Latest Posts

Big Gigantic at Rapids Theatre (5/14/15)

May 18, 2015

When I say “jump,” you yell “how high?” As I walk past the Niagara Falls Police Department and Courthouse, I look to my friend, Mikhael, a Swedish expatriate, and retired First Sergeant of the Swedish Armed Forces. “Jesus of course there are cops everywhere,” I say as a squad car drives by slowly. He insures me that this is how all EDM shows are, and that it would be ok. Paranoia ensues. With every step we take toward the venue, the bass gets a bit heavier. We get our passes and head through security. I have a photo pass and I don’t even know how to use the camera I borrowed from a friend. As we walk through the doors, the bass reveals a full and complete sound.  We are in the thick of it. Arriving during Snails, everyone was still shuffling around. About half of the crowd was up[...]

Tonight: Big Gigantic

May 14, 2015

Big Gigantic.  Who are they? What is it? Why? Is it EDM? Doesn’t seem like it, but a lot of people sure think so. I definitely hear some funky sax and drums?  These are the questions I look to answer tonight. The one thing that is for certain is that these two have something special going on.  Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken, the only members of Big Gigantic, will blow up Rapid Theater for one of the most anticipated shows of the summer.  Luckilyy for anyone who has waited, there are still tickets available.  For anyone troubled by the notion of a lack of EDM fret not, Snail, Grabbitz and Almond will provide. Doors open at 7pm and the show is set to kick off at 8 pm. Tickets are $40 unless you are feeling particularly special and want to spend an additional $20 to have balcony access, and exclusive[...]

Tonight: Irving Klaws

May 8, 2015

Masters of their own art, The Irving Klaws will headline Nietzsche’s tonight with supporting acts The Tell Tale Signs and The Surfin Cadavers. The “Klaws” have been together for over a decade and a half and provide a very energetic sound that reflects the time of their inception. If you haven’t made up your mind about what to do tonight, then get to Nietzsche’s. It’s not every day you get to see local rock legends on stage together, especially not for whatever the cover ends up being tonight. Speaking of the cover, there is no established cover yet, but if we all know Nietzsche’s, and I feel that I do, it is likely to $3 or $5.  The show starts at 10pm and is expected to go on to the wee hours of the morning. Make tonight a night of music and find yourself in one of Buffalo’s favorite watering[...]

Tonight: Difficult Night

April 30, 2015

Difficult Night will headline Sugar City tonight with special guests Newish Star and Facility Men.  If you haven’t heard the slacker vibes of Difficult Night, tonight is probably the night to see them. The line up is tight, and Difficult Night is easy on the ear to most listeners.  To that effect, the night is an all ages event, so bring the kid’s and give them exposure to some of the music Buffalo has to offer. The members of Sugar City would like all guests to know that their venue is both drug and alcohol free.  Anyone feeling a little parched is more than welcome to wet their whistle at Resurgence Brewery across the street.  The night will kick off at 7pm, and with only 3 bands shouldn’t go too late into the night.  There is no mention of a charge, but bring a few bucks just to be on[...]

Tonight: Landlady

April 22, 2015

Brooklyn’s Landlady will headline Mohawk Place tonight accompanied by Buffalo favorites Aircraft, Bryan Johnson & Family, and the JUST added Wax Mice. The New York natives are lead by Adam Schatz, the eccentric driving force behind the bands art-rock sound. The group is highly accredited, as its most recent album Upright Behavior was not only reviewed on Pitchfork, but received a positive rating of 7.4. Landlady has a unique sound, often including wind instruments, violin, and alike. Upright Behavior is the band’s first full length album, but its EP, Keeping to Yourself, might be the group’s strongest work, with distinction between songs, and in many ways a better understanding of themselves as artists. I’m not saying Upright Behavior sucks, I’m just pissed many have hailed it as the better work. Landlady’s “old stuff” has just as much to offer. Tonight is not just a night of music.  It is also a fundraiser for[...]

Aqueous at Buffalo Iron Works (4/18/15)

April 19, 2015

Aqueous returned to Buffalo, the city they call home, for an energetic sold out crowd at Buffalo Iron Works last night. Last November, I made the mistake of telling guitarist Mike Gantzer that as far as “jam” bands go, I could really see Aqueous climbing to the top.  He said “Thanks man, but we’re not a “jam” band.  We’re a ‘Compositional Groove/Rock’ band and that’s the style we’re going for.”  After a few Heady Toppers at Burlington’s infamous Nectar’s, hearing this really threw me for a spin.  After a little time to  process what Mike said, it made perfect sense.  Regardless of how you might classify Aqueous, they fucking jammed hard last night, and the crowd reacted. The band heralded the night as “Aqueous does Cake” or as fans immediately coined “Cakequeous.”  With an opening set of exclusively originals, the band kicked off with “Underlyer” and “Complex Pt. 1.” The two juxtaposed[...]

Tonight: The Tins

April 17, 2015

Tonight will probably be the last chance to see the Tins for free in Buffalo. The indie three-piece will host a night of upbeat tones at Mohawk Place including local favorites Brimstone Blondes, Parade Chic, and many more. With a line up totaling seven bands and a DJ set, the music will start at 7pm and is promised to “go all night.” Although free, the purpose of the night is to bring attention to the trio’s current Kickstarter campaign to raise money for both an upcoming album and subsequent documentary. The event is being hailed as the “unofficial after-party” for the Modest Mouse show at Asbury Hall in Babeville. Following Isacc Brock’s off kilter delivery and jagged riffs, the Tins will counter with an optimistic indie sound that might leave you feeling like you and the drummer have laid the same fair maiden at one time or another. After the[...]

Tonight: Parlor Trix #2

April 8, 2015

Curly’s will host Steak and Cake Record’s second annual Parlor Trix tonight, offering a bill of returning artists, as well as fresh faces. One of thos faces, Karima Walker, is coming to us all of the way from sunny Tucson, Arizona. In between shows in New York City and Toronto on her spring tour, she promises an elegant voice and a soft acoustic packed in her luggage. The other performers include: Max Weiss, a local indie favorite, Nick Gordon of Nicky & The Hall of Fame, JOHNS, a brand new hip-hop project titled Hop Hop, and returning favorite Damian Weber. Weiss offers a very complex perspective on indie rock, and is surely not an act to miss. Curly’s will provide Weiss with a setting that will allow him to shine as a solo artist. Listening to Nick Gordon, one cannot mistake distinct influences from Mick Jagger and Jeff Buckley. A powerful combination if delivered the right way.[...]