Buffalo

Urge Surfer – Misnomers

October 3, 2025 Nick Sessanna

Urge Surfer, the moody electro-pop project of Jordan Maelyn Smith and Chelsea O’Donnell, are back with their third release, a three-song EP they’re calling Misnomers. Continuing their trend of creating literate music with a well-thought-out thesis, Misnomers picks up where previous release Alphabet Archive left off. Where AA dove into themes of language and self-identity, Misnomers explores “how misunderstandings can lead one through the haze of heartache and awe.” Smith and O’Donnell’s chemistry is on full display right from the get-go, as lead song “Responsible” dissects relationship ennui. Dark instrumentals become an immediate theme – more of a dirge than a melt-your-face single, “Responsible” pairs a gently-plucked acoustic guitar with bitcrushed electronic drums. O’Donnell’s one-of-a-kind vocal is set off by a feature by Sheena Ozzella of Lemuria fame – about as close to a Buffalo legend as you can get. “Public Exits” gets a lot grittier – a sludgy bass feature takes center-stage[...]

deb. – “Ankle Weights”

August 29, 2025 Nick Sessanna

deb. Is it a statement? Is it a person? Is it a defunct, ’90s-era retail store in the McKinley Mall that specialized in prom dresses? It’s actually a newish Buffalo band with a pedigree you might recognize – members of Previous Love, Canetis, Slow Animals, and Animal Sounds came together to create this super tight super group… And they’re creating sounds that are exactly what you might expect from these particular members. Springy, watery indie-pop with the perfect polish for 103.3 The Edge – think Young The Giant, The 1975, or Still Woozy. Eternally-nice eternal-front-man Brendan Orr shares the spotlight with his very capable bandmates this time around, including bassist Erik Corrie; lead guitarist Dakota Lord, and drummer John Perdue. They’re happy to share their “deb.ut” single, “Ankle Weights” – it won’t be hard to identify all the sugary-sweet melodies here, but keep your ears peeled from vocal performances[...]

JOEYB – anything can come apart.

August 25, 2025 Admin

JOEYB’s latest album’s leading song is “the murder of john lennon,” but was originally named “anything can come apart,” the title of the upcoming musician’s complete second LP. The sounds in the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist’s first track can be compared to that of Alex G – think “The Same” of the seminal indie rocker’s album Race. The “big” first song that accompanies both of JOEYB’s albums features the same kind of intent, featuring explosions of metamorphizing sounds, on what is otherwise a wonderful combination of guitar work and vocals. While anything can come apart can be catalogued as an over arching indie rock, other tracks call to mind Phoebe Bridger’s work as an indie folk artist. Take “new year,” a carefully finger picked song, that shows anything can come apart is full of carefully embedded craftsmanship. There are also moments where JOEYB blends feedback and heavier sounds which can[...]

Stephen Babcock – “Osaka”

August 20, 2025 Nick Sessanna

It’s a Bab-man summer – Stephen Babcock that is – and our Rust Belt bub is back with yet another banger. Inspired by a late-night moment in Japan, “Osaka” details what it means to get lost, grow up, and let go. Bab/Bub keeps it simmering on “Osaka,” trading his acoustic guitar for a driving bass part, but still keeps that bubbling-under vibe that makes his music so listenable. Keep your ears peeled for some spicy harmonies, and an appreciation for the super tight drum sound that gives the whole affair an extra intimate vibe. Fans of The American Analog Set, MJ Lenderman, or Jack Johnson will surely get down with the vibes here. Check out “Osaka” in all the usual spots. Stephen Babcock · Osaka

Amateur Hockey Club – “UPPERCASE!”

August 8, 2025 Nick Sessanna

Stalwart Buffalo-based emo-punks Amateur Hockey Club are back with a brand new song, “UPPERCASE!,” found on the recently-released (August 1st, 2025) three-song-EP of the same name. The title-track is built around a jaunty lead guitar riff and razor-sharp vocals, playing around with pop-punk undertones, but mostly adhering to a Motion City Soundtrack meets Third Eye Blind kind of power pop… aka “IPA-rock,” as they’ve affectionately (and somehow accurately) deemed themselves. Even though the song’s about battling negative self talk, it’s a fun and engaging ride across its 2:41 run time, which includes a guitar solo, some tasty self-deprecation, and lots of energy. Check out “UPPERCASE!” on Apple Music, Spotify, or the Soundcloud embed below. Amateur Hockey Club · UPPERCASE!

Sweet Talker – Summer 2025

August 1, 2025 Matt Burgerhoff

Grab some sunscreen and soak up Sweet Talker’s scorching new two songer, Summer 2025. The Buffalo hard rock and rollers consists of members of local Buffalo punk and hardcore acts Buried Alive, Exhibition, and Big. Following up last year’s Not Your Daddy’s Rock and Roll, this brief, one-two punch continues to see the band mix hardcore punk with old school heavy metal. The opening song, “Someone Like You,” hits like a nut shot with a frenzy of galloping drums, buzzy basslines and barking vocals. The track permeates big circle pit energy and will rough you up before downshifting into a shreddy, halftime bridge. Spin this at your Gallagher Beach party bash and watch things get a little crazy. Rounding out the release is “Tough Tunes,” a time capsule of the days of VHS, corded telephones and Judas Priest. Sweet Talker energizes this melodic, throwback track with NWOBHM power[...]

Lynz – “just wanna be yours”

July 30, 2025 Chris Miller

LA based act Lynz gets to leave Buffalo, but there’s a secret agreement where we have to mention if an artist originally hails from here (sorry if you’re trying to fly under the radar). Her latest single, “just wanna be yours” is her second (the first being “Fallin’), and it’s a nicely layered indie pop track (more cake than onion). Lynz starts off with gentle acoustic guitar that gives way to a reaaaaally groovin’ bass beat that meshes with drums and other effects. If it doesn’t have you bobbing your head or swaying your hips, we’d encourage you to get checked out for something… Anything really. Once it gets to the proto-disco beat please please please turn up the volume and tell me you don’t feel something. “just wanna be yours” is available in the usual gamut of of streaming: Soundcloud, Apple Music, and Spotify. You can hear[...]

Mookie – “Energy”

July 28, 2025 Michael Moretti

If you’ve been keeping your ears to the Allen St., then indie-pop act Mookie should already be on your radar. Since forming just over a year ago, the band has been consistently on the grind playing local line-ups and adding their jangly energy to the bills. Earlier this month, Mookie released a video for their first single “Energy,” which was filmed at popular queer bar, TwentySixAllen. The song “Energy” is all about the early stages of a romance and navigating the line of excitement and vulnerability. Sound-wise, the track is accessible, fun, and catchy, much like lead guitarist / singer Russell Leone’s previous work in Sofa Kings, who buzzed around Buffalo in the later 2010s. Mookie could be compared to San Cisco, Rilo Kiley, or Frankie Cosmos with their upbeat, bounce-y vibes. Check out the video below.

Stephen Babcock – “Dumb Luck”

July 14, 2025 Nick Sessanna

The Bab-man (aka Buffalo-based singer/songwriter Stephen Babcock) leans into song-of-the-summer vibes on his latest offering, “Dumb Luck.” Armed with his usual tools of the trade – an acoustic guitar, shuffling drums, and his soulful drawl, “Dumb Luck” touches on not ever knowing if things are getting better or staying exactly the same. It’s a shared Buffalonian experience – to wonder if our “small town” vibes are holding us back or propelling us forward faster than we can handle, so fellow WNYers should find solace in knowing that you’re not the only one wondering WTF is going on with your life. “Dumb Luck” is one of those songs that tackles something potentially heavy without ever losing that upbeat, feel-good feel, and for that reason, we think Babcock’s oeuvre is worth your time. “Dumb Luck” is available on all your favorite streaming services. Preview it via YouTube (below), and then take[...]

Dotsun Moon – “Save Us”

June 13, 2025 Nick Sessanna

Dotsun Moon flex their new wave muscles on latest single, “Save Us.” The long-term Buffalo staple was highly influenced by M83 and New Order on this new cut, evidenced by the synth-forward instrumental and bolstered by DM’s dreamy guitar work. Project mastermind and multi-instrumentalist Richard Flierl made a big leap on this release, opting to front these songs himself – the result is a moody and gothy conglomeration of post-punk, new wave, and shoegaze that feels fresh and new while nodding toward each influential genre’s forefathers. “Save Us” is a part of Dotsun Moon’s upcoming LP, Tiger, that comes out on June 27th (and is available for pre-order). Until then, get down to the Blade Runner noir vibes of the music video for “Save Us” below.

Gatto Black – “You Can’t Make Me Dance”

June 6, 2025 Nick Sessanna

By now you probably know that Gatto Black doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to their highly emotive songwriting – project mastermind Sal Mastrocola confronts the realities of growing up queer AND Catholic on his latest single, “You Can’t Make Me Dance.” Insanely fast drumming, urgent chord progressions, and gritty vocals power this one forward with unmatched energy – perfect for skateboarding or just the simple act of feeling not-so-alone in your self-loathing. Aside from the skate punk, emo, and post-hardcore glory we’ve come to know and love from GB, “You Can’t Make Me Dance” takes aim at the formative traumas that pop up while you’re reconciling your burgeoning identity in an otherwise inhospitable environment. Mastrocola puts it better than we ever could below: “When I was 14, my religion teacher told me I was going to hell for being bisexual… Years later it came out that he[...]

Stephen Babcock – “Drunk”

May 28, 2025 Nick Sessanna

Have you ever had a few too many Labatt Blues and not-so-accidentally told your friend off? Yeah, us too, and so has Stephen Babcock & co. It comes with being Buffalo-born. “Drunk” is his latest offering, a natural continuation of his acoustic-driven indie folk that’s been building up buzz around town this spring. Gentle piano plinks in the background while a tasteful drumbeat taps out a perfectly-driven rhythm. Overtop it all is Babcock’s warm and inviting vocals – even if they are singing about being berated by a drunk bud. The chorus of “Why do you have to get drunk to say what’s wrong? Why can’t you just shoot straight for once?” hits like a Jägerbomb after a day at the Bills game – always remember folks, the truth will set you free. Check out “Drunk” via the YouTube embed below, or, add it to your Spotify playlist.[...]

Fear Of Sleep – “Quirks”

May 19, 2025 Nick Sessanna

Fear Of Sleep combine the flashiness of math rock with a penchant for punk rock energy on their first two singles – “Quirks” and “Crimes.” Fans of previous Buffalo-born stalwarts Feverbox may recognize a few members, and while those super-tight and familiar aspects return with Fear Of Sleep, the group is forging new ground with blistering fretwork, super-sweet melodies, and a fun guitar-driven energy. “Quirks,” with it’s sub-two-minute run time, is packed with nimble riffs, packaged up neatly in a pop rock package, complete with big choruses and overall anthemic vibes. “Crimes” leans more into their punk rock energies, leaning more into riff-rock territory, without sacrificing any of the tasty riffs that make “Quirks” so fun. Check out “Quirks” via the YouTube embed below – you can find both available songs on Spotify if that’s more your speed.

Hal & Pals – “Not the Champ (I’m Alright, Ma)”

May 5, 2025 Ronald Walczyk

Former WNYer Halle Ruth Cook’s folk outfit Hal & Pals blends eras on the new single “Not the Champ (I’m Alright, Ma).” The track marries 60s Greenwich Village folk instrumentation–fingerpicked guitar and harmonica–with Cook’s distinctively light and quirky vocal delivery, which adds a contemporary charm to the mix. In just over two minutes, the song paints a picture of strained family ties with evocative, personal lyrics. Fans of legends like Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell with feel at home here, but it won’t be lost on fans of contemporary folk artists like Sierra Farrell or The Tallest Man On Earth, either. A refreshing folk sound with local roots, “Not the Champ” is a compelling listen. Check it out below.

Thought Trials – EARTHRISE/GAIA

May 2, 2025 Nick Sessanna

Buffalo post-metal act Thought Trials are here to blacken your heart with their latest, two-song EP/split, EARTHRISE/GAIA. If you’re expecting a quick, six-minute listen – think again… This quartet specializes in the kind of epic, meandering, atmospheric black metal that journeys on and on through a never ending abyss… or at least 17 minutes worth of the abyss. Guttural vocals from singer Lauren Davis ring out angrily over drop-tuned guitars from Josh Martin and Erin Malone, while an epic drum performance from Chris Wall thunders underneath. Track one “EARTHRISE,” may be the archetypal Thought Trials song – it crescendos endlessly, with an epic (if aptly creepy) climax that cuts straight to the bone. “GAIA” shows the wide width of the band’s range, running the spectrum from ambient to crushing, channeling everything from Explosions in the Sky to Deafheaven along the way. As with most sprawling and/or atmospheric projects, this[...]