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Tonight: Brief Candles

October 10, 2014

Hold your PBRs to the sky—Milwaukee shoegaze indie-rockers Brief Candles will be taking over Buffalo’s Mohawk Place later this evening for a night of droning and blissful dreamrock. Their music—thick, sludgy, and actually very pretty—does not easily draw comparisons, so you’ll have to head on over to the ‘hawk and check them out for yourself. The 90’s-tinged indie jams of Buffalo-based Supergoner will be flavoring the bill in the opening slot, making the legendary Mohawk Place exactly where you want to be tonight. Doors at 8pm, $5 cover.

A Hotel Nourishing – Empty Gesture EP

October 6, 2014

For those of you who still cannot comprehend how A Hotel Nourishing is just two people—guitarist Sonny Baker and drummer Cameron Rogers—you’re not alone. I, too, have struggled with this concept since the band’s conception over seven years ago. Anyone who has seen the duo play a live show knows what I am talking about; it sounds like there are four or five of them onstage. Yet with a single guitar, a pedal or two, and a drum kit, the pair pulls off a sound so rich and intricately arranged that your double take will do a double take. That roughly equates to a quadruple take, mathematically speaking. This past Friday saw the release of A Hotel Nourishing’s long-awaited Empty Gesture EP, a six-song scorcher that, like their 2007 debut Deux Ex Machina, features that familiar original blend of “almost” math rock and post-punk artistry that made them so buzzworthy[...]

Tweedy w/Hospitality @ Town Ballroom (10/1/14)

October 3, 2014

Jeff Tweedy was met with an uproar of approval after telling the packed Town Ballroom “You guys are the best audience we’ve had, hands down.” No doubt his claim was validated—the Wilco frontman played over a two hour set for the adoring crowd. His new solo outfit, Tweedy, featuring his 18-year-old son on drums, played the intimate Buffalo venue Wednesday night in support of the band’s 20-track beauty debut Sukierae, and stole the night with that powerful, entrancing magic that Jeff Tweedy is known for. Brooklyn avant-pop three-piece Hospitality started the show, launching right into a fresh adaptation of “Inauguration,” a whimsical slow-burner off the band’s latest full-length, Trouble. This particular version presented a much more organic take on the song, highlighted by a slick little solo played by singer/guitarist Amber Papini towards the latter half. Other highlights of their set included the smooth and cool “Going Out,” rhythmic new[...]

Hospitality

September 24, 2014

On October 1st, Buffalo will welcome Jeff Tweedy (and his son Spencer) to the stage of the Town Ballroom for a performance in support of the frontman’s (of Wilco fame, for the few of you who didn’t know) solo album, Sukierae. Opening support on their fall tour comes from Hospitality, a buzzy avant-pop three-piece from Brooklyn, and buffaBLOG was lucky enough to catch up with the band’s bassist, Brian Betancourt, for a little Q&A a few days before the show. Touching on subjects including Hospitality’s 2014 full-length Trouble and ambidexterity, Brian and the blog hit it off well. A warning: both Brian and the blog have the same initials (BB / bB), so read carefully! buffaBLOG: Your latest album Trouble is decidedly spacious and even dark at times, which is a bit of a stylistic departure from your self-titled. I read that the new sound was intentional, what kind of efforts went into[...]

Hannah Weidner – Comfortable Existence

September 22, 2014

Rochester is having a good September as far as buffaBLOG is concerned. Earlier this month we saw the release of Cottage Jefferson’s fantastic new album B-Side, which deservingly snagged the blog’s first Album of the Week spot of September. This week we have another Rochester artist grabbing the spot—meet singer/songwriter Hannah Weidner. The DIY songbird’s debut album, Comfortable Existence, is a harmony-rich acoustic beaut, drawing comparisons to earlier tracks of sister-songwriter duo First Aid Kit. Now, as aforementioned, Comfortable Existence is an acoustic album at its core, consisting primarily of folksy acoustic tracks with beautifully-crafted vocal harmonies. (Take the ‘love-is-in-the-air’ album-opener “Your Essence” for example.)  A more focused listen reveals a certain intricacy to the songs that adds serious depth to the album, making Hannah Weidner and her songcraft stand out among other folk contemporaries. The subtle inclusion of horns and air organ in a few of the songs adds[...]

Overhand Sam Releases Debut EP

September 18, 2014

We’re a little late to the game on this one. Rochester multi-instrumentalist (and Maybird member) “Overhand” Sam Snyder released Debut EP back in July, a deliciously fresh take on contemporary blues rock that gives off a faint Besnyo vibe. The four-track banger contains a few previously released songs, including single “For Better / For Worse” and an excellent full-band version of the formerly acoustic “Feel So Bad.” Stand-out track, “Just Don’t Know,” pairs a light, ghostly piano riff with a soaring guitar lead comparable to the sounds of Fuse.tv-era band Snow Patrol. However, OHS’ studio effort comes off as more than your typical blues-tinged alt rock, blending lush, piano-peppered instrumentation (highlighted by Snyder’s quality guitar leads) with a wispy vocal style and elements of blues, folk, and even R&B. It’s refreshing how much ground the four tracks are able to cover. Check out the NYC-mobster vibes of “For Better /[...]

Joseph Michael Wesolowski – The Spine and Telephone Wire

September 15, 2014

Diving into Joseph Michael Wesolowski’s The Spine and Telephone Wire was a curious affair for me. Running just under 16 minutes, the 4 track EP should seem short, but after one listen-through, the melancholic folk songs provoke an aching familiarity that makes it feel like I’ve been listening for years. Spine is more than just a 4 track display of musical competence—it’s a beautiful moodscape that is as inviting as it is dismal. “’Cause I lie inside a chalkboard, teacher scratching nails on my walls / and I’m staring at the floorboards, running bravely through these halls” starts Wesolowski on EP opener “Grange.” His lyrics are clever and contemplative throughout the record and are often times given the spotlight, as most of the instrumentation throughout Spine (usually an acoustic guitar coupled with waves of ambient noise in the background) sits slightly behind his soft howl in the mix. His singing[...]

Tonight: Potty Mouth

September 13, 2014

This may be a bit last minute, but hey, it’s a punk show. Sugar City is hosting an eclectic mix of punk acts from all over the East Coast tonight, starting at 6pm. Potty Mouth, an all-female punk quartet from Northhampton, MA will be headlining tonight’s gig with touring support coming from DIY queercore charmers Aye Nako, of Brooklyn. Throw weirdo-punks Secret Tombs (Pittsburgh) into the mix, and it’s a party. Buffalo’s Softlines and Newish Star will be bringing the local support, making tonight’s Sugar City punk-stravaganza a total no-brainer. Bring a good attitude. Sugar City, 6pm, $7, Alcohol free. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/78871318″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Difficult Night Drops New Track

September 11, 2014

Slacky folk-rockers Difficult Night have just updated their Soundcloud page with a spankin’ new number. The new track, titled “Turn My Back,” doesn’t stray far from the band’s signature sound, sitting somewhere between the practiced bagginess of a Pavement jam and the lo-fi indie jangle of All-Time Quarterback. Singer/guitarist Shane Meyer lays his customary spoken-word singing style over a foundation of rhythmic piano octaves and a twinkly guitar riff, resulting in a sound that is decidedly Difficult Night with a fun new flavor. Oh, and towards the end of the song there is a bomb guitar solo that could pierce a concrete slab. But don’t just take my word for it, press the play button below and give the fresh track a listen for yourself. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/166436608″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

JOHNS Drop Exclusive New Track

September 8, 2014

Buffalo trash rockers, JOHNS, have just dropped a new single on their Bandcamp page. The song, titled “Palace of Ill Control,” offers the first taste of the band’s forthcoming LP Grift Marks. The new album has an anticipated winter release via Peterwalkee Records, the label responsible for Mallwalkers’ Shake the Rust Off. (It has also been rumored that PW is to have a hand in cross stitch’s new 7 inch—fingers crossed.) JOHNS’ new single hits pretty hard and sounds like something you might hear if you decided to bust out an old Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater game—a driving punk rock number fit to grind the tops of buildings to. The cryptically charged lyrics are sung with an urgency that brings stampedes and landslides to mind. Better be along for the ride. Check it out below.

Cottage Jefferson – B-Side

September 1, 2014

So, all good things must come to an end. Damn you, Chaucer—right again. Cottage Jefferson, Rochester’s favorite fuzz band, played what they announced to have been their final show back in May. Thankfully, that hasn’t stopped the quartet from tying up loose ends and putting out one last hurrah of an album. Titled B-Side, the exceptionally nostalgic 10-track album is a warm embrace, a phantom limb, a fist in the air. The songs have a good range of feeling and style without sounding scattered, sitting contentedly between the twinkly mood-jams of Built to Spill and the lethargic thickness of Dinosaur Jr. The record opens with “One Verse, No Chorus,” a gleeful three-chord jam with noodle guitar breakdowns, crunchy chords, and (despite what the title describes) what I consider to be a very catchy chorus. The song has a very casual feel to it and no shortage of hooks. For most,[...]

Applennium Releases “Old Maples”

August 29, 2014

So we may have let one slip under our radar. Earlier this year, local mood rockers Applennium stealthily dropped a new track on their Soundcloud page—a grooving song sounding like something off of Bombay Bicycle Club’s latest. The danceable track, titled “Old Maples,” is a bit of a stylistic departure for the band, leaving behind the dreamy folk twang of earlier material to capitalize on a peppy house-beat with a fat, juicy bassline. A rhythmically-played palm-muted riff and distant jangle-chords add a pleasing airy element to the track while the band’s chillingly good male/female harmonies round out the haunting number. Never a dull moment from this band—earlier this year they played a mind-blowingly good set for the Harvest Sum showcase of Herdfest, and wound up contributing a song to the label’s 2014 summer compilation, available here. Better six months late than never, enjoy Applennium’s “Old Maples” below. (You know, if[...]

Tonight: You Me & Apollo

August 28, 2014

After Dark Entertainment is serving up a solid variety of musical talent at The Waiting Room tonight. Fresh off the May release of their debut full-length Sweet Honey, Colorado-based headliners You Me & Apollo (think Alabama Shakes) will bring their soulful brand of blues rock to the Buffalo venue, joined by newish lo-fi locals Parade Chic and folksy fusioneers Hokan & Friends of the Sun, also from Buffalo. With such a diverse (and notably ampersand-heavy) lineup, there should be a little something for everyone tonight.  Look alive! Doors are at 7pm with a $12 cover $10 presale (*cough* ask one of the local bands *cough*)

Tonight: Brimstone Blondes AGE OF CONSENT Release Party

August 21, 2014

Buffalo Iron Works is where you want to be tonight. Lively garage-rockers Brimstone Blondes will be releasing their debut album, AGE OF CONSENT, tomorrow via Admirable Traits Records, and tonight they will be ripping a righteous release party in celebration of the new record. The Buffalo 4-piece has already dropped the first (chronologically, not sequentially) of the album’s seven tracks, “Social Smokers”—a spastic punch-in-the-gut of a song inspired by “the Coalition of a Smoke-Free City” according to their Facebook page. Tonight’s release show should be pretty wild if the riotous vitality of “Social Smokers” is of any foreshadowing. But wait, there’s more! Joining the Blondes tonight will be local indie monarchs Wooden Waves and Rochester garage punks Harmonica Lewinski, both bands also having teased fresh new material this year. Poised with one of the summer’s best lineups, tonight’s showcase will not disappoint. 18+, doors at 7pm, $10. As an added[...]

Edgefest at the Outer Harbor (8/10/14)

August 11, 2014

Whoever is setting up the dates for the Outer Harbor concerts deserves a round of applause, or at the very least a well-excecuted high five. We really couldn’t have asked for a better day/night combo for Sunday’s Edgefest 2014, presented by 103.3 The Edge.  Well, it probably could have been a bit cooler during the day, but temperatures dropped as the night’s “supermoon” replaced the unforgiving sun, serving as a perfect backdrop to Sunday’s festivities. (Anyone remember last month’s City and Colour show? Think “Supermoon Strikes Back.”) The lineup could easily be considered one of the year’s best, featuring headliners Weezer and Brand New with support from The Sheila Divine, Pentimento, and Dirty Smile. Edgefest was undeniably the best deal of the summer, especially for those of you lucky enough to snag the $25 early bird tickets before they sold out. I’m just going to go ahead and say it—Weezer’s[...]