Latest Posts

Stress Dolls Drops After the Party

May 16, 2017

Stress Dolls and Steak & Cake Records have teamed up on two tender, confessing gentle electronic tunes. These songs were written by  Chelsea O’Donnell of Stress Dolls  and punched up and arranged by label owner/producer Brandon Schlia. The first track on After the Party, “Bruises,” lights up the room with a like a light shining through flesh. The drums pop and bounces from the speakers with delay proving to be the most utilized effect. When the chorus comes in, O’Donnell’s unique vocals spill a message desperate with indecision. “Your bruises…” is ooh-ed delicately atop a failing synth note. Following “Bruises” is “Alaska 2.0,” a sub-two minute ticker that promises to keep your mind locked in space. The sound crawls, but the atmospheric synths are enthralling. This is the second incarnation of “Alaska,” previously released with an indie rock flavor on O’Donnell’s retired moniker Wolf. The new rendition of “Alaska 2.0”[...]

Pleistocene – “Your New Life”

May 2, 2017

In a brash two-and-a-half minutes, Rochester’s Pleistocene conveys a message like a swarm of bees: Missing an old friend is hard even if you’re confident she’ll be okay. “Your New Life” is the lead single from the band’s killer release Spear. New life is breathed into the song via this roller derby video featuring a protagonist colliding recklessly reflecting the free, surf rock nature of the lively tune. The video tells the story of roller derby moms and their children growing to love and experience the same rough-and-tumble sport. Pleistocene’s effort is respected as “Your New Life” demonstrates a best foot forward. Check it out below. [vimeo 213706391 w=640 h=360] PLEISTOCENE – “YOUR NEW LIFE” from BUBL-T on Vimeo.

Bryan Johnson and Family Return with New Single

February 22, 2017

Local surf rockers, Bryan Johnson and Family, returned earlierr this month with a new reverbed-out single “Next Wave.”  On the Fam’s new single, the guitar is a wonderful blend of janglyness and smoothness. The bass thuds along joyfully while the hi-hat swarms about your head like a feather-down pillow. The xylophone-esque lead does the song well – it adds to the Hawaiian feels. “Next Wave” is a welcome return from the Buffalo staples. Check it out.

Mac DeMarco – “This Old Dog”

February 3, 2017

The wonderful, “jizz jazzy” Mac DeMarco just announced the release of a new album called This Old Dog. Along with the release came a few teasers including the title track. Noticeably different is the acoustic guitar found in this song. It’s still very chill Mac DeMarco, but there’s something more serious about it. After Another One, this was to be expected. The chorus is ordained with either slimy keys or an effected slide guitar. Whatever the instrument, it bounces between ears. Easy going bass rumbles your ear drums. The percussion is simple. The ride really carries the listener away – its sizzle like popcorn kernels against a metal bowl. DeMarco’s tessitura falls within its usual range. “This old dog ain’t about to forget all we’ve had and all that’s next,” is the most alluring line of the new tune. It is simple but endearing and enough to ring true to[...]

Lambchop – FLOTUS

February 1, 2017

Lampchop is a unique band with a path like none other. They’ve taken on genre after genre throughout their journey – first traditional country, then post-rock, soul, lounge and so on. FLOTUS (For Love Often Turns Us Still) is their latest effort, and the only one that I’ve listened to thus far. Their twelfth studio album is a touchy, electronic folk/lounge jam with difficult-to-hear lyrical smatterings. Nonetheless, FLOTUS marks a substantial piece from the near triple-decade-old group. In Song 2, “Directions to the Can,” the main features are the oohs and ahs and the close to gibberish, effected vocals of Kurt Wagner. The smooshy hi hat queues one of greater velocity alongside the rest of the drumbeat. “Take it on the chin,” can be heard most of any lyrics. A simple song, yet beautiful and enticing. “Writer” seems to be a statement piece pointing out the diminishing qualities, or sometimes evolutionary[...]

Tonight: Tokyo Police Club

January 19, 2017

One of Canada’s prized indie outfits is soon to be at our doorsteps this evening when Tokyo Police Club play the Waiting Room. Whether you love the odd drums and fuzzy bass of “Nature of the Experiment” or the general warm tenacity of Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness Pts 1 & 2, Tokyo Police Club have the musical chops to impress and entwine. Collectively, TPC is a band standing the test of time offering their listeners tasty, increasingly pop treats. Their new tendency to go pop bodes well as the band continues to write simple, loving tunes that fill your heart with joy. Supporting TPC is Charly Bliss, a sludgy, rock act from New York City. Their latest single, “Turd” (which is about denying a relentless catcaller), the group produces a somewhat grungy, 1-2-3-4 rokker. Doors start at 7pm and tickets are $23 walk-in. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpBNWWcJIRs&w=560&h=315]

Tonight: Tyler Mendola

December 16, 2016

Milkie’s is set to feature three Buffalo-based musicians performing stripped down acoustic sets. Set to play tonight is Tyler Mendola, from the retro, psychedelic Deadwolf-pack. His music is sure to swoon, and his performance should shine new light upon what is typically expected of the frontman. Supporting Mendola are Yes Yes and Elliot Douglas (M.A.G.S.): Yes Yes (Michael Ersing) is a unique, Xiu Xiu-esque take on the singer-songwriter stance with and Elliot Douglas is a local garage rocker also turning to the face’s acoustic cheek. Word on the street is he may be doing some Malones covers. Doors are at 9pm and there is a $5 cover. Stream Deadwolf’s “Shine” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/284849978″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Jake Bellissimo

December 7, 2016

Jake Bellissimo is an indie folk virtuoso of sorts. With an easy voice and angelic string compositions, his creations swarm your mind like a flurry of furry, friendly bees. His latest work, Piece of Ivy, is a collection of acoustic songs of quality recording. This musician is certainly talented and is slated for an up-close setup tonight at Dreamland. Supporting Bellissimo are locals Velvet Bethany and Bill Nehill. Velvet Bethany is a solid acoustic performer shooting you with a touch of 60s and grunge rock. Bill Nehill turns down the lights with his stripped down honest tunes. Fun starts about 8pm and donate $5 or pay what you can in order to support the space/art.

Cannon the Brave – Cannon the Brave EP

December 1, 2016

Cannon the Brave is an indie pop outfit from Albany, NY who take their name from Allyson Smith’s superhero alter ego. The group originated as a songwriting outlet between twin sisters Allyson and Whitney Smith, eventually adding three members to support the act’s growing sound (Eric Margan, Mike Campana and Brian Beverly). The project is roughly a year-and-a-half old and have a mantra that aims to bring out the best in themselves and those they touch. The first song off the self-titled EP, “The Only Thing I Need,” spills in with a lovely, old-sounding piano statement. Deep ohs warmly wrap themselves around you. “I was afraid of what I would become…” is sung amidst powerful chordal keys. Smith shares truth in telling her audience that all you need is inside of you. “Sometimes” kicks with background falsettos and groovy bass drum. Smith’s voice is the type that is in between talking and[...]

Dave Monks – All Signs Point to Yes

November 23, 2016

Dave Monks, better known as the long-haired frontman of Canada’s own Tokyo Police Club, split from the others to record six really solid acoustic songs under the title All Signs Point to Yes. Each track is as touching as the next: Whether the tunes are about the unpredictable future or heartbreak blues, this collection has what it takes to make you feel connected. Driving, laying around, or easy listening suits All Signs Point to Yes best. The EP kicks off with “Vegas,” probably the most happy of all the songs. This one is about being with the partner of your dreams despite outside uncertainty. The lyrics speak highly of deep love and how far it can carry you. The guitar strums are mostly offbeat upstrokes and Monks sings in his unassuming baritone. A key lead in the middle of the song helps it sail. Clapping ensues shortly after, forcing some[...]

Tonight: Yellow House Tape Release

November 16, 2016

Scumbag Booking presents Yellow House (members consist of those from Skateboard, Love Canal, and Tomoreaux) at Dreamland this evening. Yellow House fronts shoegaze rock that will keep you bouncing off each others’ shoulders. The group is releasing their first album, Songs from Limbo, via cassette tape. The trio is backed by The Slums, Hypoluxo, and the Sonny Baker Band. As expected, The Slums will pound the hell out of your ears and brain. Hypoluxo is a dreamy post-punk group from Brooklyn. Though they keep it lighter than the others on the roster, they float unsteadily enough to stir you up and mesh with the lineup. Sonny Baker is a local favorite who reinvents the work of those like J Mascis. The fuzziness of Flesh It Out will be sure to stoke the fire. The show is at Dreamland and is at 7pm. Your night inside the building will end at 11pm. If you’re a kind soul,[...]

Warpaint – Heads Up

November 2, 2016

Warpaint is a sly quartet of women whose coolness seems unparalleled at times. Their style runs it’s course on you – it’s all-consuming, relaxed, sexy, slithery… Heads Up marks the band’s fourth release, with “New Song” as their debut single. “New Song” is Warpaint’s attempt at becoming a pseudo-electronica pop band. Roaring synths and malformed voices accompany typical soft vocals and a thumping bass. It’s safe the say the the chorus is catchy. A plate-y tambourine shakes on the one of every other measure serving the song as a calling card. The song eases from part to part, but maintains a form of pure excitement that consistently pulls you in. Other necessary listens are “Whiteout,” “So Good,” “Dre,” and “Today Dear”. “Whiteout” is this album’s first. Brilliant accented drums and distant guitar coo the listener. “You wouldn’t know it but you’re really in your prime,” is a sentiment one could[...]

The Leones – Ghost in the City

October 25, 2016

Like something out of retro Gotham comes Ghost in the City, a melancholic gaze into the haunted homes of the album. For the most part, this gaze sets its eyes on love despite the album’s eerie, mysterious lyrical settings buttressed by the deep instrumentals. Ghost in the City tells it’s tall tales in Kurt Vile-style: The songs are usually five-and-a-half minutes or more. The men of The Leones, Justin Bachulak and Dustin Lau, used their indigo pallor to create something of wondrous quality. “Where I Want You” begins with brilliant retro synth that seems straight from the late Castlevania projects. A solid folk voice masked in some reverb joins the composition. The song talks of a girl named Anne. All she could do was “fold,” yet the main character (who seems creepy) sought her out for some reason. The guitar augments the final minute or so of the song, adding[...]

Tonight: Dogs in Stereo

October 13, 2016

Dogs in Stereo is a relative of Travis Morrison’s Travistan or some of Jawbox’s work. Shrouded in lo-fi, Dogs in Stereo thrive on telling acoustic pieces often paired with classic retro drum tones and completely morphing effects like chorus. Their latest release, I Peaked in ’07, is a moody, deep twisted saga. “Finally Feelin'” is reminiscent of Mac Demarco’s old releases. Joining Dogs in Stereo at Milkie’s is Moody Cosmos and Suburbs. The first is a Fredonia-bred psych pop group that sounds like Girls and the other is an upbeat side project of Tomoreaux/Holland Purchase. Doors are at 8pm with a $5 cover.

Hundred Plus Club – For You

October 3, 2016

Hundred Plus Club is an impressive group that shred something similar to Tokyo Police Club and Dinosaur Bones. For You, their newest six-song effort, is a glorious scientific approach to solid indie rock that will make you want to see them live. The first track, “Reversed” starts off with post-punk distorted guitar chords. Then, the whole band kicks in  with deliberate fashion – the song is very urgent despite sufficient reverb. “But I never know what you’re think of, what you’re thinking on,” tells the sad story of relatable anxiety. The verses are stuffed with full-sounding guitar chord strums. The chorus’ guitars bounce excitingly between the phones. There’s one last flourish before the song ends as timely as it began. “Entropy” is more bass-y than the first song – a lush electric bassline pulls the listener in. These boys remain just as urgent. The middled guitar manages your interest in[...]