Latest Posts

Eyes Everywhere Release New EP Talk/Cold Bug Out

July 12, 2017 Steven Knapp

Last month, Buffalo DJ/production duo Eyes Everywhere’s released their highly anticipated new EP Talk/Cold Bug Out via Atlanta house label Psycho Disco. The EP presents a pair of tech house heaters with dense bass, dynamic percussion, and evocative vocal samples. “Talk” features dexterous drum patterns, atmospheric, sonorous synth work and the type of incendiary breakdowns the pair has become known for. B-side “Cold Bug Out” includes wonky synths, energetic vocal samples, melodic builds leading into a propulsive groove. “Talk/Cold Bug Out” is out now on Beatport, iTunes, and Spotify. Listen below.

brat’ya – Nightwalker

April 10, 2017 Steven Knapp

Buffalo synth-pop producer brat’ya (aka Alek Ogadzhanov) debut full-length Nightwalker is driven by layered, melodic instrumentation and inventive sound design to make for a lush, hook-laden release. The release is brat’ya’s first collaboration with internet savvy / futuristic chillwave label Business Casual. Opening track “Glow” kicks things off with an introspective pop jam with bright synth leads and engaging vocals. Using Daft Punk-esque vocoded vocals on “Goodbye,” brat’ya creates a nostalgic feel with its’ benevolent duet and pensive tone. Whether going for a more downtempo, melancholic sound on tracks like the ballad “Relief” and “Pretend” or more buoyant tracks like the sprightly title track “Nightwalker” and “Radio,” brat’ya’s ability to craft memorable hooks from a wide range of textures makes Nightwalker an immersive listen that reveals a focused collection of compelling pop. While the direct, synth-led leanings are reminiscent of artists like Passion Pit and M83, the dense bass and vibrant drums bring to mind Toro y[...]

Tonight: Moon Bounce

April 4, 2017 Steven Knapp

The music of Philadelphia-based producer Corey Regensburg aka Moon Bounce is a forward-thinking take on pop, combining funky synths with bombastic percussion and weighty, soulful vocals. Self-described as “mutant pop”, the infectious sound features samples as well as varied instrumentation including violin and saxophone. With heavy, elastic sounding bass reminiscent of Kaytranada and vivid melodies, the artist’s latest album, Clean House, is a consistently fresh-sounding release that references club music while maintaining an eccentric, unpredictable pop form. Tonight, Moon Bounce will perform at Dreamland with support from New Jersey artist Ehiorobo, whose experimental pop productions are as soulful as they are inventive with smooth vocals interspersed with spoken word portions. The pair recently collaborated on the single “Lungs” in anticipation of their joint U.S. tour. Kicking things off are Buffalo producer Yung Painkiller and producer/vocalist Medusa. Music starts at 8pm. $5 donation.

New Masons Release New Single “Black Feather”

March 27, 2017 Steven Knapp

Fredonia electro-pop band New Masons continue to build upon their expansive sound on their latest single, “Black Feather” Having previously hinted at a synth pop inspired sound on “Night Calls” and their debut EP Sorry, Jill, the band takes things in an atmospheric rock direction with “Black Feather”. Incorporating soulful guitar tones, evocative synth sounds and vigorous percussion, New Masons are able to create tension with both their vocals and instrumentation that leads to a compelling hook and melody. The track serves as the first episode in the WAVE series, a story written by the band which their upcoming material will reference. Listen to “Black Feather” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/309998833″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Eli2ah Releases Debut Single “Bamaphones”

February 17, 2017 Steven Knapp

Buffalo MC Eli2ah delivers an impassioned verse over a sinister instrumental on the first track released from his debut EP, Galore. “Bamaphones,” produced by Derek Sullivan, also features verses from Leemsworld and OJ who use their agile flows to hover atop menacing 808’s and hi hat rolls. Asking “make who great again?” and wishing for a third Obama term, the track, while not overtly political, feels like a powerful reaction to the current establishment’s attitudes towards the young and disenfranchised. Eli2ah’s Galore EP is expected to drop this spring. Listen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305848991″ 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: Moon Hooch

February 8, 2017 Steven Knapp

Brooklyn jazz fusion trio Moon Hooch met while attending college in Manhattan and shortly after began busking in New York subway stations. This humble beginning led the band to the realization that “the more focus and the more energy you put into the music, and the more you listen to everything around you and integrate everything around you into your expression, the more the music becomes this captivating force for people.” With this conscious approach to live performance, the band has found themselves opening for artists like Beats Antique, Lotus, and They Might Be Giants. Last year saw the release of their third album, Red Sky which the band calls their most focused effort to date as a result of the members personal evolution which they credit to their ongoing yoga and meditation practices. Tonight Moon Hooch will perform at Buffalo Iron Works at 9pm. Tickets are $12.

Tonight: RiFF RAFF

January 22, 2017 Steven Knapp

Houston rapper RiFF RAFF quickly established himself as one of the genre’s most outlandish personalities upon debuting with his Birth Of An Icon mixtape on Mad Decent label back in 2011. The notoriously collaborative artist has worked with an eclectic mix of names including Danny Brown, Diplo, Gucci Mane, Action Bronson, Childish Gambino, and Amber Coffman of Dirty Projectors. With two studio albums to date, 2014’s Neon Icon and last year’s Peach Panther, the emcee is set to release his latest effort Aquaberry Aquarius on January 29th. Tonight RiFF RAFF will perform at The Waiting Room with support from Pittsburgh rapper Owey, DollaBillGates, Peter Jackson, DJ Afterthought, Pirate Gang, and Jess Classic. Doors open at 6pm and tickets are $20.

Mario Bee and Mic Excel Team Up for EP

December 5, 2016 Steven Knapp

Buffalo ex-pat and current NYC-based DJ/producer Mario Bee recently collaborated with local MC/artist Mic Excel for a mini EP titled God Save The Queen. The project features snippets of Vincent Gallo’s film Buffalo 66 which mark the beginning and end of each new instrumental. The pair trade verses over a gloomy instrumental with busy percussion to kick off the release, while the second track goes into more traditional hip hop territory before ending on a 808 and bass-heavy, more experimental note as the emcees lay down dexterous flows over the producer’s shadowy melodies. Listen to God Save The Queen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/294375846″ 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: Danny Brown

November 3, 2016 Steven Knapp

Raucous Detroit rapper Danny Brown has consistently pushed genre boundaries with the release of his last three albums, balancing experimental, club-ready tracks with more introspective lyrical cuts. His latest record, Atrocity Exhibition, was released via influential electronic label Warp Records and features the artist’s typically boisterous drums paired with cold, industrial instrumentals. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt, Kelela, and Petite Noir make appearances making for yet another imaginative work from the rapper who has carved out one of hip-hop’s most distinct sounds. Catch the rapper perform tonight at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom along with fellow Brusier Brigade artist Zeelooperz and Maxo Kream. Tickets are $27. Doors open at 7pm.

Medusa Shares Experimental Hip Hop Album

October 28, 2016 Steven Knapp

Lula, the fifth release of the year from Buffalo experimental hip hop artist Medusa presents an industrial, forward-thinking take on the genre. With vivid narratives on tracks like “Manic Depression” and “Suitcase,” the album balances unfeigned lyricism with sinister production. “Drowning In The Kiddie Pool” includes an ominous bass line, menacing percussion and Spanish lyrics while “Digitell” is an abrasive electronic track complete with jittery synths and mantra-like vocals. Never pursuing the same idea twice, Aula is an engaging work from an artist able to convey a distinctive sound throughout. Listen/download below.

Tonight: Anklepants

October 7, 2016 Steven Knapp

The music of enigmatic Australian producer Anklepants is a glitchy, unpredictable blend of electro and techno created by the artist coordinating his movements to trigger his sounds via wearable sensors. His live performances have gained notoriety for their element of controlled chaos which surrounds both the visual and sonic nature of these events. The frenetic music comes together as a result of an unparalleled display of technical and artistic prowess that shakes up the prevailing notion of live dance music performance. Tonight Anklepants will bring his wonky electronic set to Mohawk Place for one of the most unique shows of the year that includes a pair of Buffalo’s best experimental electronic talents in Lesionread and UVB76. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are available for $10 presale, $12 at the door.

Father Glamor Drops New Album Bird Child

October 5, 2016 Steven Knapp

Bird Child, the debut album of Buffalo producer Father Glamor offers a wide array of emotive, synth-driven instrumentals that range from ambient to more pop leaning arrangements. The hook heavy “PFTRLN” leads the release off as a buoyant melody sits atop frenetic percussion. Beginning with a groove laden synth melody, “I Keep Hallucinating Bugs” builds to a mid tempo jam with an infectious, evolving rhythm. The latter portion of the album explores interesting synth textures as the producer delivers a notably cinematic synth atmosphere on tracks like “Expanse,” “Pit,” and “Forest Survey.” Whether by focusing on interesting textures or strong rhythmic elements, the tracks on Bird Child make for a thoughtful listen by way of the producer’s ability to create strong melodies consistently throughout the album. Listen to Bird Child below.

Tonight: Diamond Nights

September 2, 2016 Steven Knapp

Tonight Milkie’s on Elmwood hosts the first event of a new monthly series called Diamond Nights, named in honor of the late Buffalo performer Lance Diamond, who spent much of his musical career playing the venue then known as Elmwood Lounge. The party will feature DJs, hip hop and electronic artists both local and national. This edition includes NYC-based DJ Mario Bee, a former mainstay in the Buffalo dance music scene, along with Buffalo selectors Crop Top, Chauncey Tails, and Much Many. Music starts at 9pm. $5 cover.

HVNNIBVL Drops New Single

August 31, 2016 Steven Knapp

Twenty-year-old singer/producer and University at Buffalo student HVNNIBVL makes infectious dance music with pop-leaning vocals. Having released his maximalist track, “Lose,” for the heralded production collective Hegemon, the artist is set to debut his newest track, “Let Me.” Beginning with a straightforward pop style, HVNNIBVL includes vocal solos, euphoric, percussive breakdowns before winding down with a melodic outro that gives the listener an idea of the inclusive, genre-spanning production the artist favors. Listen to the track below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/280785457″ 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: Guerilla Toss

August 19, 2016 Steven Knapp

Brooklyn-based band Guerrilla Toss has garnered a reputation for their ecstatic, genre-defying live performances. Their visceral, psychedelic take on funk, post-punk, and no wave is a barrage of frenetic instrumentation that centers around eccentric percussion and bass grooves. After moving to New York from Boston and signing with DFA records the now five-piece band released their latest album Eraser Stargazer which incorporates elements of disco and other dance music while preserving their idiosyncratic yet concise sound. Tonight, the band will perform at Buffalo art venue Sugar City at 7pm. Local experimental electronic musician Lesionread will open the show accompanied by his live band. Also opening are Buffalo progressive rock band Luanjie. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door.