Buffalo

Hop Hop Delivers Video For “Scratch”

October 2, 2018

Premier Buffalo MC Hop Hop has a video for her latest single “Scratch” that’s a perfect showcase for her art and skills, and the city itself. Shot and edited by producer and co-conspirator Brandon Schlia, “Scratch” is an earworm in video form and a clever bit of DIY guerrilla filmmaking , utilizing a whole lot of the important new public art that’s sprung up over the last few years all over the city, our newly re-purposed post industrial decay, and various tasteful West Side doorways and rooftops as backdrops for the irrepressible brilliance of Hop Hop, who will most definitely not be defined by an old white guy like me anyways, so I won’t even try it (not that I’d try it anyway). From “The Freedom Wall” on Michigan and East Ferry to the Betsy Casanas mural on Niagara Street and the trusty Elmwood Avenue 24 Hour Store, “Scratch” is an inclusive,[...]

Jong SL Releases New Track “Driving Away”

September 20, 2018

Alt. pop artist Jong SL is back this year with promising new material. The Toronto via Buffalo singer-songwriter is following up his 2017 EP Ice Cream with a new single, “Driving Away,” foreshadowing an upcoming full length project. Known for his cross-genre blending, the track is Jong’s most fine-tuned and musically diverse release to date. The once light and bouncy air of Jong’s music is now treated with a heavier shade. His previous sound of coffee shop pop meets blue-eyed soul is amplified here with darker and more ambient elements. The tune itself floats through different phases, borrowing from both alt. rock and contemporary R&B, and pairs acoustic guitars with electric ones, and ethereal synth embellishments with a tight modern R&B groove. Even from a lyrically standpoint, “Driving Away” moves in a more melancholic direction, hinting at what is to come from Jong in the future. In regards to the[...]

Nylon Otters Drop Two New Singles

September 19, 2018

Buffalo three-piece Nylon Otters are back with a double dose of indie rock goodness. Their dual release of “Pollenblonde” and “Loose Ends” are comparable to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in their volatility. The former is postured with a lazily hypnotic rock beat and mumbly, apathetic vocals while the latter is boisterous and crass with drunken outbursts of raspy hollering. What both have in common however is their catchiness and the ability to crawl inside your head and hang out for a few hours. Do yourself a favor and give these rocking Siamese tracks a listen below. For more Nylon Otters, check them out on bandcamp or check out their show this Friday at Mr. Goodbar. Pollenblonde by Nylon Otters

Welks Mice Release New Single “Your Heart is the Purple Sage”

September 18, 2018

Feel good vibraphone heroes Welks Mice dropped a new single “Your Heart is the Purple Sage” that, in true  Welks form,  is virtually indescribable yet deeply affecting. Maybe it’s the naked, searching purity of Max Weiss’s vocals and the distinct sense that’s he singing TO YOU or his poetic and philosophical lyrics that come at you fast and insistent; maybe it’s the Andre Welks vibraphone that seem to gradually harmonize with your soul, or the intimate immediacy of the lo-fi production. In any case “Your Heart is the Purple Sage” is a refreshingly cathartic balm for the soul that feels just right, and it’s definitely worth a listen. Your Heart is the Purple Sage by Welks Mice

Space Cubs Unveil New Video For “Shelves”

September 13, 2018

Space Cubs, one of the Buffalo’s most buzzed about local bands, is back with a new configuration, new music, and a video for their latest single “Shelves” that is almost reassuringly excellent in it’s completeness. Conjuring sensations of early aughts Radiohead and the ethereal vibes of Sigur Ros but with Suzanne Bonifacio seemingly holding the universe together with her searchingly primal and haunting vocals, “Shelves” as a single would’ve been enough, but the video by the band and Jeanette Chwan takes it all to another level. Beautifully shot and edited, it’s a flawless synthesis of vibes and visuals, and there’s something tremendous about seeing Bonifacio really lean into the role of buzz band frontwoman, taking all that on, and connecting with audiences. Definitely keep an eye out for them, playing in and around town and dropping new music, and be sure to check out Chance Operations, Space Cub Shawn Lewis’s first gallery show[...]

Handsome Jack Bust Out New Video For “Keep On”

August 16, 2018

Soulful Lockport rockers Handsome Jack got the van ready for a national tour, but before they go they’ve dropped a clip for “Keep On” that’s a tribute to white vans, dreaming about breaking out of the hoosegow, and the beloved Mohawk. Directed by Nate Chateaux, “Keep On” is some glorious old school rock’n’roll tomfoolery, with a little cheap Elvis, zonked out Monkees, and Dukes Of Hazzard disregard for the law DNA genespliced onto the jam’s seriously dank guitar riffs, bluesy swagger, sweet southern harmonies, and Jamison Passuite’s hard living and gritty lead vocals. Like being in the Pink during daylight hours (people do conduct business there, you know), it’s more than a little weird seeing the Mohawk Place load in/load out alley lit by actual sunlight, to such an extent that I didn’t even recognize it until the video cuts inside to the Mohawk Place stage we all know for some live band footage and a[...]

SMUG Drops Music Video for “All Used Up”

July 3, 2018

Buffalo three-piece SMUG is fast, fun, and punk rock, clearly evidenced by their new music video for single “All Used Up.” As a band, SMUG embodies all of the rebellious cornerstones of pop-punk music – a DIY, fuck-you attitude bolstered by open-throated guitars and infectious vocal melodies. In true DIY fashion, “All Used Up” was shot entirely by themselves (and for themselves). The video finds the members of SMUG down on their luck – and whether that means getting beat up or just stepping in something smelly, the sentiment remains the same. All in all, its clear that SMUG had a good time with this one – check out the vid via the widget below. As always, if you like what you hear, be sure to swing by SMUG’s Bandcamp page to show them your support.

Humble Braggers Drop Lush New Single, “Reckless”

June 22, 2018

Buffalo’s resident synth-poppers Humble Braggers are gearing up for the release of their fourth EP, Cycle, with a phat new single. “Reckless” is another banger from Tom Burtless & co., anchored by an instantly memorable chorus, electronic drum samples, and lush layers of synth. “Reckless” is a not-so-subtle reminder of the high-quality song crafting that this quartet is capable of (and is a real earworm to boot) – give it a listen via the widget below or stream it on Spotify. Cycle is slated for release via Admirable Traits on 8/31 with an accompanying release show. Until then, be sure to pick up “Reckless” through iTunes.

*elijah Teams Up with OJ on New Single “thru it // ps. free lucky”

June 7, 2018

Homegrown in Buffalo’s fertile rap garden are artists *elijah and OJ who team up for the fresh new record, “thru it // ps. free lucky.” Collaborating since 2012, their latest offering carries the tranquility of a koi pond thanks to a buoyant production and ruminating raps from the dueling emcees. Both *elijah and OJ strike a perfect balance with flows that play off each other seamlessly as they tag each other in and out of the track. Check out this meditative and absorbing listen below and let it sink in as you sink into thought.

Dean Chatham Shares the Visuals for New Single “EL-P”

May 30, 2018

Buffalo’s resident emcee, Dean Chatham, comes to us with the video for his latest and greatest alt-rap track, “EL-P.” Titled after the celebrated producer and Run the Jewels rapper, this raw, lo-fi cut boasts a bumping technical beat that evolves and devolves like a Transformer. What starts off simplistic and jazzy deconstructs into a spirited musique concrète of electro glitches and technical difficulties that will surely pump some serotonin into your noggin. Tying it all together is Chatham’s stone cold flow that compacts deep, dizzying and multi-layered rhymes like a game of Tetris. At 23-years-old and having already shared the stage with Rae Sremmurd and the immortal Gucci Mane, keep an eye on this promising up-and-comer as he and his music continues to grow. Check out the video for “EL-P” below and jump over to Dean Chatham’s YouTube here and SoundCloud here for more videos and tracks.

Beekeeper Drops Video For “King Me”

May 25, 2018

Beekeeper, aka Elias Van Son has been cooking up a full length album with Brandon Schlia when he’s not playing with Jawbone that’s dropping today, and he’s dropped a terrific video for it’s lead single “King Me” to get us warmed up. Created by Shawn Eliot Lewis, of Lesionread infamy and currently a member of Space Cubs, it’s a glitch art masterpiece that coats Van Son’s vaguely sinister yet sweet lounge music with soothing, sexy butter. Treat yourself to a few minutes of audio visual bliss. You deserve it.

Dotsun Moon Drop New Single “Sin Nombre en 18”

May 11, 2018

With a new EP on the way Dotsun Moon are back with a smoldering new single in “Sin Nombre en 18” that’s a breathless and bilingual slab of electronic pop and well worth a listen. “Sin Nombre en 18,” or “Nameless In 18,” conjures both 60’s French pop with a decidedly non French twist thanks to Maria Sebastian’s sweet vocals and vaguely menacing British New Wave via Richard Flierl’s synths, guitar, and slick yet organic production that crafted vast spaces to be filled with sound. Give it a spin below and stay tuned for more music this year from Dotsun Moon. Sin Nombre en 18 by Dotsun Moon

Yellow House Drop Fuzzy New EP

April 12, 2018

Yellow House have been a buffaBLOG favorite since their 2016 debut. After a short period of inactivity, the self-proclaimed “overblown shoegaze” act is back, boasting the blend of shoegaze-meets-punk-meets-emo that we’ve all come to love and expect from them. Their latest offering is entitled III, a four-song EP that is as refreshingly simple as it is mysterious. III was recorded across two sessions across the spring and winter of 2017 and finds the duo chasing a more vocally driven mix than its predecessors… The songs explore themes of nostalgia, hopelessness, and existentialism, case-in-point, EP opener “Walking Away.” In a minute-and-a-half of fuzzed-out guitar riffs, drums, singer/songwriter Matt DiStasio sings about feeling empty-headed and unmotivated. Similar vibes can be found on EP closer, “On Sunday.” Beneath the crunchy tones and smart riffing, it’s clear DiStasio is battling the ennui of day-to-day drabness. EP highlight “Montana” is a bit more nuanced, bringing to[...]

YLXR Collabs with Teflon Sega & Drops the Track “Closure”

March 29, 2018

Rochester producer YLXR tag teams with Teflon Sega, an up-and-coming crooner in the fast lane, for the sensual electro-R&B track, “Closure.” Sega’s talents truly shine as he wallows in YLXR’s lonely, cloud surfing production with a serenading voice that’s vulnerable and emotionally striking, making for a heartbreaking listen you won’t get tired of hearing. Close your eyes and get lost in this tactile tune below. Check out more YLXR and Teflon Sega tracks on their SoundClouds here and here.

Deadwolf Drop “Cold Reception” B-Side

March 27, 2018

Local heavy psych rockers Deadwolf just dropped a “b-side” from their excellent 2017 Heavy Heart full length, and “Cold Reception” is as archetypal of what a b-side represents as you can get. Experimental and utterly unbound by restraint or convention, “Cold Reception” is bonkers and verging on prog, with constant time changes and left turns that recall late 60’s Syd Barrett/post Syd pre Meddle Pink Floyd by way of modern psych heroes The Flaming Lips and their preternatural gift for making your ears feel funny. You can check “Cold Reception” out below, but avoid operating heavy machinery until you’ve come out the other side… for all our sakes. Cold Reception by Deadwolf