Latest Posts

Oats Holy Roller – Fear Memorial Park

March 2, 2020

Music will shed light on what human beings are able to understand, yet unable to articulate. It provides a freeze-frame of circumstances and emotions that fall beyond the English language, and it will present them in a cohesive structure. The genre that routinely delivers the plight of human life in specific time periods, folk has a modern artist in its midst. Oats Holy Roller, the project headed by Buffalo’s Joseph Murray Meyers, has a unique voice and ability to deliver the mixture of modern emotions that are tied in with the technological revolution as we all step bravely into the new world. Their latest effort, an album titled Fear Memorial Park, draws heavily from folk artists of the past, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Joni Mitchel, while their striped down aesthetic makes the beautiful arrangements all the more powerful. Oats Holy Roller’s first released single “In Such Times//Ahhhhhhh,” tells the story of[...]

Oats Holy Roller –Fear Memorial Park

March 2, 2020

Music will shed light on what human beings are able to understand, yet unable to articulate. It provides a freeze-frame of circumstances and emotions that fall beyond the English language, and it will present them in a cohesive structure. The genre that routinely delivers the plight of human life in specific time periods, folk has a modern artist in its midst. Oats Holy Roller, the project headed by Buffalo’s Joseph Murray Meyers, has a unique voice and ability to deliver the mixture of modern emotions that are tied in with the technological revolution as we all step bravely into the new world. Their latest effort, an album titled Fear Memorial Park, draws heavily from folk artists of the past, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Joni Mitchel, while their striped down aesthetic makes the beautiful arrangements all the more powerful. Oats Holy Roller’s first released single “In Such Times//Ahhhhhhh,” tells the[...]

West Ferry Releases New s/t EP

February 26, 2020

Emo rockers West Ferry just dropped a concise self-titled EP last Friday. Clocking in at just over six minutes, it’s a quick yet impactful listen. Each of the songs has a distinct character; angst. While each had an anthemic quality, the standout was “Forever Home.” The group really seems to have settled on a sound, and the DIY energy is still present in their recording. If not already on your radar, a must listen especially for fans of Cursive, Tiny Moving Parts and early Brand New. Check out the EP below, you’ll have time. West Ferry by west ferry Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: PUP

February 21, 2020

Canadian punk rockers PUP will be gracing the Asbury Hall stage tonight for a sold out show. Riding the high of the release of their latest record Morbid Stuff, they will surely put on a high-energy show for Buffalo fans. PUP have become a staple in the punk community, with praise from top music magazines. Buffalo is just one stop on the band’s extensive world tour, ending in July. PUP will be joined by Toronto act Casper Skulls, known for their guitar dynamics and powerful vocals of Melanie St-Pierre’s. The Drew Thomson Foundation will start the night off with it’s power pop jams. Doors at 7pm, but only if you have a ticket.  Written by Zain Shirazi

Tonight: A Very Special Episode

February 21, 2020

NYC based post-punks A Very Special Episode headline a bill tonight at Sugar City. Since forming in 2016, the band has channeled the shoegaze energy found in their 2017 release Censored Dreams and embraced a punk aesthetic with their 2018 EP Cut for Time. 2018 also saw the band signing with upstart label Knuckle Down Records. Known for their energetic live performances, they’re a must-listen for fans of Bully, Sleater-Kinney, and Bikini Kill. They’ll be joined by upstart Buffalo indie-pop group Olmsted. Anchored by ex-Halo Nellie guitarist Nate Miller, the group has really started to make a name for themselves. Last seen at Steak and Cake’s 9 Year anniversary show, their dreamy aesthetic will certainly appeal to fans of The Beths, Snail Mail, and Soccer Mommy. Closing out the bill is buzzy indie-rockers Not For Nothing. While still relative newcomers, they hit the scene hard and have proved they’re a[...]

Shep Treasure – s/t

February 19, 2020

Sunday morning, a few hours after a long night out, I lay flat on my back in my new, sparsely furnished apartment, the snow-reflected Sunday light streaming through the windows – a big departure from the glass-block filtered sun of a previous basement apartment. I zoned out with my eyes glued to the wall above my bookcase, and “Nothing” by Shep Treasure was stuck in my head. The next night, wrapped up in a quilt, I once again found myself spacing out, this time toward a cat toy on the floor, and “Friday” was playing in my mind. Rochester indie pop trio Shep Treasure’s debut, self-titled EP is our Album of the Week, and it won’t leave me. Frontwoman Sabrina Nichols has been narrating my thoughts for a few years now. This is her second time landing Album of the Week, the former being in the days of a previous[...]

Anxious Kids Make Good People – Good By Nature

February 17, 2020

The future is uncertain. In the unknown lingers a wide array of possible emotions, which include joy, fear, and doubt. While we put our best foot forward to live in the positive aspects of life, we understand that the negatives are a possibility. Buffalo musician Devin Mullen, who writes and performs under the name Anxious Kids Make Good People, recognizes that possibility, and he has taken his best step in the direction of hope and understanding with his latest release, Good By Nature. The self-described contemptuous musician draws equally from influences such as Wilco, Fleet Foxes, and Joy Division; as well as his own emotions that walk hand-in-hand with depression and chronic illness. The result is an ambient folk sound that pulls no emotional punches. “Rebar,” the first track off of Good By Nature, begins with acoustic guitar, and the Fleet Fox influence is quite clear. A semi up-beat rhythm[...]

Tonight: Wild Once

February 14, 2020

Wild Once headlines a night of cathartic emo rock tonight at Mr. Goodbar. Fresh on the heels of their 2019 release Perennials, Wild Once have dropped a new track off their upcoming EP. Their new track “Trophy Girls,” the title track of their forthcoming EP, is an anthemic ode to digital addiction. As lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Mayer says: “On a broad scale… this song is sort of an acknowledgement of how often we catch each other staring at our phones these days. It’s to the point where we often don’t even feel rude whipping them out in the middle of a real life conversation. In both personal and professional situations. We use them to fill the fill the silence, that we get so bored and uncomfortable with so quickly. It makes us more lonely and yet we think it is the solution for loneliness. We weigh our options.[...]

Tonight: FOWLS

February 7, 2020

Angular indie rockers FOWLS make a return to Buffalo tonight, sharing a loaded stage with some of the area’s more notable talents. Hailing from Rochester, FOWLS have been a staple of the 585 local music scene for nearly nine years, which is is kind of like eighteen years in band years. The band’s light and dance-y sound is similar to that of FOALS, Bloc Party, and Bombay Bicycle Club. Tonight is a good chance to check this band out because they will be sandwiched with Medusa, fresh off their new single with Sons of Luther, Karrot Kake’s MIke Fridmann solo project KWKA, and of course the local staples that need little introduction, Aircraft. Doors at 9pm with a $7 cover. Wear a sweater. Palace to roam by Fowls

Tonight: Rhett Miller

February 6, 2020

Alt-country superstar Rhett Miller takes the stage tonight at the 9th Ward. Best known for his work as the frontman of the Old 97s, Miller has made quite a name for himself as a solo artist. His most recent release The Messenger from 2018, marks the eighth solo record from Miller. While decidedly more indie-pop than his work with the Old 97s, Miller sings with a convicted vulnerability that is instantly captivating. The Messenger is a deeply personal record that shows Miller at his highs as well as his lows. Miller’s sound will definitely appeal to fans of Uncle Tupelo, Jason Isbell, and Justin Townes Earle. Joining Miller on the bill is fellow Texas based songwriter Salim Nourallah. Nourallah approaches the same alt-country material as Miller with a decidedly atmospheric psych-pop approach. Local troubadour Tripi opens the show. 7pm Show. Tickets are $36. Written by John Smigielski

Cardiac Cassette Releases Three Song EPSnow Birds

February 3, 2020

Buffalo pop-punkers Cardiac Cassette dropped their first three-song single, Snow Birds. Made up of former members of local bands Go Glorious and Better Now, Cardiac Cassette has spent the past year playing shows and recording their first release with Orlando bands Our Escape and Audio Creep.  Snow Birds has the hallmarks of a modern pop-punk release: catchy hooks, heavy power chords off-set by upbeat drumming, and relationship-centric lyrical themes. Cardiac Cassette is the kind of band that’ll reel in fans of mainstays like Saves the Day and The Story So Far, but they’re no carbon copy of what’s already been done. Frontman Pat Kerr’s vocals are resonant and full, with thoughtful, often poetic lyrics, and the guitars offer fresh, ear-pleasing chord progressions. Overall,Snow Birds is a promising first release from a fairly new band on the block. It’s available on all streaming platforms, and below, too. Check it out. Snow Birds by[...]

5 Reasons Why I Love To Listen To Music Right After I Take Some CBD Oil

February 3, 2020

Everybody has their own methods for feeling good and staying healthy. Some people enjoy taking long walks while others use vitamins every day. A popular supplement that has been making an impact on the lifestyles of many populations is CBD oil. It seems to have multiple uses for the vast majority of people to enjoy. CBD oil, or cannabidiol, is a natural substance that comes from the hemp plant. While it is the same plant as marijuana, CBD products cannot contain the psychoactive compound THC that causes the euphoric high that marijuana does. I personally have found that taking CBD oil and listening to music leads to more positive effects. Music has its own therapeutic benefits that, in combination with CBD, can make any user feel better. Listening to music when taking CBD oil can really enhance the effects of the substance. Here are five reasons that I love to[...]

Tonight: Boy Jr.

February 1, 2020

Rochester based artful garage-pop act Boy Jr. headlines a deeply interesting indie bill tonight at Nietzsche’s. The brainchild of songwriter Erica Allen-Lubman treads the boundaries between angsty garage rock and full on glam pop. Lubman is also a captivating persona, and will definitely draw you into her performance. She’s really found her sound, which has definitely been refined through the years, and her last few singles “It’s Enough” and “Anyway” are definitely worth a listen. Also on the bill are indie stalwarts Hundred Plus Club. With enveloping textures reminiscent of Interpol or The Last Shadow Puppets, HPC makes instantly infectious and memorable music. Definitely bring your dancing shoes. Rounding out the bill are lo-fi rockers Dogs in Stereo and local sad boys west ferry. This looks to be another promising bill, and will definitely help you shake off the winter blues. 9pm Doors, $7 cover, 21+ unless accompanied by a[...]

Tonight: Pompous Rat (Modest Mouse Tribute)

January 31, 2020

The greatest form of flattery is imitation, so what exactly does it mean to pay tribute? If you have ever checked out Buffalo’s premier Modest Mouse tribute band, Pompous Rat, the answer is simple. Overflow of love and respect. Spearheaded by The Real Movement’s Kevin Kauffman, Pompous Rat takes the main stage tonight at Nietzsche’s. Expect two sets from Modest Mouse’s expansive catalog. In addition, tonight will mark the debut performance of former Halo Nellie guitarist, Nate Miller with his new project Olmsted. The evening will have us all float on, okay. Doors at 9pm with a $7 cover. Written by Kevin Prentice

Ian McCuen – Songs of Fleeting Permanence, Vol. III

January 29, 2020

Beware the quiet man, for when others speak, he plots. Buffalo singer/songwriter with an overflow of empathy, Ian McCuen, has just completed the final step of his greatly laid plans. Volume three of Songs of Fleeting Permanence has been released. The thirty-three song collection spans three separate releases , and chronicles a period in McCuen’s life where isolation lead to great reflection and self-discovery. The album begins with the track “Buried at Sea.” A strummed chord progression played on acoustic guitar drives the song, which starts stripped down until other elements are artfully added to the mix. McCuen’s signature vocal styling, which register above a whisper but pack enough diction and emphasis to level a room, cut straight to the chase. The first lyric, “I went looking for myself/Descended straight into hell,” is as wildly creative as it is poetic, scary, and enticing. As the track progresses a piano and[...]