Buffalo

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[...]

Kelli Bobbi Drops Second Single/Video “July Rush”

July 26, 2019

Buffalo label Steak & Cake Records is back with another summer single and video by pop act Kelli Bobbi. “July Rush,” directed by Brandon Schlia and starring singer Jazmine Frazier, epitomizes the youthful defiance of summer days and nights. Kelli Bobbi embodies 1980s revival. The name alone sounds like it belongs to an ‘80s pop icon, and the video for “July Rush” serves some fashion nostalgia with oversized jackets, bright high-waisted shorts, crew socks, smoky purple eyeshadow, neon shades, and denim – though you’d probably see these styles walking around the city right here in summer 2019. This then-meets-now aesthetic also comes through in the music, and it’s infectiously fun. The track has an instant, understated catchiness from the beginning; synth, a simple drum beat, and Frazier’s breezy vocals evoke the timeless feelings of optimism and excitement that come when the summer really starts to get going every year. The[...]

14 Trapdoors Comes Through with New Single “Ghosts”

July 24, 2019

Buffalo’s own 14 Trapdoors comes through with their hyped-up new hip-hop single, “Ghosts.” This three-headed crew is comprised of emcees, Bendyface, WZA and Short Moscato, who skate on a banging squeegee trap beat like big baller figure skaters. If the production doesn’t catch your ear, their slick and dizzying flows and raps will. Bump this fresh listen below and keep your eyes on 14 Trapdoors via their SoundCloud here.

Japanincolor Releases Debut EP, ‘Daydreams’

July 23, 2019

Japanincolor is the solo project from Hundred Plus Club bassist Rafi Bloomberg. Daydreams is a simple, four-song EP that finds the multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist Bloomberg flexing his songwriter muscles via interesting collaborations with other Buffalo-based musicians. Intro track “The Theme” is a piano composition by Zekeriya Spoth. Bloomberg seems to revel in collaborations with other artists, using his own knowledge of music theory and musicianship to bolster their contributions. “The Theme” is short but sweet, a beautiful way to start this EP. Song two is “High Shelf,” which features vocals from Carmen & Lizzy’s Carmen O’Keefe. This might be the stand out track on the EP – O’Keefe’s vocals ride perfectly atop Bloomberg’s instrumentals, fleshed out tastefully with lush harmonies, jangly guitars, and a simple guitar solo. If you’ve ever seen Bloomberg perform live, you know how insanely talented he is… The simplicity of Daydreams points to how reserved he can be, resisting the temptation to fill these songs[...]

Carmen & Lizzy – Climate

July 23, 2019

Mother Nature’s daughters have come down from the clouds with an album of tender and heartfelt songs. Buffalo’s Carmen & Lizzy, cousins who grew up together singing and playing music have released their third effort in three years, 2019’s Climate. An introspective album about their past, present, and future, Climate polishes elements of folk to tackle an ever pressing dilemma: Our Environment. “Carry You,” a short lead off track, gently stirs the album to life with thick and warm acoustic pickings from Carmen, guitar and vocals. The message directly employs pathos with Lizzy, vocals, reassuring that the subject will always have an aid. Bridging seamlessly into the second song, “Shelter,” the album continues its message of protecting the most vulnerable. Lizzy and Carmen highlight their harmonious beauty throughout the entire track, which bolsters the compassionate lyrics, “Even if you want to hide/I’ll shelter you.” Pulling from their bag of magic,[...]

Canetis Reveals First Single “Warning Call”

July 11, 2019

The City of Good Neighbors is full of creatives, from artists, to poets, photographers and musicians. We clearly have a expansive and diverse group of people making contributions to the community to make it a better place. One of Buffalo’s newest band, Canetis (pronounced ca-nay-tis) is a recently minted quintet with who have released an equally shiny and polished single, “Warning Call’ to match. Their sound combines the angled jabs and cut of old-school alternative rock with the shimmer and sleekness of The Smiths or Gleemer. The group, consisting of Brendan Hoare, Mike Butler, Matt Sacha, Matt Broconier, and John Grennan, will make their live debut July 19th over at Nietzsche’s with SMUG and Hundred Plus Club. Written by Mike Rakiecki

Halo Nellie Debuts Second Single “Sick on the Floor”

July 10, 2019

Indie-rockers Halo Nellie have just released their new single “Sick on the Floor,” following up last month’s release of “Cold Room.” With a driving beat, the band creates an energetic texture that does an excellent job of showcasing the vocals. With the perfect amount of jangle and fuzz, it’s a very fun listen and a worthy addition to your Summer playlist. Hopefully this is leading up to the release of a full length, and that will definitely be worth checking out. Catch them at their next show on July 18th at Mohawk Place alongside The Vaughns, Clever Girls, and Velvet Bethany. Sick on the Floor by Halo NellieWritten by John Smigielski

Tonight: Buffalo Sex Change

June 30, 2019

Tonight, catch two bands from the far-off city of Rochester, NY; Buffalo Sex Change, and honeymoonphase. While they may share a home base, they certainly each have a unique sound. Buffalo Sex Change is an energetic post-punk, garage rock duo, with a sound reminiscent of Buddy Holly fronting a shoegaze band. Their most recent release was 2018’s Searching Hands, which was released on Admirable Traits Records. Right out of the gate, the title track grabs you with a noisy riff, and really sets the tone for the album. While the tone may shift from track to track, there is an intensity and energy that is effortlessly carried through the album. With dirty, danceable hook, this will most certainly appeal to fans of Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground. Alternately, honeymoonphase brings a slightly darker, brooding sound to the table. They recently released two tracks in anticipation of their full album,[...]

The Burkharts Drop Debut EP Lazy Dazing

June 26, 2019

Alt rockers The Burkharts just released their EP Lazy Dazing. After dropping their single (also titled “Lazy Dazing,” back in November) the band has fleshed out their unique mix of lo-fi dreamy surf pop. Think The Beach Boys meet Beach House. The first track “Oh, Dreamer” floats along with a bouncy guitar riff, and gentle swells, before being joined by synths and luscious harmonies. This tune really seems to capture their aesthetic, and is a great way to kick off the record. “Flower City Nights,” a lo-fi dream pop tune, finds the band fusing their jangly surf rock with a driving beat that shows their versatility and ability to find diversity within their sound. The EP closer is their single “Lazy Dazing,” which once again finds the band melding their influences to create a bubbly song that is the perfect kick off to the Summer season. All in all, a[...]

Kelli Bobbi Releases Debut “Cruising”

June 19, 2019

Steak And Cake Records has a fresh new video and single out that’s destined to be your jam of the summer that’s also more than a little bit mind blowing. Going under the cheeky alias Kelli Bobbi, label mastermind and genuine artistic polymath Brandon Schlia and Jazmine Frazier (aka Hop Hop) go above and beyond on “Cruising,” a supernaturally crisp slab of urban funk that feels super good in your ears thanks to some choice next level grooves, frequencies, and techniques from each half of our dynamic duo. The video, directed by Schlia, is chill, pleasantly trippy, and a swell drive around town. If there’s more where this came from, yes please.

Post Prom Posts New Single, “Hurt Somebody”

June 5, 2019

Local indie-pop-punkers Post Prom recently debuted a brand new single titled “Hurt Somebody.” The band gave the song the full GCR treatment, working with local engineer/mastermind Jay Zubricky to bring it to life. On “Hurt Somebody,” the quintet has continued to refine their brand of emotive vocals with a triad of impressively nimble guitar (yes, there’s three of them!) and bass work. Check it out below or add it to your Spotify playlist. ICYMI, Post Prom will soon be playing a veritable Buffalo supershow, featuring Pentimento, I Can See Mountains, and Young English. It’s at Town Ballroom this July – don’t miss it! Hurt Somebody (Single) by Post Prom

Ugly Sun Drops Single “Little Fire”

May 29, 2019

What the world needs now more than ever is an injection of feel good party music, and Buffalo’s own Ugly Sun has the prescription. The band, consisting of brothers John and Harrison Crook, is a duo hellbent on delivering catchy 70’s era rock riffs and infectious vocal melodies. Case in point, their new single ‘Little Fire’. The song starts with an airy guitar melody that steadily builds until it combusts into a full on arena rock guitar lick reminiscent of Nazareth’s ‘Hair of the Dog’. John Crook, bass and lead vocalist, delivers a flawless howl recounting possibly the steamiest of romantic encounters, as the proof is put on display front and center, ‘I’m hangin’ by a thread when you lick it up’. After a short and sweetly stripped down bridge the song’s chorus roars to life with rock ‘n roll tricks that always deliver; crashing cymbals, steady tambourine, and layered[...]

The Tins Drop Latest Single “City Lies II”

May 28, 2019

Buffalo indie darlings The Tins have returned with another new single, “City Lies II.” A follow-up to “City Lies” off the eponymous 2017 EP, the track is an excellent example of the Tins’ knack for mastering different sounds. “City Lies II” begins with a bare-bones guitar riff, begging the listener to wonder what could be around the corner. Soon enough, a drum beat and cymbal crash interrupt this wonderment as we enter the mind of lead singer Mike Santillo. Santillo’s vocals are exceedingly haunting in this particular track, mingling with developing guitar, ghostly harmonies, and sparkling synth to express the thoughts of disillusionment, stagnation, and mental entanglement that come with extended city life – not unlike the themes explored on previous singles from The Tins. What’s perhaps most compelling about this single is something the group gets right over and over again: the artful combination of energy and heart. You won’t[...]