Buffalo

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.

Blobs Release Latest Tape, Shame

October 8, 2015

Last week, local DIY cassette label More Power Tapes dropped its latest release, Shame, by local group Blobs, just months after sharing its early demo. Simply put, both of these tapes are great examples of punk jammers that don’t take themselves too seriously and are incredibly fun to listen to. On Shame, singer Amelia Martin’s hectic vocals seem to hold a bigger role in the mix in the recording, and with a great effect. Her wailed vocals paired with the crazy riffs lead to feelings of absolute and joyous insanity.  Shame is proof that a little bit of surf influence, a little bit of horns, and just the right amount of accessibility can go a long way. Be sure to check out the official tape release show with the Utah Jazz at the Bird House (ask a punk) this Friday. Shame by Blobs

Sleepy Hahas – Fall 2015 Tour Video Log (Part 3)

October 7, 2015

No Sleepy Hahas tour would be complete without some type of catastrophic van breakdown. We played a fantastic show for the grand opening of The Gateway in Brooklyn, then went to DC and played Libertine (where we had a minor van incident), and then played Philly at Ortlieb’s, where we suffered three breakdowns all related to a dead alternator, which we quickly got replaced. We’re back on the road and cruising, and happy to bring you our third tour update. – Pat Butler (vocals/guitars) Photo by Ohnomoon

Misconstruity Preps Comeback Album

October 7, 2015

Misconstruity were one Buffalo’s premiere post-hardcore/emo bands of the early 2000s, having opened for the likes of Brand New, Coheed and Cambria, The Weakerthans, and many more. After almost a decade of inactivity (band members have since gone on to play in Wooden Waves and Atlanta Falcons, among others), the band reunited in late 2013 and has been gradually recording its newest offering chè vuoi? with longtime pal and contributor Jay Zubricky. Misconstruity also sprung for the Paul Leavitt treatment (Yellowcard, Pentimento, The Dangerous Summer). So far, we’ve only been treated to two of the new tracks from chè vuoi?. Check out one of the new jams below. RIYL: Jimmy Eat World, American Football, Early Foo Fighters.  

Newish Star Shares You Missed Everything Pt. 1

October 6, 2015

Well, they’ve done it again, and it doesn’t even really come as much of a surprise anymore. Coming as their THIRD release this year, local lo-fi punk/indie act Newish Star has announced another new full length, titled You Missed Everything, and put the first half up on bandcamp this past Sunday. It also comes as no surprise that this clocks in at less than 10 minutes. At this point, one would guess that at three releases in just this year, the trio’s material may begin to become stale, but that is not the case. On the first half of You Missed Everything, it’s clear that Newish Star is showing no signs of slowing down, presenting some of their hardest hitting, down to earth, and catchiest tracks yet. The band’s punk influences show in moments like the ripping drum tracks on “Pinball / Dirty Pool” and the short but sweet “Cream,”[...]

The Slums Share First Installment of #Slumdays

October 5, 2015

It’s rare that a band stays active during a long hiatus from playing live shows, but the tail end of 2015 appears to be a busy one for the Slums. While gearing up for its Quiet Country Audio session at the end of October, the Buffalo post-hardcore four piece premiered a new month long video series yesterday called #Slumdays just as most of Buffalo shook its head at the Bills. Every Sunday this month, the quartet will drop a new clip, all shot by band photographer/videographer Corey Harris, and for the first installment, the Slums shared the video for “Son,” a previously unreleased cut filmed at a recent live performance. The band has also hinted that a new album will be released before the calendar turns, and along with the upcoming QCA session, the Slums appear ready to end the year on a strong note. Keep an on the band’s facebook[...]

Today: Buffalo Porchfest

October 3, 2015

Now that the hubbub from the Gates Circle hospital implosion (and all of the Facebook group notifications about it) is over, you can ready yourself for a musical explosion of sorts. This afternoon marks the 5th installment of the beloved bi-annual Porchfest music showcase and celebration, which is exactly what it sounds like. Around 52 bands are scheduled to play porch-side at various locations in the Elmwood Village this year. This includes bands like The Tins, Wolf, City Under Seige, Bagel Jesus, Wood Bois, and dozens more. Not only is this a great excuse to wander around, it’s an event that highlights both the variety of talent our music scene fosters and how rad the Buffalo community is for pulling something of this nature together in such an organized way. We rule. The whole fest starts around 1:00pm and you can view official times and schedules here or at http://buffaloporchfest.org/.[...]

ASlaveNamedDot & Don Scuzz Drop “Sixes” Video

October 2, 2015

Buffalo rapper ASlaveNamedDot dropped a video for the single “Sixes” following the August release of his mixtape, #SlaveTalk. “Sixes,” a project highlight featuring Hooligan rapper Don Scuzz, is a great mesh of smokey chill vibes building to up to some hyped rapping. Dot leads the track off with a great verse that show off the Rich $lave crewman’s versatility behind the mic. Alternating his flows throughout, Dot gets into some clever rhyme schemes right away with a play on words involving Allah and his music. Dot goes on to talk on whipping, women, and ambition on a verse that hits everything. Don Scuzz’s baritone voice on a killer hook gives off the presence of something between Nate Dogg and Chief Keef. Scuzz goes on to deliver fire on the closing verse, coupling flow with bars on lines like “If they Facebooking thuggin’, Imma block that bitch, hoe’s on my shoulders, I[...]

Sleepy Hahas – Fall 2015 Tour Video Log (Part 2)

October 2, 2015

As you can tell from this video, all we really care about right now is that Drunk Phil just gave himself just about the greatest mustache we’ve ever seen. In regards to the tour… Oh yeah that… Part 2 deals with the New England shows we’ve played on 9/28 in Boston, 9/29 in Providence, and 9/30 in New Haven. We played with two of our very favorite Northeastern bands, Milk from Boston and All Riot from New Haven. We also spent a ton of time cooking at Kevin’s dads house in Boston, as you will see a ton of. – Pat Butler (vocals/guitar)

Short Moscato Releases Debut Full-Length Whatever / Forever

September 30, 2015

Short Moscato has been fervently involved in the Buffalo hip hop scene. Whether it’s showing other acts love on Twitter, or collabing on tracks with some of the city’s other great artists, the Good Hueman remains ever-present and dedicated. His full-length debut Whatever / Forever is a fine testament to city and craft, boasting a whose-who of features and great new Buffalo music. The feature list is really something, with appearances from Dr. Ooo, Komorebi, Hitch Burney, Gaines, M-A, Illusive, WZA, and Truey V. The Dr. Ooo-assisted “Swishers” is a project highlight as Ooo’s signature jazzy flow pairs perfectly with the gruffness of Moscato’s voice. “Face It” with M-A is the project’s banger, as Moscato and the MileHigh rapper take exchange frantic flows over a knocking beat. Though packed with impressive features, Moscato’s solo tracks stand as some of the project’s best. Opener “Steady” sees his wordplay on full display, with clever[...]

Cooler Releases Debut EP 1993

September 29, 2015

Cooler’s debut EP is nothing less than a power statement. The Buffalo four-piece has brought a hard hitting slice of 90’s infused fuzz-rock to the table in the form of 1993, and it certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed. With wailing vocal melodies and smoky undertones, you’re given something to latch onto right away as a listener. The fuzzed out guitar riffs top off their entire sound, which I can only imagine is intensified in a live setting. The whole outfit is reminiscent of Pity Sex but with discernible vocals, mixed with the grit of local rock trio The Naturalists (whom Cooler make the perfect counterpart to in my opinion). At three songs long, the EP is short and sweet, but still a cutting testament to the natural craft they have. Give it a listen below.