Latest Posts

Tart Vandelay – Flow

December 20, 2017

Rochester indie pop rock act Tart Vandelay have released their second EP. Aptly titled Flow, it is a jazzy and tranquil four song trip. Originally a duo, the now four-piece group is building off of their 2016 debut, which featured more of a loop-based pop inflection. On Flow, the band is blending ethereal and polished tones together, achieving a smooth and breezy sound. Lead singer Katie Halligan’s voice shifts just as well as the music does; as light and airy as the most laid-back jazz moments, and as full-throated as the heavier rock moments. The EP opens with “High Noon Haze,” a vibey slow burn tune that casually floats along. “Lonely Girl” is a shuffling indie jazz-rock tune reminiscent of early John Mayer. The pace starts to pick up slightly on “Cloudy Doubts,” which rides a beachy vibe and syncopated groove. By the closing track, “Drifting,” they’ve reached full fusion,[...]

Jacob Peter – Echolalia

December 4, 2017

The byline for Jacob Peter’s debut EP simple states the definition of the phenomena for which this release is named; Echolalia [ek-oh-ley-lee-uh]: the uncontrollable and immediate repetition of words spoken by another person. Throughout the EP, the Buffalo-based multi-instrumentalist and composer implements this theme both lyrically and musically. He explores, reflects upon, and calls to question the vast repetitions we experience in life, both harmful and beneficial, unwanted and intentional. The arrangements and production match the subject matter, taking the listener on an eclectic journey of recollection and repetition, mining a deep well of musical influences, ranging from The Beatles to Joanna Newsom to Debussy to Grizzly Bear. Echolalia starts off with the instrumental track “Pattern,” a piano progression that lilts forward before the bursting open with twinkling ambience across the speakers. From there, Peter takes us on a tour of sonic textures, never letting each song (nor the EP[...]

A Relative Term – The Bleak

November 20, 2017

Indie folk singer-songwriter Mark Longolucco is back with his third full length record. Recording under the name A Relative Term, the Buffalo-based multi-instrumentalist is known for his exploration of varying genres. On The Bleak, he further expands his sonic palette, building off of his past releases. Having started out as a straight-ahead indie folk artist, on his second album Longolucco began to play with combining synthetic sounds with acoustic ones. Here, he takes it fully into the realm of folktronica, striking a perfect balance between warm finger-picked acoustic guitars and lush electronic soundscapes. It is reminiscent of notable hushed folk singers the likes of Sufjan Stevens or Bon Iver venturing into this electric-meets-acoustic realm. Although Longolucco’s synthesis of the styles isn’t quite as erratic as the former’s, and not quite as glitchy as the latter’s. On this album, he isn’t afraid to get pretty heavy at times, with moments of[...]

Rust Belt Brigade Release Spin on “Low Bridge (Erie Canal)”

November 16, 2017

Buffalo’s own Rust Belt Brigade have released a new single from their forthcoming release Rhythm & Roll. This track is their take on the classic regional folk tune “Low Bridge (Erie Canal),” a song familiar to many of those who’ve attended grade school in western New York. Originally a folk-punk duo, Rust Belt Brigade is shifting its sound slightly, blending in new influences from the world of bluegrass roots. The band now includes a bassist and a banjo player, while this song features local violinist Sally Schaefer. The music is as rustic and lilting as you’d expect from a classic folk group, while still maintaining the group punk side. Lead singer Victor Castillo’s raspy, half-shout voice gives this centuries old dirge a new anthemic edginess. Rhythm & Roll is set for release on December 16th, with a release show happening on December 2nd at Nietzsche’s. In the meantime, check out Rust Belt Brigade’s[...]

Tonight: Bethlehem Steel

November 10, 2017

The Buffalo-bred, Brooklyn based indie act Bethlehem Steel will be celebrating the release of their new record tonight at Mohawk Place. Out today via Exploding In Sounds Records, this is the band’s first full length record. Titled Party Naked Forever, it showcases their knack for dirty, in your face guitar riffs and vulnerable, cathartic lyricism. Joining Bethlehem Steel will be a full slate acts. Cold Sweats are grungey punk rockers via Binghamton and buffaBLOG favorites Pleistocene. The night will also feature sets from JACK, as well as DJ DMar. Doors are at 7, music at 8. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Tonight: Frankie Rose

October 10, 2017

Indie rock veteran Frankie Rose will be swinging through Buffalo tonight. Performing at the Town Ballroom’s intimate Leopard Lounge space, Rose is coming off the release of her fourth full length solo record, Cage Tropical. Having been on the scene for years, touring with bands like Vivian Girls, Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls, and Beverly, she is now carving out her own sound as a solo artist. Inspired by both retro synth pop-rock and the silly eeriness of classic sci-fi films, her music is awash in shimmering, atmospheric and almost paranormal tones. Opening the show is Philly-based shoegaze rock group Suburban Living. Starting out as a solo project of Virginia musician Wesley Bunch, the group expanded into a 4-piece over the course of a five year period. Their sophomore record Almost Paradise was released last year through 6131 Records. Doors open at 7pm, with music starting around 8pm. Tickets are[...]

heave – S/T

October 6, 2017

Buffalo musician Emily Finlan has released her first EP via bandcamp. Recording under the name heave, the self-titled EP is a quick three-song debut. Here, she acts as lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, with accompaniment from Jake Galenski on drums, slide guitar and organ. Having been recorded in an attic, the EP has deep DIY indie vibes, which lends itself to the laid back nature of these tunes. The smooth reverberant tone of the electric guitar provides a gliding effect that coasts throughout the not quite 8 minute release. The lightest organ and second guitar flourishes ebb and flow at just the right moments to bring each track to life. For being only three songs long, there is quite a bit of range here. Opening track, “beveled,” has a loose jazz groove to it, with a slide guitar refrain that teases a lazy beach afternoon. The second track, “cape squad,”[...]

Zan Strumfeld – Book of Belonging

September 29, 2017

It has been a bit a journey for singer-songwriter Zan Strumfeld to get to her latest release. The new effort, Book of Belonging, was written after the dissolving of a long term relationship this past winter. The Troy-based artist had been on a hiatus from music since releasing two EPs in 2013. Working as a full-time writer, Strumfeld was thrust back into the world of songwriting this year as the story of her heartbreak unexpectedly presented itself in album form. Book of Belonging was recorded in a living room with the assistance of a small, tight band; only a light peppering of upright bass, acoustic guitars and percussion round out these arrangements. Having been recorded on an 8-track, there is an added warmth and intimacy to the album; a warmth that provides respite when paired with the wintery nature of Strumfeld’s words. The mixing is precise and focused, putting every[...]

Tonight: Quicksand

September 24, 2017

Post-hardcore veterans Quicksand make a stop at the Town Ballroom tonight. In 1995, the group broke up while at the height of their success, and after only two albums. Now over 20 years later, they are gearing up for the November release of their long-awaited third album, Interiors. They’ve been back on the road the last few years after a 2012 reunion, and tonight make their triumphant return to Buffalo. Canadian shoegaze duo No Joy will open the show. Creep, the second installment in a planned series of EPs, was released earlier this year. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office for $22. Doors open at 7pm.

Damian – Back When I Was Marc Bolan

September 18, 2017

“It don’t fuckin matter / it’s so fuckin absurd.” This line repeats several times on the track “To Never Get Back Home Again,” the second track from Damian Weber’s new album, Back When I Was Marc Bolan. It is a sentiment that seems to define the record, as well as Weber’s own outlook. The moody and introspective singer-songwriter, who goes simply by Damian, possesses an unencumbered and carefree unrest that oozes from his music. Weber is a veteran of the mumblecore folk scene, having released several records that, at their heart, embody a bashful yet charismatic, understated quality. Having been bred by the Buffalo indie scene, he now (reluctantly) resides in Brooklyn. With the new scenery comes a new approach; Back When I Was Marc Bolan operates as a sync to the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. When viewing his synched up version of the film, it is[...]

Iron & Wine – Beast Epic

September 1, 2017

On his sixth studio album, Sam Beam feels like he’s come full circle. When he first started out, Iron & Wine was a solo acoustic vehicle, defined by his DIY lo-fi home recordings. With each subsequent release, his sound evolved and his band expanded, all the while helping to define the indie folk movement of the last decade. On Beast Epic, there is a shift back to an acoustic-centric focus, but with years of experience now giving both fresh weight and familiarity to this set of songs. Beam’s poignant, narrative lyricism and trademark hushed-vocals have always been the winning ingredient to Iron & Wine’s music. It is what has allowed him to glide seamlessly through different styles and sonic palettes during his career without losing the warmth and immediacy of his songwriting. No matter what’s happening on the surface, whether it’s the orchestral jazz-folk of 2013’s Ghost On Ghost, or[...]

Jong SL – Ice Cream

August 21, 2017

Recording under the name Jong SL, Buffalo-based musician Jong Lee has released his debut EP, Ice Cream. With roots as an acoustic singer-songwriter, on this seven track EP Jong’s compositions are rounded out with full-band arrangements and careful production. On top of an acoustic guitar bedrock, he layers influences of R&B, pop, jazz and blue-eyed soul. Ice Cream features 5 original tunes recorded at True Sound Studios, plus home recording renditions of 2 of the tracks that act as a pseudo-behind the scenes look at Jong’s writing and arranging process. The production here is polished, offering a smooth and bright exterior. The instrumentation is varied and eclectic, pairing acoustic guitars with electric ones, piano with electric organ and synth, as well as drum pad samples and layers of speaker candy. Compositionally, his jazz influences can be heard in the chord structures and the way his tight vocals are layered and[...]

Tonight: Ugly Sun

August 14, 2017

A night of heavy and hard charged music is in store for visitors to Sewing Souls Studios. Ugly Sun headlines a set of four acts in celebration of the release of their new EP Painted Post, with support from two up-and-coming  local groups and touring rockers Retirement Party. Ugly Sun’s offers a brand alt rock dripping with grunge and garage rock influences. Covering the pop punk side of things are both Buffalo’s Super American and Chicago’s Retirement Party. Cooler specializes in the emo realm, with layers of indie and fuzz. Things kick off at 7:30pm, with a $5 charge at the door. If you’re over 21, the event is BYOB (no glass). Painted Post by Ugly Sun

Tonight: Floral Print

August 9, 2017

Tonight, an eclectic array of musicians is slated to play Sewing Souls Studios. The fashion & costume design studio and multipurpose venue will host a night of quirky and experimental music. Five different acts will be gracing the stage, four of which are from the WNY area. Headlining the night is Floral Print, an experimental rock band from Atlanta, Georgia presenting elements of pop psych jazz and indie in a deconstructed manner. Buffalo native Little Cake (Ana Vafail) is an eccentric project combining classical, pop, comedy and spoken word with a show tunes inflection. Jesse Kaufman is a dark electronic and noise artist hailing from the West Side. Rounding out the evening are Patrick Weil’s lo-fi soul project Ex-Pat and Marilla based lizard rockers Planet Three. Doors are at 7pm with music starting at 8. There is a $3-$5 suggested donation at the door. running joke & alice arm by[...]

Manchester Orchestra – A Black Mile to the Surface

August 4, 2017

Indie rock stalwarts Manchester Orchestra have returned with their fifth album, A Black Mile to the Surface. It follows a several year gap that saw the departure of multi-instrumentalist Chris Freeman, the birth of founding member Andy Hull’s daughter, as well as Hull and lead-guitarist Robert McDowell scoring the Daniel Radcliffe-Paul Dano led film Swiss Army Man. The new record is yet another departure in sonic aesthetic, something the band has done with every release throughout their career. Starting out in the emo realm with I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child in 2006, it has been a meteoric rise the last 11 years, with the band expanding and advancing their sound every step of the way, as they became one of alternative music’s more beloved acts. Each record has been a new experience that both builds on and pivots away from the previous one, first with supercharged alt.-rock (Mean[...]