Buffalo

Dean Chatham Drops Dean’s List 2

November 13, 2015

Eight months after the release of the original Dean’s List, Buffalo rapper Dean Chatham is back with the follow up record, Dean’s List 2: The Aftermath. The project is the first from the Black Sol member since he signed with Style Music Productions, and demonstrates the progression of Chatham as an artist over the last year. Chatham kicks off his scholastic follow up with the smooth opener “Kage,” in which the rapper projects his pride for the rise he’s seen as an artist recently. The original Dean’s List came when Chatham viewed himself as a student, while this project sees a more confident rapper showing off what he’s learned as he’s found his style. This theme of self -discovery and development continues on tracks like “Lucid Dreams,” where Chatham explores his introspective side. “Black Panda” is another substantive track in which Chatham discusses the positive state he’s currently in and how it relates with a darkened[...]

Cadaver Country Drops Debut EP

November 11, 2015

This week marks a new album for Cadaver Country, the freak-folk side project of Pine Fever member Jacob Verghese. The six track EP, titled Vain Brain, follows much in the same vein as the album’s first single (released earlier this year), and finds a unique balance between the endearing weirdo-isms of artists like Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel and the eclectic folk instrumentation of The Decemberists or The Bowerbirds. Tracks like “Divining Light” and “Good Morning, Morning” capitalize on homey Savannah back porch vibes, both with plucky banjo lines and inviting tambourine, the former capturing an interesting storytelling side a la Lord Huron. My favorite of the six tracks, “The Man With the Teeth,” finds Verghese at his most instrumentally articulate, particularly with his impressive banjo work, while lonely sighs of pump organ surface from the background. The whole EP, written, recorded, and produced by Verghese himself, is an[...]

Rich Slave’s J.Dot Drops New Video

November 6, 2015

Buffalo rapper ASlaveNamedDot (of Rich Slave) is continuing his string of dope singles with his newest video for “Outta State,” his final video of 2015. It’s been a busy year for Dot and the Rich Slave crew,  one in which he dropped no less than six videos as well as the August project Slave Talk.  “Outta State” is a feel good track hip hop track in the broadest terms. Playfully braggadocious and heavy on “ayy” ad-libs, “Outta State” is another charming song from Dot. His bars touch on Flava Flav watches, curvy girls, and second place bitches as the trumpet loops in and out on some chill, jazzy production. The video is shot by another rising Buffalo rapper in Don Scuzz. Give it a watch below and stay tuned for more from Dot in the future.

Hy-Fin Remixes and Mashes for Brandy

November 4, 2015

Buffalo producer Hy-Fin has been remixing and reworking some of hip hop’s best tracks from the last 15 years or so. At the tail end of October, Hy-Fin organized the tracks (for the most part originally posted on Soundcloud) into three different projects on Bandcamp, the largest of which being Brandy. The album’s opening track is composed of some wonderfully delicate piano, on top of which Hy-fin throws on the wonderfully delicate Drake and some of his vocals from early breakout single “Over.” Brandy moves forward with some more Young Money work, including more Drake and a chiller, more musical rework of Lil Wayne’s smash “A Milli.” Hy-Fin slides over to the ATL for a remix of Outkast’s “Rosa Parks.” Andre 3000’s vocals really drive this song, as Hy-fin stripped down the instrumental to let them shine. The instrumental also includes some DJ scratches in homage to the original beat. On “Without My Mind,”[...]

VWLS Shares Latest Album, Announces Tour

November 4, 2015

If you happened to be searching the “dumpstep” tag on bandcamp today, you may have stumbled upon the new release from Buffalo drone act VWLS, the moniker of artist Bobby Griffiths. Tournament and Cage is his latest collection of thought provoking, experimental noise, the follow up to his spring EP, Soft Block. With the new album in tow, Griffiths is set to take VWLS on a short tour of the Midwest starting tomorrow, along with fellow WNY acts God of Gaps and Deceiver, as well as Methlab Explosion out of Ohio. You can get the full tour itinerary below. November 5th: Pittsburgh, PA @ Duck House w/ Deterge, SNWV, APE * November 7th: Milwaukee, WI @ The Borg Ward w/ Temper, Subterranean Partygoer November 8th: Grand Rapids, MI TBA November 9th: Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary w/ Izfernor, Bullshit Market, Vullmoxx, Kearne, Hypnic Jerk, GRVD Nov 10th: Dayton, OH @ Smiles[...]

Fourem Releases New Single, “Newspaper Cape”

November 3, 2015

From the cosmic harp motif that sets off his latest track, “Newspaper Cape,” Buffalo producer Fourem makes his inclinations toward a deeper, pensive sound apparent. Bringing to mind artists like Flying Lotus and Bonobo, the musician born Chris Groves (Applennium) creates an atmospheric build before letting a relaxed groove carry the majority of the track. Merging elements of funk, hip hop, and electronica, Fourem brings in glitchy, experimental sounds among the soulful percussion and bass line to make for an immersive cut that introduces just enough ideas to stay engaging while avoiding becoming overstimulating. With an ability to work with a wide array of compelling sounds, Groves is the kind of artist that can consistently defy listener’s expectations. Listen/download “Newspaper Cape” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/230418645″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sixties Future Announces Debut EP, Shares Video for “Saint”

November 3, 2015

Fresh off performing a covers filled set at our Halloween party this past weekend at Mohawk Place, Buffalo’s buzzing rock revivalists Sixties Future have announced the release of its debut, self titled EP, set to drop on Admirable Traits Records on November 20th. Along with the album announcement, the five-piece has shared the music video’s for the EP’s lead single, the introspective heartland rocker “Saint.” Directed by the folks over at Highwatermark Films, the black and white clip captures the band performing as support for the Trews at Town Ballroom back in late September. Sixties Future will celebrate the release of the self-titled EP, which was recorded with Jay Zubricky at GCR, on Friday, November 20th at Nietzsche’s. Local support will be provided by Cooler and Aicraft, while Rochester’s Skirts will round out the bill. Further event details can be found here. The audio version is now available to download here,[...]

200 Kids Outside Drop New Vid Featuring Saint Opal

October 30, 2015

The last few months have seen a ton of collaborations between different crews and groups in the Buffalo hip hop scene. The theme continues on the latest song from the melodic rap duo 200 Kids Outside, who’ve dropped a new video featuring Saint Opal of the Black Sol  crew. Titled “It’s Lit,” the song is just that. 200 Kids producer Minel cooked up a wild beat, featuring some swirling retro synths and knocking drums for singer/rapper Neetchy to go to work over. He duets with Black Sol songstress Saint Opal pairs his chill electronic voice with her Rihanna-esque sound. Harmonies and expert vocal layering have always been a key component of the music from 200 Kids, and on “It’s Lit” is more of that great use with the addition of Opal’s powerful chops. The composition of the song is great as well, filled with vocal and instrumental breaks showing off the[...]

The Tins Share First Single from Love on Strike EP

October 27, 2015

Yesterday, Brooklyn Vegan premiered “Summer Jazz,” the first single from the Tins’ upcoming new EP Love on Strike. An appetizer to the 2016 kickstarter funded, Robby Takac produced full length, the EP was self recorded at the group’s studio apt in August, while the drums were laid down at Mammoth and mixing came courtesy of Ted Young (Kurt Vile, Hold Stready, Cymbals Eat Guitars). As for “Summer Jazz,” the single is a cut of growing, Tame Impala-esque pop infused with psychedelics and layered harmonies. While Love on Strike won’t be available until 11/13, the Tins will celebrate the record’s release on Saturday, November 7th, at Nietzsche’s. Support will be provided by bands from all over the state: Buffalo’s Humble Braggers, Rochester’s KOPPS, and Brooklyn’s Mdnight Hollow. Further event details can be found here. Listen to “Summer Jazz” below.

King Midas Releases “Go Get It” Video

October 27, 2015

Buffalo rapper and Loot Boys member King Midas brings vibrant charisma to his latest track “Go Get It,” featuring Mo Lotto and White Boy. The trio of MCs unleash fiery verses over a sinister instrumental from producer TWOCOLD that combined with an infectious hook is one of the most energetic local rap tracks in recent memory. The accompanying clip for the track follows the crew throughout the city and is complete with kaleidoscopic effects and effectively captures the artist’s overall raucous style. Watch “Go Get It” below.  

Watch Lesionread Perform Final “Art All Day” Set

October 24, 2015

Last night at the Tralf, Lesionread (aka Shawn/Sean Lewis/Louis) staged a triumphant return to BFLO opening for Neon Indian. The beat heavy and trippy set gradually drew in the crowd of LR neophytes, offering a tactile, almost punk experience all in the service of spreading the love and selling art.  By set’s end, the whole floor was jumping with joyful abandon, a fitting conclusion to Lewis’ “Art All Day” era. Check it out the set below, and for a full review of the show, click here.

Alleys Release New Live Session

October 20, 2015

Alleys are some of Buffalo’s most prominent twinkle daddies (aka emo dudes who utilize “sparkly,” tap-heavy guitar parts). Needles to say, the twinkle skill of groups’ members are demonstrated quite clearly in their new Chrome Session video, featuring footage that was captured at their show at Chrome Industries in Minneapolis. Mysterious guitarist Alex Ryan’s tapping is particularly hypnotizing, emphasized further by drummer Sebastian Cichon’s nimble drum work. Also, despite officially being a two piece, this video features the integral bass work of Tom Bryant. If you don’t have a full 28 minutes to spare, I recommend the particularly hooky song at 24:15 to start. Check out the riffage below.

Torrey Dudley Arrives with “Lost”

October 16, 2015

Torrey Dudley is a 17-year-old Buffalo rapper doing a great job experimenting with his sound. He’s released a variety of different songs including “Hell Bound,” an aggressive street anthem, and the sing-songy, calming “I Wonder.” His latest release “Lost” is a hazy, melancholic track about struggles with substance and worth. The song’s gradual piano line and the subtle echo on Torrey’s voice creates a druggy atmosphere that reinforces the young rapper’s subject matter. Torrey’s wordplay is beyond is years, playing on words and assonance in lines like “better pray to God that you got blessed,” and “feel like I’m moving in circles, making moves with a bunch of squares tryna move in my circle.” The track also closes with a beautiful guitar outro from Landon Barron. Despite the lyrical content of “Lost,” Torrey is sure finding his way as an artist. His melodic voice and ability to create atmospheres are an exciting[...]

Jawbone Releases Follow Up Record, 2

October 13, 2015

Jawbone, a dream team act of sorts featuring some of Steak and Cake’s regular players – Elias Van Son (Beekeeper), Ben Randall (the Etchings), Brandon Schlia (Red Heat, Rackmastas), and former Batavia native turned LA transplant Adam Steinbrenner – have re-teamed to release their follow up record to last year’s contribution to the label’s 2014 improv trilogy.  Recorded over a three hour writing/recording session at the S&C homebase of Curly’s, 2 is an impressive and very well flowing album, one that is especially remarkable given the record’s short turn around time. The lyrics were scavenged from old, unused poems written by Van Son, while the layered harmonies are provided by the Beekeeper front man, Schlia, Steinbrenner, and fellow S&C mainstay, Jaz Frazier. Creepy Clues-y keyboards, rugged early Saddle Creek instrumentation, and Paul Banks meets Aaron Weiss (mewithoutYOU) vocals, make 2 an album that you need to download immediately and cherish on your mobile devices. Check[...]

Jack Topht and TEENWOLF Release Timely Collab

October 13, 2015

#FeeltheBern fever has apparently hit Allentown’s most prolific wordsmith, Jack Topht. In honor of tonight’s Democratic debate, rap collaborators Topht and DJ TEENWOLF have teamed up yet again after working on various projects together over the past few years. This time around, the two have joined forces to drop the well timed track “bernie sanders terry p shit.” Much like in the past, Topht gains great inspiration from the political landscape (see “Free Gay Abortions,” “Liberal Elite,” “Go Back to Russia”), and continues to make witty observations in his signature comical style, while maintaining his status of most-amount-of-Buffalo-culture-dropper per track with references to Cafe Taza, Tim Horton’s, and First Niagara. No word on whether Sanders will enter the debate podium to the Topht/TEENWOLF jam, so just in case, listen below.