Buffalo

Rat v Cat v Bat Release Improvisational EP

March 14, 2017

Brandon Schlia just may be one of the hardest working people in the Buffalo music scene right now. It seems every few weeks he is releasing new music from a new project on his imprint Steak & Cake Records and this month is no different. Schlia with his cohorts Derick Evans and Nick Randall released Dress Rehearsal under the name of Rat v Cat v Bat. Dress Rehearsal is an all instrumental improvisational record that mixes elements of jazz and funk as well as rock. According to Schlia, Rat v Cat v Bat “came out of watching Donny McCaslin’s band and wanting to tap that musical space.” Schlia also sees the project as being “a personal challenge for him.” Listeners shouldn’t get too attached to the songs on Dress Rehearsal however, because Schlia is serious when he means Rat v Cat v Bat is completely improvisational, meaning that the songs on the four song release will never be replayed or recreated. “They won’t[...]

Roger Bryan and the Orphans Drop New Single “WhyLife”

March 1, 2017

Buffalo americana act, Roger Byran and the Orphans, are back with their first new recording since 2014. Coming back from their break, the band just dropped a super catchy new track, titled “WhyLife.” While there’s no drastic changes sonically from their past releases, they remind us that they are still capable of writing an insanely catchy song. Bouncy and driving, the track is a perfect example of what Roger Bryan and the Orphans are all about. According to the band’s bandcamp, this version of “Whylife” is different compared to what will appear on an upcoming release, presumably out later this year. If you’re into alternative / americana acts like Ryan Adams or The Replacements, do yourself a favor and check out the track below.

Tr38cho – “Big Twinkie”

February 27, 2017

Buffalo’s Tr38cho (Tre Ocho) needs just one verse to make waves on his single “Big Twinkie.” Taking influence from legendary lyricist Eyedea, Ocho fits in punchlines and commentary into the minute and a half track, with statements like “I’m from the part of the city they aren’t trying to gentrify.” The instrumental has a grimy 90s NYC feel to it, and the Ghostbusters Twinkie scene leads in and out of the song. Give it a listen below.

Bryan Johnson and Family Return with New Single

February 22, 2017

Local surf rockers, Bryan Johnson and Family, returned earlierr this month with a new reverbed-out single “Next Wave.”  On the Fam’s new single, the guitar is a wonderful blend of janglyness and smoothness. The bass thuds along joyfully while the hi-hat swarms about your head like a feather-down pillow. The xylophone-esque lead does the song well – it adds to the Hawaiian feels. “Next Wave” is a welcome return from the Buffalo staples. Check it out.

Short Moscato – “Whisper (Disappear)”

February 21, 2017

Buffalo rapper Short Moscato is a proven wordsmith that also comes through with thematic songs and projects on the regular. His latest track “Whisper” discusses his methods of escape from his insecurities and beyond. The voice of John Lennon talks of the transcendental powers of meditation, and Moscato follows him up by delving into his own explorations. He delivers just one titular verse, allowing for Lennon and medasin’s production to frame his messages. Medasin’s light-yet-abrasive outro captures the flux of Moscato’s deliverance, and wraps up a tight track. “Whisper” is the first single off of Moscato’s commercial debut The Colour of Air, due out March 17th.

Mega Powers – “Hit the Streets”

February 20, 2017

Buffalo’s Mega Powers is the tandem of emcee Ideal and producer Jacebeats. Their name calls to the legendary wrestling duo of Hulk Hogan and the Macho Man Randy Savage and they’ve got the talent to back it up. “Hit the Streets” is an idealist boom bap single with a call to action to take things back to the people. Ideal’s bars promote independent thinking and living in the moment, while Jace’s joyful production features show-stealing vocal samples and horns. The “Hit the Streets” music video continues the throwback vibes  as Ideal takes center stage while Jace stunts stoically in the background. “Hit the Streets” is the debut single for the Mega Powers’ much-anticipated upcoming album 0 = 1. Press play below.

Eli2ah Releases Debut Single “Bamaphones”

February 17, 2017

Buffalo MC Eli2ah delivers an impassioned verse over a sinister instrumental on the first track released from his debut EP, Galore. “Bamaphones,” produced by Derek Sullivan, also features verses from Leemsworld and OJ who use their agile flows to hover atop menacing 808’s and hi hat rolls. Asking “make who great again?” and wishing for a third Obama term, the track, while not overtly political, feels like a powerful reaction to the current establishment’s attitudes towards the young and disenfranchised. Eli2ah’s Galore EP is expected to drop this spring. Listen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305848991″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rap & Destroy Drop Video For “R. Kelly’s Heel”

February 15, 2017

Buffalo’s got a new crew exploring the frontiers of hip hop and punk by the name of Rap & Destroy and they’ve dropped a video for their jam “R. Kelly’s Heel” that could be a game changer. Uniting local MC’s Tr38cho, Ideal, OLMEC, and MC/producer sparKmatiK, Rap & Destroy has both flow and grit, and an understated flavor that brings the big beats along with sweet lo-fi grooviness in manner reminiscent of the late 80’s and early 90’s… halcyon days when skatepunks skated to punk and hip hop.  There’s a full length debut LP on the way from Dead Trash Mob Records so stay tuned for more from these cats, and in the meantime enjoy this suitably gritty video for “R. Kelly’s Heel.”

Bedroom Folk Musician Alex Radice Releases Brooding Debut Single

February 9, 2017

Mysterious Williamsville native Alex Radice knows a thing or two about anxiety, a topic he covers in his debut single, “Am I Hollow.” Radice laments over his anxiety’s hold on his long-lost emotions, questioning himself with “Is anyone there?” In reality, Radice’s use of his longing baritone voice and gentle ambient instrumentals has resulted in a beautiful and catchy song reminiscent of Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, and Volcano Choir. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304696910″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Deadwolf Achieve Liftoff On Latest Single “Half A Man”

February 8, 2017

“Half A Man,” the latest single from Buffalo psych rockers, blew my mind straight up. If you haven’t already gotten this towering, epic jam into your ears, you really need to do so immediately. Anchored by drums that conjure seventies Genesis, spaced out, Drozdesque guitars, and glorious California folk rock vocal harmonies, “Half A Man” achieves celestial liftoff  and doesn’t come back, opting for sweet electronic oblivion instead. It’s B-side “To The Garden” is six minutes of nimble, psychedelic garage rock that simultaneously reminds me of Talking Heads and The Beach Boys and the American songbook these dudes are joyfully shredding on. Please check them out below and Deadwolf’s Bandcamp page for more goodness.

Humble Braggers Reveal New Single

February 3, 2017

Humble Braggers are diving head first into 2017, announcing earlier this week the Buffalo-based trio will be releasing their first full length album I Know Better, I’m No Better on March 10th. Along with the album announcement, the band dropped the lead single off of the album “Weight,” an M83-y sprawling indie pop song with lyrics about dealing wth anxiety and overcoming that feeling. As we’ve come to expect from the band, “Weight” is a big sound banger. Humble Braggers will be celebrating their release on Friday, March 10th with support from touring UK indie-pop act Chad Valley, local baroquers dreambeaches, and the first performance of ex-Sleepy Haha’s frontman Pat Butler’s new project, Bottler. Put ht at in your calendar and in the meantime check out “Weight” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305311389″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Photo by Krit Upra

Telempathy Releases Grungy New Single, “Dream Life”

February 2, 2017

Buffalo solo act Telempathy recently released her second single, a grungy tune she calls “Dream Life.” She recently spent some time at GCR with Jay Zubricky recording her latest effort, an EP titled Temple of Music. We dig Telempathy’s use of fuzzed-out, straightforward guitar riffs combined with catchy female vocals. Fans of Field Mouse, Tancred, or Hop Along should listen to this immediately. Temple of Music is due out on February 28th. Till then, Telempathy is on Instagram too – give her a follow. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304216373″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

M.A.G.S. Debuts New Side Project, KIN

February 2, 2017

Elliot (M.A.G.S.) Douglas is back with a rather exciting new project that’s been something very much missing from the Buffalo music scene up until now. Over the last decade indie music has seen an entire sub genre rise up of boy/girl bands: Beach House, Purity Ring, Sleigh Bells, Civil Wars (defunct), Best Coast, Phantogram, etc etc… a genre noticeably absent from these parts until KIN. Composed of Douglas and his wife Julia Douglas, KIN goes one better and gives us the husband/wife duo (ala Tennis or The Carpenters) we’ve been waiting for, kicking TV On The Radio styled surf rock jams that feel good in all the right ways. Check out KIN below and stay tuned for more from Mr. and Mrs. Douglas.

Mutual Friends Release Video for “Instant Gratification”

February 1, 2017

Buffalo synth-pop quartet Mutual Friends debuted a new music video today for “Instant Gratification.” Directed by Nolan Whipple, the video has a calm, introspective nature that parallels “Instant Gratification’s” longing, low-key vibes. Frontman Kevin Scoma’s impressive acting debut had us feeling nostalgic as we watched him travel longingly throughout some notable Buffalo-based scenery. Check it out via the widget below. If you’re digging “Instant Gratification,” be sure to swing by Bandcamp and download it.

Close Ties Release Bedroom Pop Debut

January 31, 2017

Close Ties is a pretty unique act within the Buffalo music scene.  Their five song EP, titled “Nothing really shocks me anymore.,” dropped earlier this month and is an impressive debut to the scene. The EP was written and recorded by Matt Walker in his basement with vocalist Natalie Colucci, later to be mixed and mastered by Buffalo uberproducer Jay Zubricky at GCR Audio. “Nothing really shocks me anymore.,”  as a whole is reminiscent of modern pop punk / emo-tinged acts like Tigers Jaw, Adventures, and especially The Front Bottoms, notably on the single, “Church in the Morning.”  This standout track showcases Colucci’s immense talent for lyrics and telling a story. “Church in the Morning” is all about staying in on a Saturday night because of a family commitment the next day that you aren’t super pumped about. The duo utilizes overtly personal lyrics and while driving acoustic guitar builds up into a climax where bouncy[...]