Buffalo

Father Glamor Drops New Album Bird Child

October 5, 2016

Bird Child, the debut album of Buffalo producer Father Glamor offers a wide array of emotive, synth-driven instrumentals that range from ambient to more pop leaning arrangements. The hook heavy “PFTRLN” leads the release off as a buoyant melody sits atop frenetic percussion. Beginning with a groove laden synth melody, “I Keep Hallucinating Bugs” builds to a mid tempo jam with an infectious, evolving rhythm. The latter portion of the album explores interesting synth textures as the producer delivers a notably cinematic synth atmosphere on tracks like “Expanse,” “Pit,” and “Forest Survey.” Whether by focusing on interesting textures or strong rhythmic elements, the tracks on Bird Child make for a thoughtful listen by way of the producer’s ability to create strong melodies consistently throughout the album. Listen to Bird Child below.

Telempathy Shares New Single “Carry Me Away”

September 28, 2016

Buffalo-based one-woman grunge revivalist, Telempathy is back with her first single off the forthcoming album, The Temple of Music. If you aren’t up on your local history, the Temple of Music is where President McKinley was shot at the Pan-American Exposition in 1901. Recorded at GCR Studios, “Carry Me Away” is a song about an angel with too weak of wings to fly eventually delves into some serious self-reflection. This track has some definite Nirvana influences with some Veruca Salt leanings.The Temple of Music is set for a yet to be determined 2017 release date. In the meantime keep an eye out for Telempathy and stream the track below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278462745″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mutual Friends Release New Single “Always Thinking of You”

September 13, 2016

What really defines “knowing” someone in 2016? Friends, friends of friends, that girl who messaged me, that guy who added me, social media has made this question trickier. There’s people we may communicate with face to face that feel like strangers and those we’ve never even met who feel like they’ve opened their whole world to us. Is this a true connection aided by technology or a simple respite from loneliness? Mutual Friends don’t have the answers to the questions, but they’re willing to play with these ideas. The band is new to the Buffalo music scene but was formed by some of it’s biggest heavy-hitters including Nelson-Type’s Kevin Scoma and the ever prolific, Bryan Johnson. Right out of the gate the band has been smart about their presentation, from their band name to their hazy debut single, “Instant Gratification,” which was accompanied by a promo shot that shortened it to[...]

HVNNIBVL Drops New Single

August 31, 2016

Twenty-year-old singer/producer and University at Buffalo student HVNNIBVL makes infectious dance music with pop-leaning vocals. Having released his maximalist track, “Lose,” for the heralded production collective Hegemon, the artist is set to debut his newest track, “Let Me.” Beginning with a straightforward pop style, HVNNIBVL includes vocal solos, euphoric, percussive breakdowns before winding down with a melodic outro that gives the listener an idea of the inclusive, genre-spanning production the artist favors. Listen to the track below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/280785457″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Super American Grows Up in New Video

August 31, 2016

One of our favorite pseudo pop bands, Super American, revealed yesterday their new single and video for “Sloppy Jazz.” The track is much what we have come to expect from lead singer Matt Cox’ holdings – literate story telling with a touch of “Wait, what? I don’t follow,” with a super hook. However, the band’s latest effort has distanced itself a  bit from the band’s earlier pop-punk leanings. There is much more of an alt-rock, indie pop vibe. Don’t worry, Super American still throws in their patented group chorus and duel vocals, which at this point they have seemed to master with the addition of Lovey’s Fred Cimatto and Pat Feeley. Shot by ex-All Blondes Go to Heaven drummer Andy DeLuca, the video cuts in and out of a high school dance-like photo opp all with a nineties tinge. “Sloppy Jazz” will be available for purchase on September 6th on Spotify and Apple[...]

Stress Dolls Release Debut Single

August 23, 2016

Stress Dolls is the new reincarnation of Buffalo band Wolf which sought a name change and new members. Lead singer Chelsea O’Donnell still fronts the group with her Ben Walsh-like yowl. The new band brandishes a fresh sound with dreamy guitar leads, solid drums and bass, and a traditional alternative/pop mix in the band’s debut single “Pills.” Stress Dolls echo groups like Tigers Jaw and Polar Bear Club. Kudos to Stress Dolls for writing a song about pills that focuses on their healing tendencies rather than their fun. The smart lyrics point out that atop medical troubles still sits your everyday crushing defeats and self-degradation that must be overcame. “But with those pills,” sings O’Donnell, “he’s found his way…” Put on your leather jackets, wear your hearts on your sleeves, and prepare for a straightforward powerhouse with a unique vocal twist. Listen to “Pills” below or purchase it here.

Governess – (Let Me Be Your) Governess

August 10, 2016

Have you ever partied so hard that you blacked out? If so, think of that last thing you remembered happening when you woke up the next day. Whatever that may be is what Governess sounds like. The bands’ debut album, (Let Me Be Your) Governess is a foul blast of fresh air to purify your poisoned hearts, and gleefully torch your saccharine souls. The concept of “rock n’ roll” has been twisted into so many different forms over the years but at the root of all the best kinds is attitude, energy, and some sort of lust, which this album is soaked in. You can’t fake this; sure you can try, but the kids always suss out the posers and this should pass any test you wanna throw at it. There are many influences heard on Governess’ debut (hard rock, 70’s sleaze, vintage punk, & a sprinkling of metal, in case[...]

Ugly Sun Releases Debut Single “Mock Me Out”

August 5, 2016

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Arctic Death frontman John Crook. Since the band’s split in mid 2011, the members have held tenure in an impressive run of great Buffalo bands, including, but not limited to: Nelson-Type, Crooks, and Father Baron. Ugly Sun is Crook’s new project, rounded out by longtime collaborators Trey Hollowood and Harrison Crook. The trio released their debut EP, Cherokee, earlier this month. Recorded with Jay Zubricky at GCR, their new single, “Mock Me Out,” is a sunny and articulate take on alternative rock. The song highlights Crook’s distinctive drawl and the band’s use of big, beautiful guitars and lush harmonies. Ugly Sun is sure to be a fixture in the local scene this fall. You might also be able to catch them on tour throughout October. Till then, you can stream “Mock Me Out” below via Soundcloud. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272590516″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Passed Out Share New Single Off Forthcoming EP

August 2, 2016

Passed Out is the aggressive hat that lead singer Andy Pothier wears when penning frustrated call-out anthems. The Buffalo-based songwriter has been an integral part of the area’s growing scene, regularly playing the circuit with his folk-y introspective solo jams as a singer/songwriter, as well as the percussionist for swamp buskers, Pine Fever and psych-rock act Deadwolf. Late last week, Passed Out dropped their new single “Winnipeg” off of their forthcoming EP, Infinite Regression. Immediately, “Winnipeg’s” intro is reminiscent of The Anniversary’s “Till We Earned a Holiday.” The track is all about a $20 hockey bet backed by an aggressive Japandroids-esque hyper abrasive backing. Fans of Bright Eyes and Desaparecidos will enjoy the vocal style and arrangement on this one. The band describe themselves as “very sad, then happy, then very sad again” and they definitely follow that formula with “Winnipeg.” Keep Passed Out on your radar for their release show on Thursday, August 18th[...]

Head North Releases New Music Video for “God (Bring It Back)”

July 29, 2016

Buffalo cosmic rockers Head North are back with a new video for their quasi-folk song, “God (Bring It Back).” The song seems like a true departure from their previous efforts, with frontman Brent J. Martone’s classic emo slur serving as a lone reminder of what the band once was. This time around, “God (Bring It Back)” is heavy on acoustic guitar, vocal hooks, and drummer Ben Lieber’s impressive rhythmic backbone. The band is due to release their next album, The Last Living Man Alive Ever In The History Of The World, later this summer. Check out the impressive choreography in the video below – master Buffalo videographer Andy Deluca had his hand in this one.

Alpha Hopper Teases Tracks from Last Chance Power Drive

July 26, 2016

It’s impossible to put Alpha Hopper in a box, and their song “Western Walk” off their upcoming album Last Chance Power Drive is no exception. It starts off sounding like a straightforward post-punk song, in the vein of your favorite band on a Killed by Death or Bloodstains Across compilation. The one you always put on mix tapes and hope your friends ask you “Who is that band and where did you find them?” That all changes when the second guitar comes in. That’s when you get a taste of their psych-rock influence which fuses with their punk sound and builds up to the end and leaves you wanting more. Which is why this song, at nine seconds short of two minutes, is the perfect length. It gives you a good taste, but when it’s over you just want to hear what’s next. Luckily we don’t have to wait much[...]

Sparklebomb Releases New Batch of Spooky Singles

July 22, 2016

Spooky synth queen, Sparklebomb, has released a new batch of brooding ambient tracks. The Buffalo-transplant / Syracuse native, Angie Conte has been performing under the moniker for close to seven years, perfecting her atmospheric and dismal sound. As per the songwriter’s repertoire, the intro to “Right Along with Me” leads into the dialogue of an old-time audio of Murder Castle, a drama inspired by serial killer / madman, H.H. Holmes. The dialogue is spliced over ominous organs, eventually introducing a drum machine. The muffled interaction drops,  leaving almost mesmerizing synth loop meanwhile building your anxiety for something to happen, which is a tease because the track fades out much like how it faded in. If there ever was a musician to score a horror film, it would be Sparklebomb. Check out “Right Along with Me” below and explore the ‘bomb’s discography here.   [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273362364″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Super American Releases New Lyric Video for “Congratulations”

July 8, 2016

The hyper-literate pop-punkers in Super American are at it again, this time with their new song “Congratulations.” By now, you probably recognize enigmatic frontman Matt Cox (ex-ringleader for other Buffalo favorites I Can See Mountains and Thick Winter Blud), who specializes in penning irresistibly upbeat emo anthems. You might also recognize the new addition of two members of ex-Buffalo expats Lovey. “Congratulations” reflects the influence of Super American’s new lineup – Cox joins the rest of his band for a surprisingly still sit down despite the group’s knack for fun, polished post-internet rock. “Congratulations” is below for your viewing pleasure. Photo and video credit: Andy DeLuca

Andy Pothier Releases Folk EP

July 7, 2016

It is known Buffalo is teeming with talented musicians. There are but a handful of those musicians whose relentless dedication to their craft leads them to explore multiple genre avenues at the same time, trading spare time for practice hours and rehearsal sessions, earning accolades for some of the hardest working musicians in Buffalo. Andy Pothier is one of those musicians. Maintaining roles in an Americana folk band, a psychedelic band, and fronting his own frenetic punk outfit, all while steadily putting out material from his acoustic solo project, Pothier lives right up to that aforementioned accolade. His latest effort, Keep Him On Your Mind, hits us from his most vulnerable but also his most comfortable outfit—the solo acoustic Pothier that many know and love. It is from this project which most of his sonic offerings pour, and KHOYM finds solace in that formula, a fleeting EP of delicate and[...]

Holland Purchase Releases Debut Single

July 1, 2016

Kevin Stuitje (of Tomoreaux fame) has just released a new single under the moniker Holland Purchase. His debut single, “Five Years” is sad, guitar rock about the realities of navigating relationships while also dealing with depression. The track has undeniable emo flavor (the good, passionate kind) while also nodding towards Tomoreaux’s ambient tendencies. “Five Years” both highlights and distorts Stuitje’s shoegaze-esque vocals that range from a quiet hum to passionate screams. Fun fact: Cody Morse (of Buffalo band Deadwolf) recorded the track, which also features Tom Burtless (Humble Braggers) on drums and Nate Ward on bass. Head over to Holland Purchase’s Bandcamp page – you can snag “Five Years” for a very affordable “pay what you want” rate.