between the ascent of candidate Trump and our nation’s mounting multiple existential crises, Josh Tilman’s ode to love, manhood, and getting hitched to that special someone so you can ride out the American apocalypse together seems right on time, all the time lately. It[...]