Latest Posts

Tonight: Bad Bad Hats

February 24, 2019

Catch indie rock group Bad Bad Hats tonight at the 9th Ward at Babeville.   From Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bad Bad Hats formed in 2012 when Kerry Alexander, Chris Hoge, and Noah Boswell attended Macalester College.  Shortly after, the trio signed to Afternoon Records through which they’ve released some singles and 2 LPs: Psychic Reader (2015), and Lightning Round (2018). Lightning Round is significant to Bad Bad Hats in numerous ways.  Notably, this recent release was recorded live in studio, differing from Psychic Reader.  Producer and collaborator Brett Bullion encouraged this.  As a result, Lightning Round demonstrates a musicality that now compares more so to Kerry Alexander’s lyricism.  Second, Connor Davison was invited to play drums on the LP, then invited to become a permanent member.  Unfortunately, the announcement of a new member is bittersweet.  Lightning Round is the last album to which bassist Noah Boswell will contribute.  He’s decided to further his education and pursue a master’s degree.[...]

Tonight: Tough Old Bird

February 15, 2019

Single?  Taken?  Looking for a good time post Valentine’s Day?  Tough Old Bird is bringing it tonight at Nietzsche’s! Siblings Matthew and Nathan Corrigan formed Tough Old Bird back in 2013 in their hometown Fillmore, NY.  Since then, they’ve released 4 modern folk albums, the most recent being Where the Great Beasts are Buried in 2017. Tough Old Bird demonstrates how folk music is evolving.  While the influences of classic musicians like Bob Dylan are clear, the genre is maturing.  The tone of the songs is taken from generations; the thoughtful stories carry the same weight as their predecessors.  But the instrumentals are clearer, the twang of the strings is noticeably decreased.  As a result, modern folk bands like Tough Old Bird create a more inviting genre than what it was previously.  In other words, folk music seemed a more niche genre for a select audience. Joining tonight’s lineup is another[...]

Old Fame – s/t

January 21, 2019

Based out Rochester, Old Fame is a new band formed by veteran local musicians Ben Armes (guitar/vocals), Evan Clark (guitar), Jay Asarese (bass), and Doug Kelley (drums).  This four-piece band is bound to catch the attention of many following the release of their self-titled EP on January 7th. Upon initial listen, Old Fame draws comparison to Coheed and Cambria, mainly in vocals and narrative.  Comparatively, “Blue Savage” sounds closest to a Coheed track.  The instrumentals and vocal melodies in this track are similar to those in Coheed’s early works.  However, the two groups are distinctly different.  Building on such an influence, Old Fame crafts their own sound within the genre with this debut EP. Old Fame delivers intensity through methodical guitar riffs in a tone that captures one’s attention.  While brighter on most tracks, the tone has an underlying sense of eeriness between beautifully crafted solos.  It adds a subtle element of drama, driving[...]