Latest Posts

M. Ward – More Rain

March 31, 2016

Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Matthew Ward (aka M. Ward) has released his 8th solo studio and first album since 2012, More Rain. The restless indie-folk favorite is known for his work with duo She & Him, super group Monsters of Folk, his own solo career, and producing work for countless other artists. More Rain is a nice collection of fun, but familiar, new tunes. Ward doesn’t stray far from his comfort zone on the new record. But why would he if it works? He has made a name for himself by fusing the sounds of classic folk, ‘50s do-wop, and ‘60s rock n roll all through the lens of a modern indie context. There is a certain appreciation for artists who have established a compelling sound and can continue to churn it out, without it feeling worn. More Rain does exactly that. In typical M. Ward fashion, the genre lines[...]

The Nudes – demos

March 8, 2016

After releasing their debut EP last year, The Nudes have compiled a collection of b-sides simply titled demos. Here, the Syracuse quartet offers songs that were recorded in a basement over the span of a couple years. Naturally, this provides a very DIY, lo-fi feel to their overall sound. demos starts off mellow but gradually picks up the pace, and by the third track, “i never know” they’ve hit their stride. Once “i never know” gets going, it sounds like it could be an early 60s rocker from the likes of The Kinks, or a modern equivalent from The White Stripes. This vibe permeates throughout most of the album. But amidst all of the grimy rock they mix in songs like “ghosts” and “hurt to feel” that feature electro-beats and arpeggiated synths. Together, it creates an interesting and enjoyable balance. The lead vocals predominately feature singer/guitars Mim Reading, with the occasional appearance of[...]

Kendrick Lamar – untitled/unmastered.

March 8, 2016

After several rumors surfaced last week regarding a new project, Kendrick Lamar surprise-released a compilation of previously unreleased material in the early hours of Friday morning. untitled unmastered. consists of eight tracks that were recorded during sessions for his 2015 masterpiece To Pimp a Butterfly, but were eventually dropped in favor of other songs. Each song name is simply “untitled” followed by the date it was recorded, spanning 2013-2014. In untitled unmastered. all of the free-form jazz backing and dense lyricism is still present, but without the finely tuned narrative focus that was employed on To Pimp a Butterfly, it plays out like a loose jam session or rehearsal. It has the same inherent feel and inspiration as its predecessor, while at the same time taking on a life of its own by being presented in a new, unhinged context. The content of the album spans an array of subjects, as the[...]

School of Seven Bells – SVIIB

March 2, 2016

After nearly a decade, Alejandra Deheza is ending School of Seven Bells. Originally a trio, Deheza is lone founding member after her twin sister Claudia left in 2010 and Benjamin Curtis tragically passed away in 2013. SVIIB is the fourth and final album from the dream pop group, and serves as a tribute to their late member. Before his passing, Curtis was able to record new material with Deheza one last time, all of which is the basis of the new record. Baring a strong sonic resemblance to the production style of the 1980s, the album is filled with cascading synths and echoing drumbeats. Blending together elements of shoegaze rock and indie-pop, it achieves a sound that is both retro and modern. Throughout, Deheza’s vocals float hauntingly over top of it all, drenched in reverb and rounding out the dense, dreamscape arrangements. There is an inherent sadness that runs through the[...]

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – This Unruly Mess I’ve Made

February 29, 2016

Seattle-based hip-hop duo, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, have a lot to say on their sophomore album. This Unruly Mess I’ve Made is a hodgepodge of genres, thoughts and stories. A lot of the tracks do actually hit their mark, while others fall short of the massive hype. Musically, the pair continues their brand of underground-cultivated indie-gospel, with heartfelt piano, dramatic strings and joyous choir. Unfortunately, the lyrical content is all over the map. The record starts off earnestly enough, with a song about Ben Haggerty’s (aka Macklemore’s) disdain for award show culture. But after that it begins to wander through a strange assortment of politically charged, inspiring tunes and quirky joke-rap. The contrast between the two doesn’t quite add up to the overall intellectual statement Haggerty would like it to be, instead creating a frustrating ambivalence toward a record that could have been truly great. The silly tracks actually undermine the[...]

Tonight: Klozapin

February 20, 2016

Brooklyn’s Klozapin comes to town this evening for their debut Buffalo gig at Nieztsche’s. The grimey psych-pop act will be nestled smackdab in the middle of  an eclectic lineup featuring sets from three local bands that should be on your radar. Klozapin is still riding high ion their 2015 full self-titled full length, chuck full of shoegaze-y indie-rock jaunts. Kicking off the night is cavernous psych act,  Bold Folly, a band featuring ex-members of Honey Spine and Drone Wars. . Also on the bill  is  golf-pop supergroup, Super American, a merger between the groups I Can See Mountains and Thick Winter Blud. The new band specializes in up-tempo punk rock, quirky lyrics, and on-stage banter. Recommended for fans of Norm McDonald. Headlining the night is Buffalo’s own Americana bar rockers Sixties Future, who recently released their debut EP in the tail end of 2016. It’s the hottest ticket in town. Doors open at 9pm with[...]

Hinds – Leave Me Alone

February 16, 2016

Hinds’ debut album Leave Me Alone is bursting with sunny energy. Direct from Madrid, Spain, these indie rockers come out with a bang. Leave Me Alone was released in the middle of winter and their spin on garage-rock pop is a much-needed doldrums-reliever. From the first echoing, reverb-laden chord of the album, these four ladies have you hooked. The music spouts easygoing vibes and playful mirth, fit to accompany a beach party. Catchy guitar riffs jangle while carefree rhythms achieve the right kind of groove for a summer’s night.  Mix in some old-school punk undertones (a la The Velvet Underground) and you can’t help but get carried away with these tunes. But it’s the vocals that really bring the album to life. Co-singers Carlotta Cosials and Ana Perotte share lead duties, singing most often in unison rather than in harmony. They weave in and out of the melody with an[...]

MONEY – Suicide Songs

February 9, 2016

Hailing from Manchester, England, MONEY’s aim is wide on their sophomore album. Titled Suicide Songs, the album takes on a large, atmospheric scope, and a tonality of self-oblivion. Here, lead singer and songwriter Jamie Lee tackles isolation and despair head on. He calls to mind The Smiths (with whom they share a hometown), a band that had a penchant for this kind of melancholy. Dealing primarily with loneliness, Lee accompanies his words with long instrument drones, lilting rhythms, exploding horns and lush strings. The arrangements truly are beautiful and the resonant production lends a perfect touch to the epic, almost uplifting musical tone. The overall combination creates a dual feeling of hope and desolation. Lee’s voice is thick-accented, rugged and meandering, reminiscent of The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan. He achieves an almost mellow, calming sound that is at the same time rough around the edges, especially when he reaches for the[...]

Boy Jr. – No Hard Feelings

February 2, 2016

No Hard Feelings is the debut EP from Boy Jr., musical brainchild of SUNY Purchase student Erica Allen-Lubman. Released just days before Christmas, Boy Jr.’s first effort is a solid collection of tunes. Written, performed, produced and recorded almost completely by herself, these five tracks are a fine sampling of DIY garage-rock from the Rochester based songwriter. Throughout, she employs a very lo-fi aproach, but the music never feels sloppy. It offers the right amount of minimal production you want from a garage-rocker, without sounding amateurish. Ms. Allen-Lubman sings loose, but never pitchy, with an alto-range voice and a vocal tone that has a feeling of carefree weightlessness. There is a touch of bright pop to it, just enough to supply a handful of rather catchy melodies and riffs. This is clear on the track “The Killers,” especially when the repeated eighth-note piano chords begin. But she never forgets the[...]