Buffalo

Twin Child Drop New Single “Amateur MCs”

December 8, 2019

Buffalo spitfires Twin Child and Benny Moses comes through with ferocity with his latest single “Amateur MCs.” Twin Child is the rap moniker for SMUG drummer Travis Perno, who with this project has abandoned his punk stylings for punchy rhymes. Rapping at a breakneck speed, the pairing stays true to to the track title, referencing life outside of the pros, with a minimum wage check in your digital wallet. Twin Child cooked the beat and ate it, and he and Benny Moses do their best to live in the shadow of Fu Schnickens or Tech N9ne’s Strange Music crew with their delivery. Child is creative with his sample choice on production, and the “This some shit we’ve never seen before” serves as nice table settings for the two’s verses. Check it out here:

Breakfast for Dinner Releases New Single

December 5, 2019

Fresh-faced indie-pop outfit Breakfast for Dinner just released their newest single “She Ate My Heart Out Like A Hurricane.” Originally based out of the DIY scene in Corning, NY, they’re now based out of Buffalo. The heavy garage rock/DIY aesthetic is very clearly presented in their first single “Wonder” which came out earlier this year. “She Ate My Heart Out Like A Hurricane” shows a much more evolved sound from the band. At the outset, the song pulls you in with glistening synth textures, a driving beat, and a reverb drenched lead line. The breathy vocals in the verses are balanced well by the stronger chorus, which is undeniably catchy. With a sound akin to Robyn, Bat For Lashes, and iamamiwhoami, Breakfast for Dinner has a deeply mystical indie-rock sound that still manages to channel a DIY pop-punk aesthetic. This neatly packaged song is a great addition to your playlist. Keep[...]

Personal Style – Demo 2019

December 4, 2019

There is nothing new under the sun. That being said, to express yourself you need to take your influences and make them your own. The fresh-faced Buffalo band of familiar faces, Personal Style, have released their first demo tape, a six song collection of tight punk rock, which they branded as their own. “Total Kontrol,” a title that shows Personal Style making the English language their own, kicks off the demo. Bryan Johnson (of Bryan Johnson and Family, honeyCOMA) delivers a punk-classic three chord winding guitar riff for two measures until the drums enter. Evan Wachowski’s jumpy drum beat establishing the song’s pulse thumps to life low in the mix. Think Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life.” Then the song explodes into a full on punk ringer. The vocals, a low almost flat delivery in the vein of garage rock heroes Pavement, tell about a classic punk trope. The urge for[...]

Cooler Drops New Single “Gentleman”

December 3, 2019

Buffalo’s favorite Indiemo trio Cooler returns with their newest single “Gentleman.” Their first release since 2018’s Buried EP shows a mature side of the band, with deeply cathartic lyrics that are very catchy. Their previous releases have been very guitar driven, and while that energy still exists, the lush harmonies and textures that are present on “Gentleman” really highlight the lyrical acuity of the band. Cooler has always had an ability to write compelling pop-oriented songs about such heavy topics such as mental health, love, and loss and “Gentleman,” which focuses on the end of a relationship, is no exception. Check out “Gentleman” below and be on the lookout for their upcoming EP in 2020. Gentleman by CoolerWritten by John Smigielski

Witty Tarbox – “Goodbye Jackie”

November 25, 2019

One of Buffalo’s most eclectic exports comes in the form of Witty Tarbox – a genre-bending act who is full of left-field energy and pleasant surprises. We’re digging “Goodbye Jackie” – this one is full of bluesy guitar funk with surf flavor, bouncing basslines, and one-of-a-kind vocals barking stream of consciousness lyrics. “Jackie” just might be the most unique thing you’ve heard all day. Check out the retro-imagery-inspired music video below.

Dogs in Stereo Debuts New Video “Traffic Circles”

November 8, 2019

Imagine you need a playlist for a trip through some quicksand deep into the Earth. Buffalo’s lo-fi slacker rock and rollers Dogs in Stereo are ready to accompany you throughout this plodding, inevitable journey, where you say goodbye to the world around you and simply succumb. If there’s beauty in that, “Traffic Circles” will bring it out. Dreary guitars and vocals capture a fed-up, aimless energy. Joe Cardina’s project nails the depressing, grey feeling of hoping that there’s no hope with this track, reminding you to take your Vitamin D this SAD season. Dogs in Stereo goes bleak here, but it’s just one of many sounds they pull out of their bag of tricks. Varying synths and harder punk sounds highlighting other releases. Dogs in Stereo’s Idle EP hits the streets 11/15, and you can catch the release party at Mohawk on 11/14. Check out the visuals, with Shauna Presto’s direction.

Koko Neetz Reveals New Video for “molecules”

November 7, 2019

Indie-songwriter Koko Neetz (the moniker of dreambeaches’ guitarist Andrew Kothen) recently released “molecules,” the first single and accompanying video off his upcoming album titled i.t.t.i.p. This marks the first release from Kothen since 2016’s Moral Monsters, an excellent EP that shows his prowess as a songwriter. molecules shows us an evolved sound, while maintaining Kothen’s meticulous attention to orchestration. Lyrically “molecules” maintains a gentle existential tone, backed by expertly by simple guitar lines and gorgeous harmonies. Kothen’s attention to detail puts him in a category with orchestration and arranging superstars such as Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Sufjan Stevens. If this track is any indication of the rest of the album, we may have a contender for one of the strongest releases in Buffalo this year. Kothen has proven time and again that he’s a true “musician’s musician”, with wistful introspective lyricism, and a deeply thoughtful approach to recording. for fans[...]

The Molice – “Moving”

November 4, 2019

The Molice are a funky, post-punky trio from Tokyo, Japan who have been resident Buffalonians for quite some time now. Their new music video for “Moving” is a montage of their time here thus far, culminating in a big performance for the Music is Art Festival. You might also recognize footage from Mohawk Place, Nietzsche’s, and a bunch of other cool Buffalo locations, all tied together with beautiful Buffalo-based cinematography captured by Lance Claypool (Pentimento). Beyond the video – “Moving” is a jittery and angular blend of funky indie-rock energy with a sugary chorus sure to get stuck in your head. If you dig The Molice, add them to your Spotify playlist or consider donating to their GoFundMe.

The Tins Release New Single “Sooner or Later”

October 22, 2019

Buffalo music scene mainstays The Tins have had a pretty good summer – and you might’ve noticed during your morning commute and coffee run. Their spring single “City Lies II,” which we here at BuffaBLOG loved, landed on Starbucks’ retail playlist, playing in stores across North America. They also got some love on satellite radio, with their cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “State Trooper” currently in rotation on SiriusXM. The Tins are riding that high into the fall with a minimalist, vaguely spooky new single “Sooner or Later.” “Sooner or Later” is a refreshing step in a new direction for The Tins. You can count the tracks on barely more than one hand – drums, a groovy bass line, rhythm and lead guitar, synth, layered vocals, and a shaker (which I hope is shaped like an egg) on the chorus –, and that’s all you need, really. Drummer Dave Muntner has[...]

SCIENCE MAN Drops New Video for “Brazilian Napkins”

October 17, 2019

Open up your mind (and ears) and let SCIENCE MAN come in. Buffalo’s premier garage punk monstrosity is back with some bizarre visuals complimenting single “Brazilian Napkins.”  Intense, grotesque and single-shot, the performance gives off shades of the Ludovico Technique, if paired with thrashing guitar riffs. Between spastic actions of dental hygiene, SCIENCE MAN (John Toohill) screams of emotional desperation, drawing on recent experiences in Sao Paulo to round out a track that’s heavy from the ceiling to the floor. SCIENCE MAN dropped the vid to kick off a two-week tour through the Rust Belt and beyond with Nervous Tick and The Zipper. They return to Buff to tear down Pallet Town on 10/25. Have a listen:

Kevin Scoma Releases Debut Solo Single, “Dream in the Daytime”

September 17, 2019

Kevin Scoma is a lifelong singer/songwriter who has been a vital part of the Buffalo music scene for over a decade. His latest effort comes after an unexpected spiritual awakening that inspired a newfound focus and a refreshingly simplified approach to songwriting. His debut single, “Dream in the Daytime” is a lush, acoustic-folk song layered thick with dreamy electronics and auxiliary percussion. This one is a bittersweet ode to getting lost in the unwanted thoughts that tend to swirl around your head – chronic daydreamers will dig this one for sure. Scoma’s upcoming EP, Into the Weeping Sea will be out soon – until then, be sure to add “Dream in the Daytime” to your Spotify playlist or pick it up via Bandcamp. Dream in the Daytime by Kevin Scoma

Sons of Luther Releases New Batch of Singles

September 5, 2019

Western New York rockers Sons of Luther just dropped the single: “In A Cult,” the second of several they will be releasing every Friday for the next six weeks. The interesting concept will be sure to string us along through the end of summer while it transitions us into Autumn bliss. The track gets off to a quick starts, as dueling guitar and synth leads immediately catch your ear. The sound is akin to The Killers or Kings of Leon. Then, just as quickly as it starts, the mood changes, much like summer does into fall, as Werner draws you in with his sultry voice which is accompanied with twinkly guitars and soft pads. The track resumes it’s pop-rock sensibilities as you are reminded that “Anything is possible, if nothing is impossible.” The highlight of this song has to be the bridge, where the babes draws you in with a groovy[...]

Listening Party! at the Central Library

September 4, 2019

In an exciting development, the Central Library in downtown Buffalo is now hosting a weekly Listening Party for lovers of hot new music to come together to listen and discuss fresh new albums Wednesdays over the next seven weeks. Seriously, check out this rather well curated line up: 9/4: Jay Som, Anak Ko 9/11: Tool, Fear Inoculum 9/18: Charlie XCX, Charli 9/25: Shredders, Great Hits 10/2: !!!, Wallop 10/9: Tegan and Sara, Hey, I’m Just Like You 10/16: Angel Olsen, All Mirrors The Buffalo and Erie County Library is clearly not messing around with this listening party series, and in case you missed it they don’t mess around with their music collection either if you’re library card enabled. The Listening Party series runs from 3pm to 5pm Wednesdays in the West Room of the downtown Central Library.

Kelli Bobbi Drops New Video “MY WKND”

August 16, 2019

Indie synth-pop duo Kelli Bobbi just dropped their third single (and video) “MY WKND.” Comprised of all-star frontwoman Jaz Frazier (Hop Hop) and Steak and Cake mastermind Brandon Schlia, their latest project is a perfect dose of ‘80s nostalgia. “MY WKND” is irresistibly catchy, with hooks that will stay with you long after you’ve finished listening. Frazier is a real standout on this track, with her vocals floating effortlessly over a glistening urban funk backdrop. An unabashed party anthem, it’s a perfect if not mandatory addition to your Summer playlist. Fans of Billie Eilish, Robyn, and Janelle Monáe would be into this one. Written by John Smigielski

Roger Bryan and The Orphans Release New Single

August 9, 2019

Local indie mainstays, Roger Bryan and The Orphans are back with the announcement of their new album. Their first single, “Nowhere, Underground,” from their forthcoming LP, Keep You In Mind, kicks off with a quick four bar build before a shiny slide guitar, or possible pedal-steel, blossoms out. Lead singer/strummer, Roger Bryan’s deep vocals lock in with the back beat rhythm and complement the guitar playing quite well. Think The Fray mixed with The National.Taking on themes of self-dependence, Bryan uses the lyrics, “Gunning for the crown, Patiently, nowhere to be found, nowhere underground, No where is the reason you have a soul to breathe,” to introduce a character who has shrugged off the modern trappings of society. “Feed off the moon, and sing into your lips,” lyrics describing a hopelessly romantic scene, proves the optimism held in life’s simple pleasures. Taking a cue from the debut single, the rest[...]