Latest Posts

Sleep Debt Ceiling – “Misery is My Calling Card”

February 14, 2025

Buffalo’s emotionally-witty act Sleep Debt Ceiling has returned with their latest single “Misery is My Calling Card.” Similar to the angsty punk sound of SDC’s Demo EP, this track tunes into the raw emotions that come with self-sabotaging. In contrast to their previous release, “Misery is My Calling Card” features fuller production that provides a more studio-quality feel. The new dynamics increase anticipation for the April release of their second EP, Dead Air Trap.   Project head James Stephenson shines a spotlight on the deep-cutting lyrics while staying true to the genre with guttural vocals. This stunning combination is comparable to the works of iconic folk punk artists like The Mountain Goats and AJJ. Following the pattern of SDC’s sarcastic banter, this track deals with anxiety-induced overthinking that ultimately leads to avoiding humanity.   “I don’t deserve your kindness Secretly I hope That you will never realize I am a misanthrope[...]

Ian McCuen- As the Oceans Rise and the Empire Falls

January 24, 2025

Buffalo singer-songwriter Ian McCuen combines bedroom folk with jazzy synth pop in their latest album, As the Oceans Rise and the Empire Falls. Highlighting their personal struggle with understanding the socio-political state of the world, each of the 22 tracks speaks to a different emotion. From capitalistic nature to grief and search for individuality, this record has something for everyone.   Track one, “The Overture,” sets the overall tone with a haunting instrumental. It is unsettling and anxiety-inducing in a way that horror films have perfected and wonderfully portrays the turmoil expressed in later tracks. In addition to “The Overture,” nine other tracks act as ‘tone-shifters.’’ These instrumentals divide the album based on feeling and topic – going from unsettling depth (see “Indoctrinated, Propagandized”) to contemplative closure (see “Outerlude” and “Encore”) – with a unique utilization of piano, acoustics, Omnichord, and many others.   The first lyrics are seen in[...]

Bat Ring – A Spectre Prepares

November 11, 2024

Brianna Battista, frequent Little Cake collaborator and former Skirts co-lead, has released her debut album under new solo-project Bat Ring. With production by Bran Schlia (Steak & Cake Records), A Spectre Prepares introduces a beautifully creative sound into the world of experimental post-rock. In addition to the haunting vocals by Battista, this album utilizes synths and distortion in a truly unique way.    The five tracks are inspired by a series of painful experiences Battista summated in a personal essay regarding the album. After a poor-fit college program, her creativity was stunted by an inability to express herself the way that she wanted. As Battista continued to experience a power imbalance between herself and her classmates, she began to question her reasons for creating. She writes, “My goal was directly tied to everything these men in my acting program thought of me, and said about me, and said TO me,[...]

Heavn – “say you hate me”

November 1, 2024

Rochester’s up-and-coming indie artist Heavn has proven he is a force to be reckoned with new single, “say you hate me.” His understated blend of alt rock, indie, and bedroom-pop influences features a warm and warbly sound that’s bound to get the vibes just right. While sharing similar energy to artists like Dominic Fike and Steve Lacy, Heavn’s versatility and musical prowess stand out on their own, framing him as an artist with a unique identity and songwriting voice. With a combination of hard-hitting lyrics and a groovy, blown-out instrumental that feels effortlessly slackerish, “say you hate me” is a must-listen.   The track beautifully represents one’s journey to closure after leaving a toxic relationship. It captures the transition away from spiraling emotions and towards recognition of one’s worth. “say you hate me” is an anthem of self-defiance, bearing an empowering message that steers away from mainstream pop while still[...]

Sleep Debt Ceiling – Demo EP

October 28, 2024

Buffalo-based project Sleep Debt Ceiling has released their debut, Demo EP. The four song folk punk album, written and performed by James Stephenson, dives into the harsh realities of mental illness, drugs, and imposter syndrome. The status of band membership is unconfirmed as SDC claimed via Instagram, “This is maybe a solo project. It might be a band. No one is entirely sure of this.” The demo was written in April and recorded in May of 2024, as a result of Stephenson’s self-isolation. Through a perfect mix of raw acoustics, thought-provoking lyrics, and grungy vocals (see the spiraling chorus of “Self-Obsessed and Miserable” or sporadic bridge of “Guarantee”), Sleep Debt Ceiling is “guaranteed to make strangers ask if you’ve talked to anyone lately.”    Inspired by Stephenson’s upbringing, “Narcan Supernova” opens up the demo on a rough but poignant note. The track depicts the hardships of watching someone struggle with[...]

Croix – Self Soothe

October 11, 2024

Rochester’s Croix has proven riot grrrl to be alive and well with their debut album, Self Soothe. The punk band delves into the reality of heartbreak, self-discovery, and one’s worth through a rawness reminiscent of 70’s sensations like The Runaways or Heart. Each of the eleven tracks offer a unique sound that fuels listeners with an energy that can only be described as a “lighter-waving-type-of-head-banging.” The grittiness of “Howl” opens the LP with an ode to trans struggles written by lead guitarist and backup vocalist Jennifer Wameling, with the help of lead singer Carmen Lewis: “I won’t stop Until my breath Leaves my body My existence is resistance” In true punk nature, the song was written as a response to a transphobic speech given at conservative political convention in 2023. Now, Wameling hopes it can be a reminder of worth to other members in the trans community. Throughout Self Soothe,[...]