Buffalo

The New York Breakfast Releases DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK

April 1, 2014

Anyone who takes even a brief dip into the waters of Buffalo’s live music culture quickly realizes that Steak and Cake founder Brandon Schlia is one of its proudest captains. On the eve before his label’s third anniversary show (which also happened to be Valentine’s Day), he was part of an unforeseen and harrowing turn of events that left him hospitalized. Showing perseverance in the face of adversity as well as true rock n’ roll diction, the two part show went on, and even included Schlia, home from the hospital and sitting on a chair in his living room.  Last Friday, Steak and Cake released a 4-track album titled DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK by his personal solo project, The New York Breakfast. The New York Breakfast has always been an intimate vessel, and these songs make the listener feel as if they’re spying on Schlia in his bedroom while he plays[...]

Check Out Made Violent’s New Video “Dirty”

April 1, 2014

There’s something incredibly infectious about Made Violent’s approach to rock’n’roll. Part Strokes-swagger, part downstroke pummel, their songs have a melodic bite to them; A special kind of thing that you don’t find every day. Attitude, fun, and energy have always embodied this kind of spirit and Made Violent seem to have tapped into the main vein. Check out their new video for the track “Dirty” for further proof. It’s bombastic, unhinged, yet frenetically tight and it won’t leave your brain for days. With some killer sessions at Quiet Country Audio in the pipe, as well as love from NME, this is a band that’s clearly going places. Watch the video below and you’ll see why.

Passion In Constellation Drops New Single

March 31, 2014

Passion in Constellation, the project of Buffalo producer Chris Alan, released its follow up single to “Sunlight” this past weekend. On “Weird Tonight,” Alan appears to be aiming to drop a summer anthem on Buffalo as playful synths lead up to a big chorus that recalls Empire of the Sun’s “Alive.” Fans of Passion Pit, MGMT (at their less difficult), and yes, Empire of the Sun, should give the track a listen. Keep an eye out for future tunes from this interesting project. Check out “Weird Tonight” below.

buffaBLOG 4th Birthday Party Artist Spotlight: Chauncey Tails

March 28, 2014

One of the most important factors involved in pleasing the party goers is the disc jockey. They do us a great service by pleasing our eardrums in-between acts, making sure we all keep our dancing shoes in check. This time around for our 4th bday party at Duke’s, we will have Gowanda native Chauncey Tails spinning a delightful mix before acts, during, and closing out the night. Chauncey certainly has his chops when it comes to the wide-range of influences working within his own music, not only focusing on more popular genres such as dub-step but also incorporating elements of IDM, house, and trip-hop.   Take, for instance, the songs “waitin 4 2 nite” and “Yr Girls Got a Drug Prob (Instrumental).” Chauncey layers minimally–and that may sound contradictory. He lays down an initial beat, with the former track it’s more so four on the floor, and then glitches in a sharp, witty loop that could become[...]

buffaBLOG 4th Birthday Party Artist Spotlight: Real People

March 27, 2014

Back in November, when Real People’s excellent Ceilings EP got the album of the week treatment, our own Nick Sessanna wrote that “Real People is a prime example of a band meant to be seen in basements.” By which he meant that they’re the kind of band you want to thrash around to, sweat and bleed on friends and strangers to: the kind of band that is not only there to be listened to, but experienced. He isn’t wrong. But I have confidence that, on Saturday, they’ll be able to bring the energy and grit of an all-out basement throwdown to Duke’s for buffaBLOG’s 4th birthday party. Real People has been around since 2008, but they’ve got a ton of momentum right now. Ceilings is a stellar example of emo done right: raw as all hell and void of cliches (not to mention that lead singer Landon Sworts has some fucking pipes). They released a session with Quiet Country Audio late[...]

buffaBLOG 4th Birthday Party Artist Spotlight: Alex Berkley & the Atlanta Falcons

March 26, 2014

This week we have been previewing the five great acts we have in store for our fourth birthday bash this Saturday at DBGB’s. Third on the lineup is Alex Berkley & the Atlanta Falcons. You may have seen Berkley’s solo workings before, singing songs about Dawson’s Creek or Star Trek on an acoustic guitar any given Monday night in the heart of Allen, but this Saturday’s performance will be different. Berkley is set to be backed by his newly reformed backing band, the Atlanta Falcons, consisting of Sonny Baker (Lazlo Hollyfeld, Wooden Waves, A Hotel Nourishing), Billy Fulton (Wooden Waves, Ay Karou) and Colin Griffin (Bear Exchange). Berkley’s songwriting style is quirky yet sincere, comparable to Jeff Mangum/Neutral Milk Hotel or the Mountains Goats. The band is set to perform numerous blasts from the past, including songs off Lists and Listlessness, Berkley’s 2008 debut full-length that was retroactively declared buffaBLOG’s top local album of 2008. Music kicks off[...]

Gumwads Release Debut Surf-Punk Single

March 26, 2014

Over the last couple years, a few surf-rock bands have been sprouting up in Buffalo, most notably Space Wolves and Aaron & the Burrs. Yesterday, Gumwads, a new local surf-punk trio, released their raucous debut single “Gimmie Every Inch.” This is dirty, messy music. Captain Geech & the Shrimp Shack Shooters it is not. The single, along with the change of pace B-side “I’m Sick of Musicians,” was recorded by Mr. Ski-Mask and can be downloaded over at Gumwads’ bandcamp page. Don’t be surprised to hear this blaring through the Pink’s speakers at last call one of these nights. In the mean time, listen to “Gimmie Every Inch” below.

Humble Braggers Release New EP

March 25, 2014

Since being featured on one of our Album of the Week features last year, Humble Braggers have been quietly working on their live set. They’ve also been hard at work on some new material. The Say EP was released today and features three new songs that show that the Braggers have been working hard at honing their reverb-soaked indie rock. I’d like to call these songs “sharper” than their last release, but that wouldn’t be the right word… In fact, they specialize in swirly songs whose instruments seem to decay for days. The EP puts a spotlight on prominent bass, ambient guitars, and foggy synths. There is a distinct 80s vibe to some of these songs (most notably, the cover of Tears for Fears “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”), but on songs like “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” the Braggers nail it with catchy, contemporary guitar lines.  Have a listen below.

Admirable Traits Signs Brooklyn’s Half Day, Releases In Public LP

March 25, 2014

Admirable Traits Records, an upstart record label with roots in Buffalo and Brooklyn (and Iowa) has today announced its latest signing, Brooklyn’s Half Day. The rollicking In Public is a collection of ten call-to-arms cuts of indie punk with shout along, pissed off vocals that recall Titus Andronicus, Cloud Nothings, Swearin’, and even Cap’n Jazz. You can stream/purchase the entire In Public LP at Half Day’s bandcamp page. In the mean time, listen to the album’s lead single, “Madison,” below.

buffaBLOG 4th Birthday Party Artist Spotlight: Mr. Boneless

March 24, 2014

Well, how about Mr. Boneless kicking off buffaBLOG’s 4th birthday party? No time to sit down, order a light beer and settle down; nope, they are going to get things started with a bang. Their music, thankfully, has much more depth than the bio offered on the band’s Facebook page: Elliot met Nate who met Joe whom all met Brian in the summer of 2010. Sure, Brian sounds like a lucky son of a bitch, but surely there is more to their story than what they are telling us.  To find out more, check them out Saturday night at buffaBLOG’s party (and keep an eye out for a new Boneless album this summer). So far, they’ve filled a void left by Merchants’ semi-uncertain future, in that I listen to them and want to become more of a man. When Elliot sings, he uses every bit of throat that he’s got; picture, if you[...]

Nick Gordon Pens Tune For The Life and Times of Grovey Cleves

March 24, 2014

Local troubadour Nick Gordon has released an original song for the literary project, The Life and Times of Grovey Cleves, a dark and humorous look at the former Buffalo Mayor and two-time President of the United States. Titled “Grovey’s Tune,” the twangy folk song (think a little Arlo Guthrie, a little Red House Painters) is a somber look at Cleveland’s path to the White House. Gordon wrote the song (see lyrics below), and released along with fellow local musician Eric Kendall. Kendall also contributes drums and guitar. Written by buffaBLOG and Block Club contributor Scott Mancuso and illustrated by local artist Mickey Harmon, The Life and Times of Grovey Cleves celebrated its opening reception this past Friday at the Western New York Book and Arts Center. If you were not in attendance, the exhibit will continue its run at WNYBAC until May 10th. In addition, copies of the book will be available to purchase at the Buffalo Small Press[...]

Producer/MC Jon Bap Readies New Album

March 20, 2014

Buffalo based singer/songwriter and producer Jon Bap has an eclectic sound that ranges from experimental rock to soul, jazz and hip-hop. In addition to boasting impressive skills as an MC, the artists remix work which includes tracks from Beyonce, The SEVENth, and an ethereal, spaced out take on 50 Cent’s “What Up Gangsta.” Evident from his diverse Soundcloud uploads, Bap is capable of incorporating countless influences to create a truly unique sound, like on the track “The Best Out” which features a mellow beat and soulful vocals sampled from UK singer Sampha juxtaposed with fiery Drake sample from “Too Much.” In anticipation of his upcoming album, the artist recently shared a collection of demos and studio takes that didn’t make it onto the album. The nearly ten minutes of material includes smooth vocal melodies, a comical impression of Atlanta rap group Migos and an experimental track that borders on noise[...]

Sleepy Hahas Debut Lesionread Directed Music Video

March 20, 2014

Just yesterday, Buffalo garage rock foursome, Sleepy Hahas, debuted the music video for their heavy new single “I Hate My Body (and It Hates Me Too),” taken from the band’s forthcoming LP, Dull Days. The trippy clip, directed by Shawn Lewis aka Lesionread, would be a perfect way to spend a few mins during an upcoming shroom trip. The band will be celebrating the release of Dull Days on Friday, May 16th at Buffalo Iron Works. Full show details can be found here. Watch the video for “I Hate My Body (and It Hates Me Too)” below.