Buffalo

Into The Wake Release Dark, Three-Song EP

February 21, 2018

Into The Wake has been through a lot… For them, 2017 was a year of many shows (solo and otherwise), but an equal amount of loss and frustration. They soldiered on through a member change and still managed to hit the studio with Jay Zubricky at GCR this past autumn… Now standing strong as a solid quartet, the band is moving forward as always, having just released a three-song EP called Listening Through Silence. On Listening Through Silence, the band has honed their biting, political approach into something more emotional and nuanced. Into The Wake has polished many of their rough edges here – their songs are flush with lead guitar, and layered thick with shimmer and ambiance. There now exists a palpable darkness to their hard rock/heavy-emo songwriting – think somewhere between A Perfect Circle and Thrice. On lead single “The Note,” the band trades anger and guttural screams for tasteful[...]

Buffalo Trio Ghostpool Releases Debut EP

February 13, 2018

Pop-punk refuses to die, and it probably never will… Mostly because of bands like Ghostpool, a Buffalo-based three piece whose m.o. is crunchy guitars and hooks aplenty. Their debut EP, There is a Hole at the Center of Everything, is a five song offering chock full of catchy pop-punk tunes, set off by emo-esque vocals about longing, self-hatred, and growing up. Fans of Alkaline Trio, Green Day, The Menzingers should give this one a listen. “Nightmare Eyes” kicks things off perfectly with a simple chord progression, backed by a catchy lead guitar riff, and distant vocal ooohs. Ghostpool is at their most nuanced here, channeling bands like The Hotelier through unique progressions and dynamic changes. Songs like “Dropout” and “Humanoid” are more Green Day/Alk3 oriented, pairing spitfire guitar work with big, irresistible vocal melodies. It’s worth mentioning that Ghostpool has a knack for writing big pop hooks… They just happen to be wrapped up in a gritty punk[...]

Marigold Releases Fresh Acoustic Take on Debut EP

February 8, 2018

Early last year, Marigold (aka Benjamin Lieber) put out an EP packed with shimmery, dreamy emo-pop called Counterfeit Art. Full of fully fleshed-out songs, the EP was almost entirely written and performed by Lieber (with a little help from bassist Alexander Matos) at GCR Studios with Jay Zubricky. As any determined solo artist will tell you, it’s tough to acquire and keep a full band going… So Marigold is now predominantly an acoustic act. His latest EP, aptly titled Counterfeit Art (Reprise), embraces his newfound approach with a fresh acoustic take on five of the songs from Counterfeit Art. “Foothold (Reprise)” is a gentler take on the driven emo rock of the original “Foothold.” Lieber’s debut EP was reminiscent of the new wave of emo dream rockers like Turnover or Citizen… But “Foothold (Reprise)” is a good introduction to Marigold’s impressive range. Here, he trades a full drum kit and distortion pedals for shakers and acoustic[...]

Post Prom Releases Debut Music Video for “Cyclical”

January 18, 2018

Newly-minted Buffalo quartet Post Prom just released a music video for their debut single, “Cyclical.” The video features a cameo from fellow Buffalonian Elliott Douglas (who you may recognize from MAGS), and is a simple but poignant demonstration of how one’s day-to-day life might begin to seem, well, “cyclical.” Most importantly, “Cyclical” is a great introduction to Post Prom’s cathartic blend of pop-punk and emo, combining a unique 3/4 time signature with heartfelt vocal harmonies and twangy guitars. If you like what you hear, “Cyclical” is available on Bandcamp for free.

Alleys Release Farewell EP, Sliver of Great

January 9, 2018

Buffalo trio Alleys are in a strange place, figuratively speaking of course. Drummer/vocalist Sebastian Cichon recently moved about as far across the country as possible… About 3,000 miles to be exact. But mere distance couldn’t stop Alleys from releasing their latest and final(?) offering, a four-song EP titled Sliver of Great, recorded at GCR studios with Jay Zubricky. If you aren’t familiar with Alleys, they’ve perfected the art of mathy pop-punk with tinges of emo, twinkle, skramz, and any other sub-genre you might be able to think of. Opening track “Strange Things Are Afoot At The Circle K” is a wonderful waltz that highlights Alleys’ strong attention to syncopation. At just over two minutes in length, the song presents as one long crescendo, exploding into a fuzzed-out ending, supplemented perfectly by a disgustingly dirty bass tone. “Have Fun Being Married to Satan” is another two minute banger that finds Alleys exploring a more upbeat sound, pairing spitfire vocals with an[...]

Ugly Sun Drops Fresh Single “LITTLE SISTER”

December 21, 2017

In time for your holiday shenanigans, local garage punks Ugly Sun have graced us with a new single by the name of “LITTLE SISTER” and an accompanying lyric video that’s funny and trippy as all hell. A skull crushing ode to making time with somebody’s little sister (probably yours), there’s something eternal and timeless within Trey Hollowood’s punk riffs, Harrison Crook’s galloping backbeat, and John Crook’s yearning howl, and “I want to be the space in between” is just a killer lyric. Rudy Scheider’s lyric video is a psychedelic treat of lo-fi video effects, ridiculous detours, including some vaporwave and a cameo by a very sad Joe (Made Violent) White, and distortions that will remind some of trying to watch the Playboy Channel on the sly unsuccessfully with an old cable box. The fellas in Ugly Sun always seem to be up to no good, and I love them for it. Enjoy.

Cooler Release Single off Buried

December 20, 2017

Emotive Buffalo trio Cooler packs a lot of punch in the fleeting yet effective  “Buried,” a touchstone for the confident avoidance of life’s burdensome trials and tribulations. The lyrics point to a mind overpacked with anxiety brought on by a grueling, task-filled day ahead. The narrative fastens itself to the desire for a simple alternative capable of upending such a mindstate, its chorus announcing the line “I wanna spend my day buried in your sweater.” With cool assertiveness and distortion-laced power chords abounding, “Buried” harkens back to Exile in Guyville-era Liz Phair. A high spot of the track is its simmering down into an acoustic bit shortly after the two-minute mark, which is rejoined by surrounding instruments in a seamless flash. Cooler’s brand new EP, on which “Buried” will appear, is due out January 12th through Admirable Traits Records.

First Ward Drop Video For “Speck Of Dust”

December 14, 2017

Zak Ward’s current band First Ward has a new drummer and a new video for “Speck Of Dust” that suggests the future is bright for these veteran musicians. With Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame member Jeff Schaller (Here Come The Comets, Black Rock Zydeco, Soul Patch) on drums, sweet vocals that call to mind Squeeze’s Paul Carrack and Caleb Followill from KOL before it all went wrong, and a lyric video that’s a gentle BFLO take on that classic Dylan video, “Speck Of Dust” is further proof that while rock is allegedly dead, there’s definitely a rock revival going on with a bunch of bands defiantly keeping the flame alive at the local level here in Western New York. You can catch First Ward this Saturday at the Tudor Lounge with Bold Folly and Soul Butchers and December 29th at the Town Ballroom opening for The Trews.

Carmen & Lizzy Release Folksy New Single “Runnin’ Away”

December 13, 2017

We’re excited to spotlight acoustic duo Carmen & Lizzy, who have been making lots of waves in the WNY music scene as of late. C&L (more specifically cousins Carmen O’Keefe and Lizzy Bassler) specialize in crafting a gentle brand of acoustic folk, reminiscent of acts like The Staves, Nickel Creek, or HAIM. We’re jazzed on their latest offering, “Runnin’ Away,” which features an emotion-filled guitar line and lush harmonies sure to warm even the coldest of hearts. Where Are We Now? is out now via Nonexistant Records. If you like what you hear, head over to Bandcamp for a digital download.

Passed Out – The Aforementioned and How It Pertains to Absolutely Nothing…

December 8, 2017

The Aforementioned and How It Pertains to Absolutely Nothing…, the new 18-minute album from Buffalo indie punk quintet Passed Out, is a no-holds-barred effort laced with fast-paced rhythms and clever turns of phrase. The opener, “Bukowski and Brautigan” is a single minute in length, but it should manage to touch any listener lyrically or at least make them jitter around the room. It’s carried into the next tune, a more subdued track, by way of feedback. This one, entitled “…and in Doing So” is a clever song speaking of a relationship under the guise of an endless, extremely cold winter. “Aimless Endeavor” is another less turbulent song, save for a brief guitar solo and the last 30 seconds, which consists of heavy blows of instruments and vocals. “Summer Thing” shows traces of both The Cure and The Clash in its tough exterior but vulnerable core, as thinly veiled jabs are[...]

The Eaves Drop First Single and Video

November 28, 2017

Sixties Future was a band much beloved here at the buffaBLOG from that Herd Fest show at the Mohawk when the melted the faces off a few staff writers, myself included. Chris Couche’s Matt Berninger meets Bruce Springsteen vocals and mythic frontman stage presence, coupled with the band’s retro edged hard driving Americana rock made believers of us, and from that point forward their every song or show received passionate attention. After a few years growing in strength in the rock revivalist corner of the local scene, when word went out that the band was calling it quits there was definitely some sadness. Everything just felt right about Sixties Future, but maybe it wasn’t to be. But earlier this summer there was word on the street that the band was resurfacing  under the moniker The Eaves, but nothing materialized until last week when they released “Feel Better,” their debut single and a music video[...]

Nylon Otters Reveals New Singles

November 21, 2017

The Nylon Otters emulate a bit of Nevermind-era Nirvana on their debut studio single, “Pollenblonde,” a bouncing and rhythmic track comprised of fuzzy guitars, monotone vocals and repeating avant-garde lyrics (“It feels great, Pollenblonde / ‘Aint it a strange thing we’re on? / It’s just fake, all in all / But it’s okay really, I don’t mind / I’m not mad,” Logan Ross sings during the chorus) set atop a bed of raw production, which suits this track perfectly. The band amps things up a bit on b-side “Loose Ends,” a rollicking tune that introduces a bit of driving Americana into the mix. All in all, “Pollenblonde” and “Loose Ends” do not ever comprise a total of five minutes, so there’s not really much excuse for you to not at check them out. Pollenblonde by Nylon OttersWritten by Brian Campbell

Hundred Plus Club Drop Music Video for “Cooler”

November 21, 2017

Buffalo indie rock act Hundred Plus Club have dropped a new visual for “Cooler,” the latest single off their upcoming EP Everybody’s Friend, a video that manages to capture the band’s true lo-fi essence. Nestled between a giant projection screen and projector, the band churns out their latest indie rock entry as a myriad of hazy colors, including plenty of blues and reds, and shapes dance across their faces. Angular guitars and cymbal crashes swell and build to a satisfying crescendo as the video fades out with the band’s name and song title flashed across the screen in a familial 80’s graphic font. The new clip was shot by James Carriero, directed by drummer Burak Spoth and co-directed by singer Zain Shirazi. Everybody’s Friend, Hundred Plus Club’s sophomore EP and first since 2016’s For You, will be released November 24 via Admirable Traits Records. In honor of the album’s release,[...]

Rust Belt Brigade Release Spin on “Low Bridge (Erie Canal)”

November 16, 2017

Buffalo’s own Rust Belt Brigade have released a new single from their forthcoming release Rhythm & Roll. This track is their take on the classic regional folk tune “Low Bridge (Erie Canal),” a song familiar to many of those who’ve attended grade school in western New York. Originally a folk-punk duo, Rust Belt Brigade is shifting its sound slightly, blending in new influences from the world of bluegrass roots. The band now includes a bassist and a banjo player, while this song features local violinist Sally Schaefer. The music is as rustic and lilting as you’d expect from a classic folk group, while still maintaining the group punk side. Lead singer Victor Castillo’s raspy, half-shout voice gives this centuries old dirge a new anthemic edginess. Rhythm & Roll is set for release on December 16th, with a release show happening on December 2nd at Nietzsche’s. In the meantime, check out Rust Belt Brigade’s[...]

Nothing Casual – Blank Slate EP

November 2, 2017

Funktastic guitar licks and striking solos quarterback “Breakdown,” the opening salvo of Nothing Casual’s Blank Slate, the band’s first release since rebranding themselves (they were formerly known as White Shade). Thankfully for Nothing Casual, the guitar work helps mask the rather off-putting vocals of Matt Sacha, whose unique delivery sounds just out of place here. Blank Slate manages to recover rather quickly from its auspicious start on the following “394,” as Sacha’s mellow tones gel perfectly with the track’s indie pop sensibilities. Zach Moore’s howling guitars again work to pace “394,” as the band’s penchant for lush melody gets put on display. The closing “What a Shame” follows suit, with Sacha’s sleepy aesthetic perfectly complimenting Moore’s wailing riffs. The guitar-driven bridge during the song’s latter stages is a highlight. The EP is raw and messy at times, but Nothing Casual do a yeoman’s job in clicking at the right times[...]