Album of the Week

Dogs in Stereo – Idle

December 9, 2019

Most of us know what it’s like to feel idle. While stillness itself can be situated in a state of calm, idleness implies expectation of eventual movement. That’s why we use the word to describe a car that’s started, but isn’t moving; we’re still, but the parts inside are still turning. Buffalo’s Dogs in Stereo explore that paradoxical combination of stagnation and restlessness in their new EP Idle, a melancholic, living collection of six songs filled with longing. Idle is a step in a different direction for Dogs in Stereo. Previous efforts by the Dogs exhibited earnest, lo-fi rock with charming melodies and captivating guitar work. The essence of earlier work is still around on this new EP, but clean production and more deliberate songwriting are clear marks of artistic maturity. They’ve also seemed to move into the computer age with more synth than we’ve seen in the past, a[...]

Helmsley – East HIlls #1

December 2, 2019

If you have not yet heard the newest effort by Steak and Cake Records’ foot soldier Helmsley, then you should brace yourself for impact. In the vein of surrealist and expressionistic art, Helmsley wrote East Hills #1, a record full of songs that drastically distort, amplify, and warp traditional musical practices to invoke an emotional response. The first track off of the record, and the first single released, “Narcotic,” introduces the heavy Deerhoof influence that is heard through out. The song’s first five seconds blast a siren that acts as wake-up alarm. Sit up and take notice. From there it delivers a delicious bass line groove that is coated in fuzz effects. Combined with the underlying siren and back beat drums, the EDM-esque track makes it near impossible to keep one’s head from bobbing. “Narcotic” fades seamlessly into track two, “Pratt Fall.” Usually meant to refer to a humiliating instance, “Pratt Fall”[...]

Bold Folly – I Think That It Is Wonderful

November 25, 2019

Forget the surreal cosmic expanse on the cover of Bold Folly’s I Think That It Is Wonderful– the key setting of the album is far more cramped: the dirty mouth. It’s an image that pops up at least twice, as far as I could decipher from guitarist and vocalist Timothy Zdrojewski’s shouted vocals. First, in “buddapest”: “When I talk to taxi drivers, I talk real loud with food in between my teeth.” And again, in “war games”: “Stick your dirty fingers in the back of my hungry mouth.” I’d bring those two lines into conversation with another seemingly innocent observation from “CAT,” which Zdrojewski screams at the top of his lungs: “We all breathe the same air.” Taken together, these lines imply the aesthetic universe in which I Think That It Is Wonderful lives – not the neverending cosmos, but inside a stinking mouth, a dank, dark space where the[...]

Kevin Scoma – Into the Weeping Sea

November 18, 2019

Into the Weeping Sea sounds like an epiphany. Enter Kevin Scoma, prolific Buffalo-based songwriter who has carved out a new niche for himself after over a decade of dedication to the craft. This fresh batch of songs comes along with a self-proclaimed spiritual awakening; whatever that enlightenment means to Scoma is clearly reflected in this beautiful and shimmering EP reminiscent of Elliot Smith, Bon Iver, and Radical Face. Throughout his career, Scoma has truly cut his teeth across multiple genres – this time around, he seems to have finally found his true voice. Sea is full of haunting, acoustic-driven folk with subtle flourishes of electronics and left-field instrumentation, all of which suits his unique tenor. Opening track “I Was Never Afraid to Die” evolves from a simply strummed acoustic guitar into a surprisingly fuzzed-out guitar solo – a tactic he repeats on the equally stunning, banjo-tinged “Close to the Truth.” Other songs like “I’ll Be[...]

Eerie Shores – Wicked Disposal

November 4, 2019

It is no secret that SUNY Fredonia produces a lot of talented artists, especially musicians. There have been countless acts over the years that have staggered their way up from the Chautaugua County college to leave their mark on Buffalo. One of the latest outfits to make that journey is Eerie Shores. Formed in 2017, the band has finally found it’s footing and now identifies as a five-piece. It is with this identity they have found their groove and have released their debut EP called Wicked Disposal. Upon first listening, it’s apparent that this band wastes no time getting to what it does best, which is heavy, detuned riffs. The EP opens up by hitting you right in the mouth with “Days and Weeks,” a 6-minute heavy rock jam with quite the catchy chorus. From there, the group showcases a bit of their softer side on “Ghosts (Dried Out),” as[...]

Into The Wake – Behind the Shadows

October 28, 2019

Being in a band is hard. Into the Wake (ITTW) knows. First thing’s first, this band knows how to grind – they’ve been doing so almost non-stop since they debuted in 2017… But sometimes your practice space starts to crumble (literally), then life’s regular grind starts to slip into the cracks. It starts to feel impossible to get back up on your feet. For that reason, these guys should consider their new EP, Behind the Shadows, an absolutely triumphant step forward. They’ve crafted a super-tight blend of post-hardcore, hard rock, and heavy-emo, full of hooks and enough tasty guitar sounds to satisfy any tone snob. BTS is easily their best work yet, a batch of songs that would sit comfortably on a shelf next to genre heavyweights like Citizen, Superheaven, or Balance and Composure. Album opener “Prey” is an immediate standout – ITTW has never been afraid to experiment with sounds, but don’t let the electronic drum intro[...]

On the Cinder – Lamplighter

October 21, 2019

Punk rock acts as a conduit to free oneself. Restrictions are lifted, and the only requirement lays in the band’s willingness to persevere. On The Cinder began their crusade in The University at Buffalo. They hit the ground running, feeding off of the advice they now dispel to younger bands, “Once you have eight songs get in the van and go.”. An EP, two tours through America’s underground circuit, and a then a full Length LP with a tour of Canada filled the bands schedule. Then, as life often does, On The Cinder got delivered a curve-ball. “There has been a lot of loss since our last album,” Mike Jacos, bass and vocals, describes the unique process surrounding Lamplighter, the bands newest effort, “This new material reflects the changes we’ve had to overcome.” The changes brought about a polishing of the On The Cinder sound, which thrives in the contrast[...]

False Pockets – s/t

September 30, 2019

Math rock band False Pockets has emerged onto the Rochester music scene with its debut, self-titled EP. False Pockets is a creative effort with a layered sound that blends math rock, post-rock, indie, and a dash of prog. The time signatures on the EP are varied enough to satisfy the mathiest of math enthusiasts, but the approach is gentle; even the uninitiated can enjoy every track, each having an interesting yet digestible structure. With charming titles resembling inside jokes and a sparing use of vocals, the EP relies on its instrumentation to tell a story. Each element is crucial, and each member of the band is indispensable to the overall sound. The reverberating guitars are somehow crunchy, clean, and ethereal all at once, the bass is both fuzzy and powerful, and the attacking drums seamlessly guide the songs throughout their varying times and tempos. When the vocals do come, they’re[...]

superficial. – s/t

September 17, 2019

Speaking for myself a fair part of writing about local music is managing one’s enthusiasms and expectations to try to not get too carried away when something particularly tantalizing arrives via the inbox or emerges on the radar… or failing to do so entirely like I did after listening to Fredonia buzz band superficial.’s eponymous debut EP. Shimmering, mesmerizing, and completely compelling every second of it’s 15 minute running time, it bangs in a variety of ways from start to finish. Now ordinarily I’m not a stickler for rules but when it comes to putting out albums and EPs  there are a few as laid down by giants of bygone ages, and one of them is your first song better hit hard, unless you’re doing an intro in which case your second song has to or else, and superficial. satisfies with a flourish. All swirling synths and organs, “Intro” feels a little[...]

Roger Bryan and the Orphans – Keep You in Mind

September 3, 2019

Veteran americana indie rock outfit Roger Bryan and the Orphans recently released their new record Keep You in Mind. The quartet’s first release since 2017’s 9er EP, Keep You in Mind is quite simply a gorgeous record that further cements Bryan’s status as one of the most talented songwriters in Buffalo’s music scene. Bryan’s deep vocals have an extraordinary ability to feel brooding, exuberant, wistful, or contemplative as each song progresses. The title track, which kicks off the album does a nice job of setting the tone, with an upbeat sound and a thoroughly catchy hook. I must also make special note of the standout lead guitar work on this record by Bryan’s fellow Harvestsum alum David Calos. Another fabulous track is the blistering “Faster Than Forward” which almost begs to be played with the windows down. “Roll It” shows a slower side of the band, with mournful pedal steel underscoring[...]

Chaz Hearne & the Dazzlers – Intelligence is Rising

August 19, 2019

Rochester folk-rock artist Chaz Hearne is back with another album – and this time, he brought friends. There’s strength in numbers in Intelligence is Rising, the musician’s latest release under his collaborative moniker Chaz Hearne & The Dazzlers. According to Hearne, the mantra “Intelligence is rising” came to him while he was visiting what may be the best thing this country has to offer: national parks. Nature is present on Intelligence is Rising, both lyrically and in its instrumentation. While the great outdoors is a recurring theme on the album, the sound has a natural quality to it as well, with a glowing openness and clarity that come from heartfelt songwriting and the innate skill of its personnel. With the opening title track, Hearne displays his signature banjo-picking finesse, but also brings the talent of a long list of other local musicians to round out his sound – including Susanna[...]

A House Safe for Tigers – Space Between

August 12, 2019

If it’s not baroque, then you need to fix it. That is the key to indie two-piece A House Safe For Tigers’ mojo, as is evident with their new release, Space Between. Members Mark Constintino and Brendon Delmont, who each have pasts rich with hardcore-punk and synth-heavy rock, have matured into a more serene sound, but retain the haunting atmosphere of their youth. “Bumblebee,” track one from Space Between opens the door with an upbeat ode to a wonderful person, who has earned the name, ‘”My Sweet BumbleBee.” The synth provides a full metallic melody, while the drums and percussion dig out a smooth groove. Acoustic guitar fills in the background, and the chorus explodes with the band’s well-crafted hook and vocal harmony on the title lyric. A running theme on the album is landscape and mother nature. “Sound Valley,” track number five, opens with an electric guitar riff, dry[...]

Folkfaces – Fat Ol’ Rat

August 5, 2019

Buffalo’s rowdy roots rock quartet Folkfaces just released their sophomore album Fat Ol’ Rat. With their signature blend of raucous jazz and blues, the quartet has further refined their sound since their debut release How Long? in 2017. Anchored by the virtuosic multi-instrumentalist Tyler Westcott, the group also features local sax powerhouse Ellen Pieroni, upright bassist Patrick Jackson, and washboard wunderkind Dan Schwach. It’s fairly easy to hear the influences of Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Dave Van Ronk, and Django Reinhardt on the band’s sound, but to stop there would be fairly limiting. There’s also a healthy dose of jazz, jug band, and even punk that round out their very eclectic sound. Without doubt I believe Fat Ol’ Rat is the band’s most successful album, as it captures the high energy and intensity that is ever present at their live shows. An absolute barn-burner from start to finish, Westcott’s rambling[...]

Space Cubs – The 4th Age

July 29, 2019

The future is always now for Buffalo avante-garde electronica outfit Space Cubs, and on their first full length LP The 4th Age the intrepid trio find themselves confronting their future, uncertainty, and immense potential head on, with some inspiring results. Haunting and otherworldly, “The End Seems Easier” is some quintessential Space Cubs, an icy and tightly contained amuse bouche that features Suzanne Bonficio’s ethereal vocals submerged yet floating over an eerie, anxious soundscape before “Summons” drops the listener in the deep end of the pool with it’s hyper self-aware freakout of discordance and droning doom. The lead single and first proper album banger “Sideways” is when The 4th Age really gets going, with a ferocious industrial sound that calls to NIN influenced mid 90’s Bowie/Eno collaborations and the band’s ambitious debut EP. “Circular” is vibey, glacial trip hop floating under mournful melodies and Greenwoodesque guitars that surrenders itself into one of[...]

Ugly Sun – s/t

July 22, 2019

Crunchy, sweaty, rock-n-roll that should be played to summon demigods or while making sweet love under the desert sun has landed in Buffalo. The Crook brothers, John and Harrison, formed the rock duo Ugly Sun and have showed us the portal to a good time with the release of their first album, self-titled, Ugly Sun. The tone of the album begins at the cover. A desert sun setting behind mountains, spends its last few minutes shining down on a group of presumably nude females. If one downloads their album from Spotify, the figures will be blurred. However, I am hard pressed to believe that the brothers made that decision themselves, since their attitudes align with consistently pushing their creative boundaries. “Little Fire,” the album’s first song, and first released track, begins with an airy guitar melody that steadily builds until it combusts into a full on arena rock guitar lick[...]