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Tonight: Lichens

September 5, 2015

Artist Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe has a body of work that ranges from acting, film composition, playing in experimental psychedelic rock band Om, as well as a solo modular synth project under the name Lichens. These vocal/electronic explorations bring to mind musicians like Julianna Barwick and Holly Herndon, with intricately layered and droning sounds. Back in 2005, Lowe released his first full length, The Psychic Nature of Being on Kranky Records, and has since put out six LPs under the Linchens project. Tonight, the Brooklyn based musician will perform at Buffalo’s Silo City to help celebrate the life and works of Hollis Frampton, the pioneering avant-garde multimedia artist who finished his career teaching at University at Buffalo. Also performing tonight will be local experimental pop/electronic artist Lesionread, putting on a collaborative noise set with Space Cubs. Music starts at 8pm and the event is free to the public

Matthew McCheskey Shares Rapture EP

August 26, 2015

Former Early Attic vocalist Matthew McCheskey debuted his new solo EP Rapture earlier this month. The five track release features an energetic synth pop style with melodic vocal hooks and visceral drums as well as bittersweet instrumentation. The singer’s slightly melancholic vocals on “Time to Go” create a pensive atmosphere, which along with emotive synths and expansive sound design make for one of the more memorable cuts from the record. More experimental moments can be found on “Circle in the Square” and “Principle” where cerebral sounds are balanced with tranquil vocals and lush breakdowns. Listen/download Rapture on McCheskey’s Bandcamp page.

Joe Mason Releases The Feels EP

August 13, 2015

Multi instrumentalist and songwriter Joe Mason released one of the more infectious local debuts last year when his infectious, melodic self-titled LP, which earned Album of The Week honors here at buffaBLOG. With vocals similar to Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew, hazy synths, and soulful rhythms, the artist’s dense arrangements feel vibrant and evocative, bringing a sense of wonder to the listener. The straightforward, patient songwriting style present throughout Mason’s releases is present on his latest EP, titled The Feels, a five track effort with a psych-pop flavor and melodic instrumentation. Opening track “Stay The Same” begin with a sonorous synth and offers a spacious sound defined by reverb-heavy, soulful vocals and beaming keys. “Pretty Sun” sonically reflects its’ namesake with reflective melodies and dusty percussion, which along with “When I’m Away,” presents a dream-pop oriented sound previously unheard from the artist. In contrast, the immediacy of the title track takes[...]

Tonight: araabMUZIK

August 7, 2015

The MPC, or music production controller, has become an iconic piece of hardware within hip hop culture since it was first introduced by Japanese company Akai in 1988. By facilitating rapid sampling and drum looping, the instrument lends itself to dynamic live performance as well as studio use. Providence, Rhode Island born producer Abraham Orellana aka araabMUZIK quickly made a name for himself as a virtuoso of the machine, as videos surfaced online showing the artist’s rapid-fire finger drumming and sampling that features elements of electro, dubstep, and trance along with club-ready hip-hop. With the release of his 2011 debut LP, Electronic Dream, the producer offered an infectious hybrid electronica/hip-hop style that earned a spot on Pitchfork’s “Top 50 Albums of 2011” and was praised for its’ energetic take on various classic dance genre’s. The follow up to that record, Dream World, is due out later this year and includes the single[...]

Cemeteries Release New LP Barrow

August 4, 2015

Former Buffalo resident Kyle J. Reigle has been making spacious, atmospheric music as Cemeteries since 2010 when he released a pair of virtual 7″ singles, Brighter Colors/Living Alone along with a subdued cover of Neon Indian’s “Should Have Taken Acid With You”. The now Portland, Oregon-based project has gone on to include Jonathan Loviero and Kate Davis during live performances since the release of their 2012 debut LP, The Wilderness. Praised for its’ ability to sonically reflect a warm summer night, the sometimes sombre record balanced melancholic tones with optimistic melodies similar to artists like Wild Nothing, Youth Lagoon, Mister Lies, and Foxes in Fiction. From the reverb-laden vocals to the eerie soundscapes reminiscent of vintage horror films, the artist’s progression has allowed these core elements to come across more compelling than ever, with his latest LP, Barrow, representing the most imaginative, intriguing collection in the project’s short discography.  The record’s fictional setting[...]

Widowspeak

July 28, 2015

Brooklyn duo Widowspeak have been creating a unique style of shoegaze folk since forming in 2010. Comprised of singer Molly Hamilton and guitarist Robert Earl Thomas, their easygoing melodies and crawling rhythms make for an ambitious, elegant take on genres like country and dream pop. Their 2011 self-titled debut album was released on Captured Tracks to favorable reviews, earning praise for its alluring vocals which drew comparisons to Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval. Lead single “Harsh Realm” was featured in an episode of television series American Horror Story .  All Yours, the pair’s upcoming LP, marks a move to a more groove-oriented sound in addition to swells of strings and the vocal debut of guitarist Robert Earl Thomas. With their serene, reflective songwriting style continuing to incorporate more influences, the band has still retained the melancholic tone that’s been at the forefront of their discography. Tonight, Widowspeak will open for Los Angeles indie folk[...]

Tonight: My Morning Jacket

July 22, 2015

Known for their triumphant live performances, Louisville, Kentucky’s My Morning Jacket have been honing their style of psychedelic, soulful southern rock since their debut in 1998. Now seven studio albums into their career, the band’s expansive sound has at times included electronic instrumentation as well as reggae and dub influences. Their 2008 release Evil Urges was nominated for the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album and was praised for its’ groove-based songwriting and lush arrangements. During the same year, the band gave a legendary four hour performance at Bonnaroo that included guest appearances from Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and comedian Zach Galifianakis. Back in May, My Morning Jacket released their latest album The Waterfall to favorable reviews, a record that saw a return to the alt-country sound that characterized their first few releases. In addition, the band has performed at and hosted One Big Holiday festival in Riviera Maya, Mexico which has featured artists[...]

Tonight: Humble Braggers & Space Cubs

July 16, 2015

Buffalo born electronic musician Suzanne Bonifacio, aka Space Cubs, had one of the most intriguing local debut albums earlier this year with The Fire and The Things Forgotten. Her atmospheric soundscapes and experimental pop songwriting style made for a creative, personal record with a reflective tone. Tonight, the artist returns for her first local show since moving home at Allen Street Hardware. The free show will also feature Humble Braggers, whose EP Disposable Friends, along with Space Cubs’ debut, earned Album of The Week honors here at buffaBLOG. Also featured will be eclectic DJ sets from local selector Dante Velour all night. Music starts at 10pm in what is sure to be a blissful event recognizing emerging local creativity. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/209970221″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]   [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/202715178″ 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: Sun Riah

July 12, 2015

Sun Riah, the recording alias of Oklahoma City native Moriah Bailey, presents a more melancholic side of the harp, with her haunting, experimental arrangements and a vocal delivery reminiscent of Joanna Newsom. Incorporating elements of ambient, folk, and shoegaze, and using mesmerizing loops to achieve a reflective, otherworldly sound, her work has developed a reputation for blurring genre boundaries. Firefly Night Light, the artist’s latest self-released album, is a comprehensive look at Sun Riah’s ambitious style of songwriting that ranges from celestial to ominous and unsettling. Tonight, the singer/songwriter will perform at Buffalo’s Silo City as a part of its Silo  Sessions series. Music starts at 7pm with an opening set from local singer/ukulele player Sica Marinaccio. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/207681787″ params=”color=ff5500″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: STS9

July 8, 2015

Santa Cruz-based instrumental electronic band Sound Tribe Sector 9, better known as STS9, have been been touring extensively since 1998, becoming mainstays in the North American festival circuit while releasing eleven studio albums in that time. With a progressive, organic sound that draws upon funk, electronica, jazz, and hip hop, STS9 have developed a reputation as one of the most consistently dynamic live electronic acts. Its most recent EP, When The Dust Settles, was released on the bands’ label 1320 records, which has also released music from artists like Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Big Gigantic, and The Glitch Mob. Tonight, STS9 will headline a performance at Artpark‘s outdoor amphitheater with support from Portland, Maine electronica band JAW GEMS, whose jazz and funk infused beats are as soulful as they are cerebral. Tickets are $17 general admission and can be purchased here. Gates open at 4:45pm while music begins at 6:30pm.

Just Announced: Blackalicious

July 2, 2015

Consisting of rapper Gift of Gab and DJ/Producer Chief Xcel, Sacramento based hip hop duo Blackalicious is one of the most respected acts to emerge from the genre’s 90’s west coast scene. The pair’s conscious lyrics and soulful production can be compared to artists like the Pharcyde and Jurassic 5, yet possess an eccentric, infectious songwriting style of its own. Blazing Arrow, Blackalicious’ acclaimed 2002 album, featured guest production from Questlove, DJ Shadow, and Cut Chemist, and is among the most celebrated works of the duo’s two decade long career On Saturday, August 29th Blackalicious will perform at the Studio at Waiting Room. Tickets are $17 advance, $20 day of show, and can be purchased here.

Tonight: Queen Majesty

June 26, 2015

Known for her extensive knowledge of Jamaican music, Brooklyn-based (and Buffalo native) DJ Queen Majesty has been collecting reggae vinyl for over twenty years and selecting tunes at venues around the world, showcasing the island nation’s rich musical culture. Having hosted the “Deadly Dragon Sounds” show on East Village Radio in New York for six years, she has an ear for both classic tunes and rising talent in dancehall, reggae, and dub. Tonight, Queen Majesty will headline Heat Wave at Allen Street Hardware. Setting up shop in the back room, Queen Majesty will team up with DJ Universal for a 3 + hour block of reggae. Teenwolf will take things over with classic jams til close while Hardware regulars Sike and Dovey will man the front room until last call. Music begins at 8:30pm with a cover of $5. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/113655965″ 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: The Kooks w/ Joywave

June 23, 2015

Brighton, UK indie-pop band, The Kooks, is known for its consistent output of straightforward, hook-heavy rock songs since the release of debut album, Inside in/Inside Out, back in 2006. With a jangly, retro-inspired sound, the band has cited The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and David Bowie among its influences that contribute to infectious songwriting style. Most recently, 2014 album Listen borrowed stylistically from jazz, gospel, and R&B, successfully broadening the group’s sound. Tonight, the band will headline at Niagara Falls’ Rapids Theater with Joywave and Young Rising Sons opening the show. Joywave, the Rochester-based band, is touring in support of the five piece’s debut studio album, How Do You Feel Now?, featuring the breakout singles “Tounges” and “Somebody New,” both of which have received significant alt-rock radio airplay and interestingly blend indie rock and electronic production to achieve a refreshing sound that balances gritty elements with melodic hooks. Also opening tonight’s show are New Jersey alt-rock band[...]

Deep Thinka Records

June 19, 2015

Buffalo-based independent hip-hop label Deep Thinka Records has been a leading local institution since 1997 for discovering forward-thinking, inspiring MC’s dedicated to furthering the eclectic, socially conscious tradition of the genre. The label’s current roster boasts some of the city’s finest rap talent with artists like Mad Dukez, Billy Drease Williams, Chuckie Campbell, and Tanya Morgan each bringing a unique vision to the Deep Thinka camp. Tonight, Duke’s on Allen will host a hip-hop showcase for Herd Fest curated by the Deep Thinka crew, who have brought together the most exciting local rap talent, including members of prolific collectives EVC and Koolie High. Rapper Toneyboi of Koolie High, whose video for his latest single “Guacaroni & Cheese” was featured here at buffaBLOG earlier this week, will host tonight’s event. The MC is set to release his latest album, Leaders of the New Kool this summer featuring abstract production and the artist’s signature gritty,[...]

Tonight: Blonde Redhead

June 16, 2015

Since the release of its self-titled debut in 1995, New York based trio Blonde Redhead has explored the melodic side of noise rock, emerging from the avant-garde scene that saw artists like Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine flourish with a textured, experimental pop sound. Comprised of twin brothers Amedeo and Simone Pace along with singer Kazu Makino, the band’s ability to stretch conventional song structure and use stark atmospherics has defined its understated, groove-based style. With notably immersive live performances, Blonde Redhead is capable of combining vicious percussion and noisy guitars with celestial vocals making for a blissful, yet chaotic sonic attack. Last year, the band released its ninth studio album, Barragán, on Kobalt Music Group, marking yet another shift in aesthetic direction for the ever-evolving trio. Incorporating minimalist and electronic elements into their distilled songwriting, BR’s often poetic soundscapes have continued to make for some of the most consistently[...]