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Tonight: The Naturalists

August 12, 2016

The Naturalists have one of the most distinct sounds out there. In the ten or so months since their 6-song EP release, Home Honey, I’m Hi, the band hasn’t slept on expanding and improving that sound, especially with the addition of a second guitarist (Jimmy Dimartino) and two shiny new singles released earlier today. “Wicked Dreams” and “Grown Up” are undoubtedly branded with The Naturalists’ familiar throwback-grunge  sound. Both tracks are as rambunctious as ever, yet totally refined in tone and melody. Not to mention, the new material is just downright fun to listen to. It’s hard to argue with something so amiable. On “Grown Up” vocalist Craig Perno sings about subject matter most of us can relate to — the innate fears and confusions of growing older (grow up and hold back / no sleep ’til we’re dead / making sense of dreaming dementia / make me a witness,[...]

Tonight: Prinze George

August 5, 2016

No doubt about it, this Maryland trio has a palatial sound. Prinze George‘s music is fetching  and atmospheric, but the dreamlike vocals expand their sound to a level of surreal consciousness — the emotional weight to it is what sucks you in. The band’s latest release, Illiterate Synth Pop, seems very much the opposite of its descriptor. It’s thoughtful, digestible and magnetic in disposition. Catch Prinze George tonight at the Leopard Lounge at Town Ballroom. Find more information here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/62565679″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Eastern Mountain Time

July 18, 2016

Eastern Mountain Time’s minimalistic approach to recording their most recent self-titled full length is unequivocally the album’s most impressive characteristic. While it remains pretty even-keeled in mood and pace throughout, there is an inherent charm in singer Sean Hood’s rough-around-the-edges vocals and the placid instrumentals. It’s a collection of songs that totally has the power to let a listener indulge in their woes while inviting them to be vulnerable enough to be okay with them. Tonight’s show at Hostel Buffalo-Niagara featuring Eastern Mountain Time isn’t one to be missed. Opening the bill are Andy Pothier, Kirby Jayes and Erin Cassels-Brown. Check out the Facebook event for more information.

Tonight: Blitzen Trapper

June 14, 2016

  If you’re looking to get into Blitzen Trapper, it may take you a few solid months to comb through the band’s far-reaching discography. The alt-folk/blues rock quintet from Portland, OR recently released their eighth studio album, All Across This Land, within a span of about 16 years. It’s not as easy as it would seem to pigeon-hole Blitzen Trapper as a folk group, or a blues rock band. The stylistic arsenal they’re able to draw from is as far-reaching as their catalogue, which makes for incredibly textured one at that.There’s something immediately pastoral about their sound, but it’s also incredibly attuned to modern pop-country song conventions. You can catch Blitzen Trapper downtown at Iron Works tonight. Show starts at 8:30pm, tickets are $17 at the door.

1809 Studios Releases New Session ft. Sleepy Hahas

June 8, 2016

The wait for Sleepy Hahas’ forthcoming full length, From the Bottom of a Warm Lake, has been a long one, but at the very least we can get by on the handful of singles that have been dropped in the past year. The band took to 1809 Studios this past fall to lay down a live rendition of “En Passant,” a track that’s anticipated to be on the new album. It’s a psych-rock ballad of sorts, complete with lead vocalist Pat Butler’s expressive croon and mesmerizing instrumentals from all fronts. The just-under-10-minute jam is telling, in that with the impressive spread of gear, the precision of every note uttered and how enveloped each member seems in their own playing, it shows that the group really cares about their delivery. Here’s to eagerly awaiting the full collection of recorded jams! Check the video out below. Photo by Jackson Zimmerman Photography

Jon Lewis Releases Video for “Everyone Wants to Know”

June 2, 2016

Jon Lewis‘ newest single and video for “Everyone Wants to Know” comes in preparation for his forthcoming EP, Out to Lunch, which is set to drop next week. The Rochester native’s brand of indie rock is injected with a bit of quirk, though it’s hard to pinpoint what the “quirk” actually is. Maybe it’s the choral harmonies that cut through like moments of clarity in this particular song, or it could be the super subdued lead vocals that are accompanied by a surprisingly gleaming tone. Whatever the origin may be, the music video seems to encapsulate the personality of this band pretty damn well. Between the unique blend of psychedelic rock and Americana, the hypnotic kaleidoscope visuals and singing severed heads, it’s hard not to let the video magnetize you for its duration. See for yourself below and keep your ears open for Jon Lewis’ EP release in the coming[...]

Susanna Rose Releases Genesee Live Session

May 24, 2016

Rochester native Susanna Rose is unwavering in her consistency — her recent video session with Genesee Live is a clear testament to this. Between the pristine voice and the honest, humble delivery, it’s easy to trust her as a listener from the get-go. I have absolutely no qualms in saying that she already embraces the demeanor and stylings of a seasoned singer-songwriter who knows her own sound incredibly well. This session features tracks off of her release Snowbound, which was our album of the week back in December. Despite being laden with stark, wintry imagery, the overall vibe of these tracks still translates well in a displaced season. Watch and listen for yourself below.

Space Cub Releases New Track “Knots”

May 18, 2016

Space Cubs seems to be sitting atop a fertile vessel of creative visions and prolificacy as of late. After releasing a full length this past fall through Unspeakable Records, the solo effort of Suzanne Bonaficio brings us a new track that is dangerously captivating. This track comes dressed in some essential Space Cubs components: meticulously assembled electronic layers, seemingly misplaced glitched-out samples, beautifully spectral vocal lines. Though the sound is signature and recognizable, it feels as fresh as ever. Bonaficio’s work is often described as dreamy, which is certainly subjective depending on the listener, but to me, “Knots” feels much more grounded. Perhaps it’s the robust and palpable bass line that provides enough rhythmic rooting in the here and now. It’s definitely a track that shares as much unique artistic value as it does an infectious dance beat. Listen to “Knots” below and be sure to check out more from Space[...]

Tonight: Small Houses

May 12, 2016

Small Houses’ sound is about as humble as the moniker would suggest. I found it difficult to not be receptive of the warm, smoky folk song stylings of the Austin-based solo project birthed by Jeremy Quentin. With each tune, he figuratively sits you down in a porch chair across from him to tell swelling tales of heartache and summers past. Even from a few seconds worth of listening, it’s undeniable that Quentin projects a voice well seasoned beyond his years — it’s almost like a beautifully fine sandpaper, gruff yet gentle enough to maintain some finesse among the lyrics. Obvious or not, Bob Dylan comes to mind as an influencer, or perhaps at least someone who had similar musings and expression. Seeing Small Houses perform in one of Buffalo’s most intimate venues is going to be a real treat, especially with the folk leanings of the rest of the lineup.[...]

Know Your Opener: Savoir Adore

May 3, 2016

Savoir Adore is every bit as dreamy sounding as their name suggests. The Brooklyn duo’s last full length release, Our Nature, is a delicate mix of quite a few genres — picture a whimsical take on dream pop with a disco feel, the occasional fuzzy backing guitar line, and laden with almost theatrical vocal parts. Sounds like a lot to digest, but the music itself is as light and listenable as can be. The band’s upcoming release, from which they’ve only released the single “Giants”, seems to promise more of their signature upbeat, uplifting sound. Savoir Adore will play a sold out show with X Ambassadors at Town Ballroom tonight. If you snagged yourself some tickets, be sure to catch their set, and bring your dancin’ shoes.

Nick Kivlen of Sunflower Bean

April 29, 2016

You probably wouldn’t wholly believe me if I told you that Sunflower Bean, based out of Brooklyn, NY, has existed for a measly two-years-and-some-change and that all three members have either just broken into their 20’s or are about to cross that landmark threshold within the next year. Collectively, Julia Cumming, Nick Kivlen, and Jacob Faber have been dubbed “NYC’s Coolest Young Band” by Rolling Stone, among high praise from other widely known publications, but they don’t see their age as anything but a number that will inevitably change whether they want it to or not. Their primary focus is to simply play out as often as they can, and they sure have the show roster to prove that. I was recently able to chat with singer and guitarist Nick Kivlen to pick his brain a little about what this whole experience has been like for him so far. bB: You guys[...]

Tonight: Bleached

April 18, 2016

The L.A. based trio, Bleached, knows how to pen an appetizing punk song. Comprised of sisters Jessie and Jennifer Clavin and bassist Micayla Grace, the band capitalizes on propulsive power chords, chunky bass lines, and uncontrived, fuzzed out vocal melodies that call upon traditional punk music from the 70’s and 80’s. There is a genuine attitude about it that is probably best captured and shared in a live setting between plugged-in band and audience. Even with a clear old school punk influence, there are distinct elements of modern lo-fi thrash rock tossed in, and it’s all tightly packaged in a pop sort of way. No Parents, another L.A. based thrash punk band, are offering support for Bleached on this tour. They’re a bit sludgier and more boisterous than Bleached, but still incredibly melodic and fun to listen to. There’s an aspect of unashamed comicality to their stuff but none of[...]

Tonight: The Front Bottoms

April 6, 2016

For a band with humble beginnings as an acoustic dance-punk duo in New Jersey’s basement show circuit, The Front Bottoms have had an abundantly successful run thus far. In the past year alone, the duo-turned-quartet have experienced gain in the form of signing  to Fueled By Ramen and releasing Back On Top, which has certainly catapulted them much further than the basement scene. The band even has summer tour dates lined up at Coachella, Shaky Knees Music Festival and the inaugural Panorama Festival (playfully dubbed “East Coast Coachella”) in NYC. From what I’ve observed among friends, TFB tend to be a band that either doesn’t entirely click with you, or you’re wholly invested in on a few different levels. If there’s any one defining characteristic of their music, it’s the immense amount of personal sentiment they pour into it, but they do so through the guise of clever hooks, contagious lyricism, tastefully unrefined[...]

Bold Folly – Queen City Tuesday

March 28, 2016

Though Bold Folly is a relatively new venture, the trio hasn’t wasted any time when it comes to gigging regularly or cranking out their debut EP, Queen City Tuesday. The neatly packaged four song release offers a lot to hang onto upon first listen — fingerstyle-heavy guitar riffs, fuzzy bass lines, compelling chord changes. There’s a real texture to their sound that’s digestible and creates a unique brand of psych rock all their own. The second track and most stand-out is“Hangin’ Out,” a six minute tune that’s maybe a bit theatrical in its composition and buildup. The slinky, twang-driven instrumental intro conjures up a sound reminiscent of 60’s bigwigs like Jefferson Airplane and The Doors. Lead vocalist Timothy Zdrojewski’s voice is equally fitting and effective in its toned down state (which oddly reminds me of Krill’s lead singer, Jonah Furman, though it may just be the vocal effect that’s used) as[...]

Tonight: buffaBLOG’s 6th Birthday Party

March 26, 2016

There’s something great to be said about the camaraderie that has formed between buffaBLOG, Buffalo musicians and honest music lovers over the past six years. We’re celebrating the all-around enthusiasm for the local music scene as well as the DIY essence of that camaraderie tonight at Nietzsche’s, and the lineup couldn’t be doper. Helping to kick off the night are Telempathy and The Get Money Squad, both of which maintain a surfy tone, though Telempathy has a more 60’s rock-infused lo-fi sound while TGMS has a breezier groove to them. Also slated to play are Cooler, one of our favorite fuzz rock bands who seem to be gaining enormous momentum lately, Moody Cosmos, psychedelic garage rock act who are gearing up to deliver new material this summer, and The Leones, whose dreamy, ethereal tunes are every bit atmospheric as they are ruminative. The only sad bit of news to report on is the cancellation of Bethlehem Steel’s set for the night.[...]