Latest Posts

Pizzagirl – “Coffee Shop”

March 19, 2018

Liverpool-based electronic act Pizzagirl’s new jam “Coffee Shop” is a retro-soul delight to say the least. It possesses a chorus as infectious as it is simple, a trademark of that late ‘70s disco scene that alienated some in a heartbeat and attracted others at the same time. However, with a fresh, indie-tinged take on that wave of influence, it likely won’t steer many if any listeners away. In fact, beyond the attraction of listening to it with virgin ears, repeated listens are highly rewarding. It’s a challenge not to sing along once you catch on to the lyrics, or at least dance to it if you’re not ashamed of letting loose. Pizzagirl’s upcoming EP, fittingly titled An Extended Play and written, recorded and produced entirely by the artist in his home, is due out April 13.

Tonight: Aircraft

March 16, 2018

Tonight Aircraft, First Ward and Velvet Bethany will join together to put on what is sure to be a show for the ages at The 9th Ward, the basement bar attached to the multi-use facility Babeville. This venue lies in the center of the theater district in Buffalo, at 341 Delaware Ave. Aircraft will be prepared to unveil their top-level energy as well as a masterful mix of both power and delicacy. Fellow Buffalonians First Ward will bring along their meticulous and anthemic melodies. Added onto that will be the garage rock vigor of Velvet Bethany, another locally based act. Doors are at 7pm,  Tickets are $10, 7 Gems from the Sparkling Void by Aircraft  

Tonight: Mutual Friends

March 9, 2018

Tonight  Mutual Friends and Ugly Sun will surely rock the Lockhouse Distillery & Bar off its framework. The establishment is located at 41 Columbia St. in Buffalo. The balance of local garage group Ugly Sun’s high-octane rush of punk and the atmospheric dreaminess of their fellow Buffalo natives, the synth-pop luminaries in Mutual Friends, will be quite the sight (and sound) to behold. Doors are at 9pm and cover is $5. Only those 21 and over are permitted to attend the gig. Check out recent, top-notch offerings from both Ugly Sun and Mutual Friends below:

UV Rays – “Facade”

March 1, 2018

“Facade,” the new track from Brooklyn power pop quartet UV Rays, is an indie treasure, plain and simple. With contribution from richly melodic guitar capable of acerbity just as well, the tune is an emotionally charged ball of fire about reconsidered thoughts and crumbling feelings in a relationship. Its fast pace and fervent, layered blow makes the sub-3 minute listen a demanding but beyond-rewarding one. Check out the track below:

Tonight: Sunday Brunch

February 28, 2018

Tonight Buffalo’s own Sunday Brunch will be bringing their wondrous lo-fi late 90s indiemo sound to the Nietzsche’s, located at 248 Allen St. Last July, Sunday Brunch released the six-song EP called Eat Your Heart Out, which fills its running time to the brim with highly energetic tunes delivered with a robust attitude. Fellow hometown alternative groups Scathed and Ghostpool will also be performing. Doors are at 9, and the cover is $5. Only those 21 and over can enter unless accompanied by a parent. Eat Your Heart Out by Sunday Brunch

Spirits of Leo – “Legacy”

February 27, 2018

“Legacy,” a new track from post-punk band Spirits of Leo, is rife with nostalgia, a byproduct of early Cure-esque guitar work mixed flawlessly with an atmospheric, shoegazing undercurrent. It’s slick, dark and as warm and inviting as it is elusive. Like the best of My Bloody Valentine, to name a forerunner to stylistic aspects running through Spirits of Leo, the lyrics here are difficult to discern, but the track is almost better from that perspective–the voice is reverted simply to an instrument of pure lush feeling in this case. Founded in Santa Rosa, California, but now grounded in Brooklyn, Spirits of Leo recorded and self-produced their upcoming album Equinox on both the east and west coast over the past four years. The LP is set for release on March 23.

vverevvolf – “Lemonade”

February 27, 2018

In a whirl of anger, fear and stress, Berkeley synthpop duo vverevvolf creates an emotionally liberating anthem in “Lemonade,” inspired by singer and writer Dylan Gallagher’s often frustrating experience as a homosexual and the societal pressure that comes with it. “Lemonade” tackles the dismay of life, which pulls this narrator “under like a tidal wave,” by answering it with icy beauty and an unsparing attitude. The track is the introductory song on vverevvolf’s five-song EP Electric Blue, released on Feb. 23.

Para Doc – “Saying Things”

February 27, 2018

With a lyrical message underlining the subject of empty promises, “Saying Things” by Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter-producer Para Doc finds solace in an upbeat, pulsating rhythm with an ‘80s flair. The track’s catchiness falls on almost every aspect of its 2 and a half minutes. Hooky lines like the repeated “that’s not fair,” trounces of lively keyboard and handclaps sprinkled throughout all coalesce to make a zestful alternative pop gem. The 23-year-old, whose real name is Wesley Luttrell, originally hails from Indiana and took his personalized brand of cadenced magic to Miami for a year of slowly but noticeably swelling success before his transition to the West Coast.

Tonight: Seafox

February 23, 2018

Encasing an enriching blend of folk, pop, modern alternative and classic rock, Niagara Falls’ Seafox will be performing tonight at Nietzsche’s, the renowned club located at 248 Allen St. Seafox is spearheaded by singer-songwriter Billy Fortier and just recently released their sophomore album Eulogy of the Angels. The band will be joined by fellow Buffalo indie acts Feverbox, Jacob Peter and busker folk Rust Belt Brigade. Doors start at 9pm Only those 21 and over will be allowed entry into the venue. The cover will be $5. While you’re at it, check out Seafox’s single “Believe” below.

JACK Drops Single, Readies Album

February 14, 2018

JACK’s “A Kick A Knife” advances with palpable emotional intensity. With a benevolent vocal assurance and seemingly effortless flaunting of compositional prowess comparable perhaps to the greatness of either Joanna Newsom or Big Thief, Buffalo-hailing and Brooklyn-based artist Brittany Costa shines here in her solo spotlight. The first-rate instrumental backing is majestic at times, overpowering at others, and transformative throughout. The song nears 6 minutes, which walks the tightrope of what some in this often impatient and distraction-filled world would be willing to give undivided attention, but music lovers should know how much better off they’d be with a top-drawer tune like this in their listening arsenal. Costa’s auspicious debut LP Alchemical Rounds is due out next month.

ALCABEAN – “Still Remember”

February 12, 2018

ALCABEAN’s “Still Remember” is an invigorating slice of heavy-duty rock ‘n’ roll. The Copenhagen-based quartet makes magnificent use of pop-punk influence and the zeitgeist of guitar-abounding alternative rock of the ’90s on the track. Within a three-minute duration, this must-listen track captures a sense of nostalgia and elation and hones it ever so well. The band’s forthcoming EP Head Down is set to be released in the middle portion of this March.

Synapson – “Hide Away” [feat. Holly]

February 12, 2018

Synapson’s “Hide Away” is an admirably refreshing single from this French electronic duo. The beat is disco-esque, balancing a funk rhythm with entrancing, pop-inspired vocals courtesy of Holly Martin. It’s surely a perfect fit for the club scene. The twosome has been on a roll as of late, reaching 100 million streams and selling out 80 tour dates. The music video for “Hide Away” is remarkably peculiar, but feel free to find out below if it suits your tastes.

Socks – “Why Not”

February 12, 2018

“Why Not,” a new single from Modesto, California’s Socks, is an indie delight. The track gallops out of the gate with the most irresistible bass-propelled groove. Chops of guitar pierce through the rhythm, as do playfully energetic vocals. Closing out their debut LP, this dreamy and highly accessible tune shows a great deal of promise for the Central Valley quartet.

Billy Wild – “Wikid”

February 12, 2018

“Wikid,” the new offering from Billy Wild’s recently released album All Nighters, has immediate pop appeal. The Ontario-based producer has created a single of substance, an assemblage of potent synthesizer, soul-touching vocal harmonies and understated but effective traces of guitar. It’s anthemic, transcendent effect is similar to something like “Midnight City” by M83. On top of that, it’s an expertly crafted tune with a lot going on but never to the point that it seems out of control. Check out the song below:

Kuzo – “Luna”

February 12, 2018

Los Angeles-based electronic pop duo Kuzo wows on the remarkably stylish new single “Luna.” The track starts with a minimal but gradually burgeoning groove, bolstered by penetrating vocals swaying with ethereal beauty. The lyrics, meanwhile, are assertive, commanding in the very first line for the song’s addressee to join in for rule-bending and heart-breaking. The tune’s music video is an engaging one, depicting the group’s cool-as-can-be singer viewing living snapshots of herself adorning sunglasses while singing and striking poses in a wooded area.