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Tonight: Bryan Johnson and Family

July 24, 2014

Thank goodness for Infringement today/tonight because without the festival, tonight’s best bet for music would be heading down to Canalside to catch Extreme. Yes, Extreme. If you do find yourself downtown near the water, and if you are, God bless you soul, then stick around after Extreme closes up shop with whatever power ballad they sing and head over to Buffalo Iron Works for a post-Canalside show featuring Bryan Johnson and Family. One of our original blog favs from way back in our early days, the surf pop trio turned quartet has cranked up the volume over the last year or so, and are finally getting ready to release their long awaited EP later this year. BJ and Fam are set to kick off just after 9pm, or whenever people stumble out of Canalside. Whatever comes first I suppose. Entry for tonight’s show is free.

Small Signals Drops Music Video to “Whiskers” Single

July 23, 2014

Yesterday, Small Signals, aka Rochester-based, multi-instrumentalist Stephen Roessner, released the first single, “Whiskers,” off of his debut EP, The Aimless. Currently operating as the drummer to jangle-rock band, Pleistocene, Roessner heads in a different direction with his Small Signals project, channeling aspects of Rivers Cuomo, Archers of Loaf, and Fugazi on the seven track release. The video to “Whiskers” finds Roessner fighting the urge to cut his very impressive beard until he finds some hairy, kindred spirits to boost his self esteem. If you are feeling uncomfortable about having a beard, you’re more than welcome to come to Buffalo. I’m sure there are a number of girls at the Pink that wouldn’t think your beard is weird. You can stream the entire EP over at Small Signals’ bandcamp page and in the mean time, watch the video for “Whiskers” below.

Buffalo Sex Change Premieres New Single, “Black Circle”

July 22, 2014

Upstart Rochester label, Dadstache Records, has been keeping busy this summer with solid releases from bands like Pony Hand and Fat Africa. Their next release will be the debut full length from post-punk act, Buffalo Sex Change, a Rochester based group (don’t let the name fool you) who has been on our distance radar for a little while as their inclusion on some solid 585 area bills has peaked our interest. The first single from Buffalo Sex Change, which is set to drop on August 5th, debuted today on bandcamp. Titled “Black Circle,” the crawling, reverb drenched track sounds like Okkervil River’s Will Sheff moonlighting with Crystal Stilts, or even Ariel Pink at his less weird of moments. Check it out below.

Know Your Opener: Midlake

July 22, 2014

With free music offered on nearly every night of the week throughout the summer, it’s hard to justify dropping $35 on a show when I can practically hear live music from my balcony on many nights. Having a worthy opener, one that could easily be headlining on another night, certainly helps cushion the cost. That’s what we have facing us tonight as Band of Horses rolls through town with Midlake playing the role of table setter for an eager group of Buffalonians who want more out of their ticket price than simply getting out of the sweaty night and into some AC a few minutes early. I first heard about the Texas group after stumbling across their haunting, Fleetwood Mac-esque single, “Roscoe,” a few years back. Then front man Tim Smith’s tender vocals gave what could have been a cold number a beating heart, becoming one of the best singles[...]

Just Announced: Hooray for Earth

July 21, 2014

With Sugar City’s official grand opening weekend just around the corner on Friday, August 15th, the newly relocated DIY collective is wasting no time in locking in some great shows to lead another great Buffalo summer to its triumphant finish. On Wednesday, August 20th, the new Niagara Street home base will be hosting NYC pysch-tronic act, Hooray for Earth. The band will be on the road promoting their at-the-time newly released album, Racy, set to drop next Tuesday, July 29th. Keep an eye out for tickets prices in the very near future.

Silo Sessions Premieres New Installment Feat. JOHNS

July 21, 2014

Just over a month into the new video blog series, Silo Series, and we have already been treated to some fantastic clips from musicians like Nat Baldwin, Jax Deluca, and Julie Bryne. Today’s latest installment, the sixth in the on going series, featuring an acoustic set from Buffalo garage act, JOHNS, in addition to bonus songs from JOHNS’ members Nick Gordon and Sean Kader. What makes Silo Sessions so special is pairing the unusual space with a variety of musicians, genres, and sounds, and in featuring JOHNS, the musicians have left the normal comfort of West Side basements to perform in one of Buffalo’s most unique venues. Watch the full clip of JOHNS, with Nick Gordon and Sean Kader below. You can also brush up on past sessions here.

Tonight: A.J. Woods

July 20, 2014

Since opening a year or so ago, the back room of Hardware has been a great space to host a variety of events/functions from dance parties to poetry readings to a couple showcases from our recent Herd Fest. Later this evening, the room is set to host a night of quiet contemplative folk music headed by the New Mexico based A.J. Woods, who vocally recalls John Samson of the Weakerthans or local singer/songwriter Alex Berkley. His most recent album, AdamWoods, was released via bandcamp in 2013 and can be listened to here. Providing local support will be folk musician Andy Pothier, who on other nights can be found behind the drum set of rollicking Pine Fever, and Helen, a suddenly rather busy project featuring Andrew Biggie of Bourbon & Coffee. Music kicks off around 8pm. Bring $5-$7 to support the touring acts.

Mr. Boneless Album Release Show at the Gypsy Parlor (7/19/14)

July 20, 2014

Last Saturday at the Gypsy Parlor, Fredonia-bred, steam folk foursome, Mr. Boneless, celebrated the release of their debut LP, Cutting Teeth, a ten track collection of backwoods blues-punk. Joining them was crust-Americana act, Pine Fever. Staff photographer Robert Emhof was on hand that night to shoot the show. Check out his pictures below. For his full gallery from the show, click here. Photos by Robert Emhof  

Tonight: Zealot

July 19, 2014

Fredonia has taken over the Buffalo music scene tonight, leaving those looking to fill their local music kick a couple nice options. If you can’t get over to the West Side to catch the release show for punk-folk foursome, Mr. Boneless, then head down to the Tudor Lounge later this evening to catch fuzz rock trio Zealot. The three-piece debuted late last year with their distortion heavy, No Age-esque single, “Magic Eye,” and has slowly been building a nice following between bouncing between Fredonia and Buffalo. Word is the the band has an EP/LP in the works so keep an eye out for it to drop later this year. In the mean time, catch them tonight along with support from Barry Place and Tugboat. Cost is $5 for entry. Music begins around 10pm. Zealot should hit the stage right around midnight.

Tonight: Mr. Boneless Album Release Show

July 19, 2014

Bumrush Booking recording artist, Mr. Boneless, will be celebrating the release of the group’s full length debut, Cutting Teeth, tonight at the Gypsy Parlor. The Fredonia-born, Buffalo-based steam folk quartet (think an early Modest Mouse if they came out of the back woods), led by the menacing growl of Elliot Boneless, has been making the rounds in the city for a the past couple years, between members relocating to Philly and back. Since settling in Buffalo, the band has become one of the better live acts in town, normally found on area bills along side fellow Fredonia act, Well Worn Boot. Cutting Teeth is already streaming on Boneless’ bandcamp page if you want to brush up on the new material before heading over tonight. Unsure if physical copies will be made available, but bring some extra cash in case. Music begins tonight at 8pm. Cover is not noted so maybe[...]

Tonight: Schwarz & Kilbourne

July 16, 2014

Get your body moving EARLY tonight over at Dreamland as the venue/gallery will be hosting the Health Club “Do or Die” Tour, a combined tour between East Coast DJs Schwarz(Baltimore) and Kilbourne (NJ). Listen to the audio below to give you an idea of what to expect because it can explain much better than I ever could. Local support will include the ever busy electro, space traveling duo UVB-76 and the hypnotic Ay-Fast. If you can’t make it to Dreamland, then you can catch the Health Club tour over at the Shit Mansion (yep) later tonight along with tag-team duo Jack Toft and Chauncey Tails, Toft tour-mate Frank Hurricane, and many more. Music kicks off at Dreamland at 7pm. $5 to get sweaty.

The Papers – Anyway

July 15, 2014

Chicago-based orchestral folk trio, The Papers (featuring former Buffalo ex-pat Matt Script), recently released their latest EP, titled Anyway, a few weeks back. In what has become a bit of a tradition for the band, the members have asked friends to film bike excursions through various cities for submission to be soundtracked by the Papers’ music. The latest installment, which includes three of the four tracks from Anyway, follows the biker through the streets of Lubeck, Germany. Past bike series clips have been filmed in Chicago and Kansas City. Watch the full Lubeck bike installment from the Papers below.

Tonight: Solitary Excursions

July 14, 2014

Over on Massachusetts Ave, the revitalized laundry mat, which operates under the name of the WASH Project, will be hosting an evening of experimental musicians called Solitary Excursions. Leading the way is Iowa’s Curt Oren, a jazz oriented looping musician, and quite the baker so says his bandcamp page, and Erie, PA minimalist Onewayness, an artist who beautifully marries drone and ambiance with acoustic instrumentation. Think the Books and you have a nice starting point. Local support will come in the form of avant-grade jazz musician Zane Merritt and celestial laptop musician Transfer in Jamaica, the latter making his live music debut. $5 will gain you entry, and, according to the facebook event, access to a couple dozen of Oren’s homemade cookies, so don’t be late.

Tonight: Miniature Tigers

July 14, 2014

Buffalo’s busy Monday night will be highlighted this evening with a visit from Brooklyn’s Miniature Tigers at the Waiting Room. The buzzing and bouncing synth-pop quartet is still riding high after the release of their summer ready album Cruel Runnings earlier last month. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with MT’s lead singer, Charlie Brand, to discuss the album, touring, and city specific music scenes. If you missed the interview, check it out here. Joining Miniature Tigers tonight will be Aussie buzz band the Grisworlds. If you caught Tokyo Police Club this past Friday at the Outer Harbor and liked what you heard, then this band could be for you. Local support will be provided by the always busy surf poppers Bryan Johnson & Family, who look to be finally releasing a proper EP last this summer. Keep an eye out. Music begins tonight at 8pm. Tickets are $14[...]

Cages Share First Single From Vivipary LP

July 14, 2014

Last month, in an interview with Black Dots owner Josh Smith, the shop runner told us that his label, also called Black Dots, would be released the forthcoming album from Buffalo’s free-form, noise collective Cages. Those familiar with Smith’s punk roots would be surprised to find the band on his label, but as he told us “they are one of the best live bands that I’ve seen in the past couple of years.” Late last week, Cages and Black Dots shared the first single, “First Seed,” from the group’s Vivipary LP. The track is challenging and beautiful, like Bjork or Sigur Ros embracing folk music while sprinkling in eerie and unsettling bits of electronic effects. Keep an eye out for the digital and physical release of Vivipary later this summer, and in the mean time, listen to “First Seed” below.