Buffalo

Ezamädi Releases New Fire Following Performance at Teamwork 2014

July 30, 2014

Back on the 20th, he performed with Chae Hawk and Nameless at Teamwork 2014, and earlier this week, Buffalo rapper Ezamädi released the new track, “Coltrane.” Just the second song we’ve heard from him on his soundcloud,  Ezamädi’s baritone voice speculates on philosophy and human interaction on an understated jazzy beat. Featuring lines like “I could paint a picture so vivid that you could live up in it, and I don’t like you looking in that’s why my soul is tinted,” it’s got the lines that will make a rap head go “Sheesh,” and the lyricism that can get respect from fans of all music. Complete with a dope beat switch up halfway through, this song is  can’t miss for one of the city’s up-and-comers. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/160274547″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Alleys Release Sophomore EP, One Day I’ll Find A Solution To All Of My Problems

July 24, 2014

Buffalo NY’s Alleys are a band that embraces sadness, and judging by the recent successes of quasi-discordant emo bands like Dads or The World Is A Beautiful Place And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die, their new EP is bound to bring them places. Running Around Records has just released One Day I’ll Find A Solution To All Of My Problems, yet another great EP recorded at GCR with Jay Zubricky. The five-song EP highlights Alley’s penchant for hyper-depressing lyrics over blasts of clean-ish guitar and spastic drums (with only a hint of a bassist, who they tend to borrow from other Buffalo emo kingpins Figurehead). Check out the quick finger work in “Dusty Sings the Blues” below.

Nine Acts to Catch at Buffalo Infringement Festival

July 24, 2014

Ready or not, the Buffalo Infringement Festival is back for its tenth year running. For the next 11 days, various venues, galleries, shops, street corners, and wherever else you can fit a performer in the Allentown neighborhood and beyond will be bustling with anything and everything under the performing arts umbrella. Now if you want to pick through the endless madness that is a normal Infringement schedule, be our guest. We have done it for many years and it has left us dizzy nearly every time. The days are dense, full of endless options, and honestly overwhelming. But, if you wanted a little help this year, you have come to the right place.  Here are nine acts we think you should make some time for this year during Infringement 2014 Network/The Get Money Squad The former is a rap crew, led by Quinton Brock, that should help fill the hole[...]

Chill Ali’s Dope Debut before the Debut

July 23, 2014

There are so many different styles in hip-hop, but there’s always refreshing about songs that take a personal, narrative approach. Buffalo hip-hop artist Chill Ali flexes his empirical muscles on T H R O W A W A Y S, a mixtape of tracks that didn’t make the cut for his upcoming album #FREEYAMIND. One of the standout tracks, “Shit on You,” is Ali’s description of his special relationship his boo. Over a chill instrumental, Ali talks of how superior she is to the other ladies. It’s honest and genuine. He even goes as far as saying he wishes for her every night at 11:11, which is not only a cool bar, but also pretty damn meaningful because there’s so many things to wish for. “Fake 1z” is a gripping story about chasing success and avoiding betrayal. No spoilers, but it’s an impressive feat in songwriting and a track that I can’t[...]

Mr. Boneless Releases Debut LP, Cutting Teeth

July 23, 2014

The great Howlin’ Wolf once sang the words, “…if you want me baby, you got take your time, because I’m built for comfort, not for speed.” Now, truer words couldn’t have been graveled out into raspy excellence, however, why do we have to choose? Can’t we be fast and comfortable? Why yes, yes we can, and the proof is in the puddin’ pop. The figurative pudding pop I am referring to is the first full length release by Queen City juke joint marvels, Mr. Boneless. Cutting Teeth, the debut from the Buffalo steam folk quartet, is the follow up to their 2012 EP, Shame, all hopped up on dirty coke and Tullamore Dew. The ten tracks take you for a ride on their zooped up 1932 Ford as it hugs the midnight curves of a bootlegging road. Mr. Boneless doesn’t only take us for a joyride. They also manage to transport us to[...]

Teenage Satan Releases Debut EP

July 22, 2014

It’s difficult to pin down the sound of Teenage Satan’s self-titled EP, which places dissonant vocal melodies over a mixed bag of distorted guitars and synths, but the sound is hauntingly dreamy. Daniel Bauer, the sole player behind the release, bares his raw instrumental and vocal style, which works well with the lyrical content as well. Due to the increase in Buffalo DIY labels such as Steak & Cake Records, the city has seen a rise in experimental bedroom projects such as these, thankfully bringing a new brand of non-commercialized independent artists to the forefront. Despite the dense landscape of weird psychedelic sounds that fills each of these songs, there is clear attention to detail in terms of representing the record’s overall feeling of bummed out frustration (I’m homesick and I’m sick of home/ I’m wallowin’). Bauer’s vocals bring this out in a surprising way, though, bringing to mind early[...]

Silo Sessions Premieres New Installment Feat. JOHNS

July 21, 2014

Just over a month into the new video blog series, Silo Series, and we have already been treated to some fantastic clips from musicians like Nat Baldwin, Jax Deluca, and Julie Bryne. Today’s latest installment, the sixth in the on going series, featuring an acoustic set from Buffalo garage act, JOHNS, in addition to bonus songs from JOHNS’ members Nick Gordon and Sean Kader. What makes Silo Sessions so special is pairing the unusual space with a variety of musicians, genres, and sounds, and in featuring JOHNS, the musicians have left the normal comfort of West Side basements to perform in one of Buffalo’s most unique venues. Watch the full clip of JOHNS, with Nick Gordon and Sean Kader below. You can also brush up on past sessions here.

The Traditional Announce Signing to Anchor Eighty Four Records

July 18, 2014

Buffalo’s own The Traditional have announced that they have inked a deal with Los Angeles-based Anchor Eighty Four Records. This welcome announcement comes after the band spent a large majority of last year touring in support of their debut EP. It seems like the countless weekend dates and the full-US tour have really paid off. The Traditional recently completed recording their new album here in Buffalo with Jay Zubricky at GCR Studios. Anchor Eighty Four will release How To Live Without Blood on August 5th. Until then, you can enjoy the sampler of their next single, the anthemic “Miss Me Yet.” Check it out below.

Cages Share First Single From Vivipary LP

July 14, 2014

Last month, in an interview with Black Dots owner Josh Smith, the shop runner told us that his label, also called Black Dots, would be released the forthcoming album from Buffalo’s free-form, noise collective Cages. Those familiar with Smith’s punk roots would be surprised to find the band on his label, but as he told us “they are one of the best live bands that I’ve seen in the past couple of years.” Late last week, Cages and Black Dots shared the first single, “First Seed,” from the group’s Vivipary LP. The track is challenging and beautiful, like Bjork or Sigur Ros embracing folk music while sprinkling in eerie and unsettling bits of electronic effects. Keep an eye out for the digital and physical release of Vivipary later this summer, and in the mean time, listen to “First Seed” below.

Sleepy Hahas Release Music Video For “Nooses”

July 8, 2014

Buffalo psych-garage four piece, Sleepy Hahas, have released the latest music video from the quarter’s debut LP, Dull Days.  The clip for “Nooses,” the strongest track from the Dull Days, finds the white clad group being hunted down throughout various locations in Bidwell and Delaware Park by some sort of Grim Reaper. Directed by Quiet Country Audio’s Andy Deluca, the video can be viewed in full below. Also, if you get to tonight’s Man Man show at the Tralf Music Hall  on the early side, you may catch a live version of the track as the Hahas are set to open.

Local Songstress, Wolfaerie, Releases Whimsical Full Length

July 2, 2014

Earlier last month, Buffalo-based, experimental pop artist, Wolfaerie, released her debut album Natural Flight, an 8-track collection of delicate blips and beats backing angelic vocals. The album’s stand out track,  the playful, hushed “Ghost Girl,” has shades of Bjork or even a tender, Amber Coffman led Dirty Projectors. Check out the full release over at Wolfaerie’s bandcamp page, and listen to “Ghost Girl” below.

MitchArizona Debuts with a Trippy 7-Song EP

July 2, 2014

Buffalo producer MitchArizona combines ambient beats and chopped, pitched, swirling vocals to create an impressive first EP on Sincerely, Arizona. His creativity in his song composition and structure creates a unique trip-hop experience that you can just vibe to. Some of the songs feature nonsensical vocals and others feature reflective lyrics that Arizona stretches and manipulates to the listener’s desires. It’s a cloudy, thoughtful, and ambitious effort into a burgeoning genre, and I’m excited to see where this talented producer will go from here. Check out “ARZ$ $tillne​$​$” below.

Ignorant Owls Drop Debut Single

July 2, 2014

It’s pretty rare that a Buffalo band pops up on the internet that we have not been clued in on. With that being said, we were delightfully surprised with the debut single “Space Invaders” by Ignorant Owls. Comprised of Joseph Wright, Josh Jager, and Wyle Lukow, the trio’s single channels the lo-fi indietronic hybrid perfected by Wild Nothing/DIIV, meanwhile alluding hints of Harlem Shakes or Passion Pit. Keep an eye out for further music from this new act. In the mean time, listen to “Space Invaders” below.

Mink Releases Debut EP, Point Break

June 27, 2014

From the brains behind Inquiring Mind comes Mink, a new three piece band featuring members of the former said band and Tony Rocky Horror. The trio’s debut EP, Point Break, a surf rock nod to the great(?) Patrick Swayze/Keanu Reeves vehicle, is a fun, yet tense collection of attitude filled vocals and playful bass lines. With a growing surf rock scene on Buffalo’s West Side (Aaron and the Burrs, the Hamiltones), Mink will be in good company. Surf’s up.

Jack Topht & Malt Disney Release Video for “Beef on Weck”

June 26, 2014

Shout out to frequent collaborative duo, Jackt Topht and Malt Disney, for giving Super Flea a proper eulogy. Yes, one of the only places in Buffalo where you could buy a live rabbit, a bong, and a samurai sword all from the same vendor closed up shop for good a few weeks ago, set to be demolished for ANOTHER Walmart. Super Flea held a really weird place in the hearts of many Buffalonians. The place was a dump, smelled awful, and sold some of the more useless items you have ever come across, yet I loved the place, and from the comments on FB during its final weekend, you all did too. So leave it to Buffalo spokesman and wordsmith Jack Topht to film a video for his Teen Wolf produced throw-back jam, “Beef on Weck,” on the Super Flea lot on its last weekend. The clip finds Topht and[...]