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Applennium

March 27, 2015

You might have noticed that we’re throwing a 5th birthday party for ourselves tomorrow evening at Nietzsche’s. You might also have noticed that Applennium is one of the bands playing. The oft-revered but rarely-spotted band only plays one or two shows a year; we consider ourselves very lucky to have secured them for our big day. Applennium specializes in simmering jams with perfect male/female harmonies. One might say they excel at creating moods instead of just plain old songs. We say it every time we cover them, but Applennium is one of Buffalo’s hidden gems. True talent shrouded in mystique. We’ll see you tomorrow at 10pm sharp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/175635118″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Get Up Kids @ Waiting Room (3/25/15)

March 26, 2015

With a belly full of Joe’s Deli and two very heavy eyelids, I made my way to Waiting Room last night to see The Get Up Kids (TGUK). Approaching the door, I couldn’t help but calculate the median age of the crowd, which was probably somewhere around 27… Let’s just say that in lieu of x-ed out hands, I saw parents checking nanny cams on smart phones. Pixie cuts and shaved heads were a plenty. Ironically, TGUK were out on the “Spring Break” tour – I’d bet only 15% of the crowd was actually on spring break. I walked in on song two or three of Restorations’ set. The band’s vocalist reminded me pretty strongly of The Gaslight Anthem. They had a “vibey” feel. I enjoyed their set, but I spent most of it trying to find a comfortable place to lean my ragged 25 year old body. PUP took[...]

Tonight: Taking Back Sunday

March 16, 2015

103.3 The Edge has been the talk of the town lately, having hosted a local-themed barnstormer a few weeks ago headlined by Made Violent. Tonight, the station presents Long Island’s Taking Back Sunday, a band that, at this point in its career, probably doesn’t need introducing. The emo titans have been slugging it out for the past 15 years or so – and after six full lengths, two top ten Billboard debuts, and more member changes than you can count, it’s no wonder tonight’s show is sold out. Support tonight comes from The Menzingers and LetLive. Unfortunately, traditional ticket purchasing methods are out of the question because they are all sold out. Doors are at 6pm which gives you plenty of time to improvise. Happy ticket hunting! [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/56446421″ 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: Filmstrip

March 11, 2015

Filmstrip will be bringing their wholly pleasant brand of alt-Americana to Mohawk Place tonight. The Cleveland-based band evokes a laid-back vibe reminiscent of The Life and Times, Pedro the Lion, and just the slightest touch of Father John Misty. My personal recommendation is the upbeat, guitar driven “Dollar Store.” Support tonight comes from the ever-fuzzy Fredonians in Zealot and Buffalo’s answer to alt-Americana, American Stores. The show starts at 8pm for $5.

Speak Daggers Post New EP

March 3, 2015

Our obsession with WNY music often takes us as far out as Ithaca, NY… A special place that has birthed many great bands. Speak Daggers is our newest discovery, fitting in somewhere between melodic punk, hardcore, and emo. In fact, Speak Daggers might be Ithaca’s answer to Buffalo’s own Lancer. The passionate slow-burn of “Get Up” is a particular highlight and leans more on the melodic side… But “My Light” and “Alan Ginsberg” make me want to mosh into my friend (chalk that up to things I never thought I’d say). Please click the play button on the widget below.

Tonight: Two Cow Garage

February 26, 2015

It’s not often that we get to write about a show at the Sportsmen’s Tavern, but then again, it’s not that often that we get to feature a show from Two Cow Garage. The Columbus, OH based band was once a Mohawk Place mainstay. The band (think an alt-country Gaslight Anthem) has been swapping shows with bands like Roger Bryan & The Orphans for quite some time. Tonight, Two Car Garage is slotted for a three hour performance. Please note that the artists have a 3 hour window to complete the show. This does not meant the performance will be 3 hours in length, but here’s hoping. Show starts at 8pm for $10 at the door.

Tonight: M.A.G.S. EP Release

February 20, 2015

M.A.G.S., better known as wunderkind Elliott Douglas’ solo project, will be releasing its highly-anticipated debut EP tonight. Chasing the positive reception from a two-song demo released late last year, Douglas has been hard at work on Cellophane, a six song EP full of garage rock with an indie-pop tinge (think Cloud Nothings or Tokyo Police Club’s earlier days). Cellophane comes to us via Admirable Traits Records. As if that weren’t enough, support tonight comes from The Slums (featuring Douglas’ ex-Malones bandmate, Steven Floyd), Kharlos (ex-Merchants and a current Space Wolf), and everyone’s favorite lake-pop band, Bryan Johnson & Family. A copy of Cellophane will be included with admission, which is $10. Doors are at 8:00, see you at Mohawk Place.

Tonight: Soul Patch

February 6, 2015

Tonight! Enjoy Buffalo’s premiere 90’s cover band – Soul Patch. Behind the Cobain glasses and fantastic hair pieces are Keith and Steve from an equally legendary Buffalo band, Every Time I Die… But don’t expect headbanging and sweaty dudes hanging from the ceiling tonight. You should just expect covers of The Cardigans and Harvey Danger, among many others. The kicker – there’s no cover! Unless you’re under 21, in which case, it is $10. Although you might not be able to maneuver your car down those cobblestone streets, Iron Works will open doors at 8 and get the music started at 9. *Insert Nirvana reference here*

Del Paxton to Release Split on Topshelf Records

February 4, 2015

We’ve been hearing whispers on the streets for months that one of Buffalo’s best bands will be getting picked up by a big indie. We’re excited to announce that the rumor mill is correct… Del Paxton, our resident emo-flavored math-rockers, have signed to the thriving indie label, Topshelf Records. The Paxt will release a new 7″ split on with fellow Topshelf signees Gulfer. Topshelf will be a good home for the band – Del Paxton is now labelmates with legendary veterans Braid as well as strong up-and-comers like You Blew It!, Prawn, and The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die. Del Paxton’s contributions to the split were recorded between go-to local producer Jay Zubricky of GCR and Cleveland’s Whiteout Audio. The split is set to drop on April 7th. Photo Credit – Nick Karp

SPEIRS Releases Debut Single, “Headwarm”

January 26, 2015

Despite the “buffa” in our name, we definitely have a soft spot for our neighbors in Rochester. One of the sister city’s newest offerings comes from SPEIRS, a female-fronted post-rock group a la The Appleseed Cast. The group’s debut single, titled “Headwarm,” is a five-minute sweller, full of effected guitars (coming from some really tasty looking gear) and chill out vibes. According to the band’s facebook page, we can expect the rest of their EP in a few weeks. Until then, click the widget below to enjoy “Headwarm…” After all, the Northeast could use some extra warmth today.

Tonight: The Traditional CD Release

January 24, 2015

In case you missed our Album of the Week nod, tonight is your best chance to figure out what The Traditional is all about. On second thought, The Traditional actually is that hard to figure out – it’s passionate, simple emo music in the same vein as Bayside or Taking Back Sunday. Tonight’s show celebrates the release of the foursome’s debut full length, How To Live Without Blood. It also celebrates years of self-booked tours, relentless promotion, and a record deal. Supporting The Tradish tonight are Tresspassers, Alleys, The Slums, and Younger Then (whose name was inspired from an older Traditional song). Tickets are $10, we’ll see you at the Studio at the Waiting Room at 6:00.

The Traditional – How To Live Without Blood

January 12, 2015

“So I’ll sort through the shorts of this ashtray of my past and smoke one for every time I was happy… I’ll smoke one if I’m lucky.” Harsh, maybe… But it’s just one of many curses that fill How To Live Without Blood, the latest release from Buffalo’s own The Traditional. Singer/bassist Anthony Musior is no doubt this band’s songwriter, filling these songs with powerful personal references and thinly veiled attacks about the heaviest of subject matters. Musior, or “Mewsh” as most of the world lovingly knows him, has been working towards this moment for a long time. That’s not to take any of the onus off of guitarists Ryan Bennett and Mike Bienias, or the pristine backup vocals of drummer Jon Coric… Collectively, The Traditional is one of the hardest working bands in Buffalo. But with only an EP and a split to their name, How To Live Without Blood feels[...]

Tonight: Andy Pothier CD Release

January 8, 2015

I thought about writing a little blurb describing Andy Pothier, but I think he said it best himself. Referencing his new album, In Headlights, Pothier states, “Some of the records that mean the most to me have very little to them – the goal was something very minimal and subtle and I like to think that with In Headlights it’s in the same vein.” He’s pretty dead on – I’d recommend Andy Pothier to fans of Bright Eyes, Bon Iver, or even Modern Baseball. He’ll be bolstered tonight by two other solo acts, Sonny Baker and Damian (the latter clinched the top spot on our Best Songs of 2014 list), as well as The Observers and Tapered Creek. This show most definitely has a Mohawk Place vibe – doors are at 8:00pm. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/173079134″ 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: Single Mothers

December 3, 2014

After quitting the band for a few years to do some gold prospecting (no, I’m not kidding), singer Drew Thomson has rejoined Single Mothers to come back with a vengeance. Let’s just say the London, Ontario punks are going to make Buffalo a filthier place tonight. Their songs are full of straightforward dirty guitars and half-grunted, half-Hold Steady vocals. A few words to describe these dudes: brash, dirty, self-loathing, and loud. Tonight’s support comes from some of WNY’s sleaziest sounding bands, including The Slums, Cal Dripken, and Rochester’s DRUSE… Sleazy in a good way of course. The show is at 6:30 at The Studio at the Waiting Room. $10, all ages.

Tonight: Real Friends

November 25, 2014

Emo/pop-punk band Real Friends (not to be confused with Buffalo’s Real People) will be stopping through Buffalo tonight in support of their new album, Maybe This Place Is the Same and We’re Just Changing. Sad songs, mean songs, these Illinois-based guys do it all. RIYL the records Saves the Day, Brand New, or Taking Back Sunday were putting out a decade ago. Neck Deep, Cruel Hand, Have Mercy, and Cedar Kites will be opening the show tonight. You can still get $15 tickets if you hit up someone from Cedar Kites, otherwise the show is $17 at the door. Doors are at 6:00, 16+.