Buffalo

Like A Parrot Debut “Awkward Arm”

April 8, 2014

I just want to dance! Maybe it’s because it’s Tuesday or maybe it’s because Like a Parrot has just released the brand new track, “Awkward Arm.” Consisting of Aaron Bonus and Justin Gammella, Like a Parrot have been making music together for the past year, creating their own brand of indie dance-pop in the vein of Walter Meego. Gammella commented on their recording habits; “We are always writing new music. Our goal was to write 50 songs this year, while still working other jobs. Our next goal is to write at least 100 songs in a year when we are doing nothing but music.” In the past year, they have recorded with the likes of Bianca Dyrland of ARIA, with future collaborations set to include Dan Erickson and The Spin Wires. The name Like a Parrot is a tongue in cheek jab at the industry. “ In briefings we get[...]

Passion in Constellation Releases Music Video for “Weird Tonight”

April 7, 2014

Simply put, Passion in Constellation will expand your connotation of the word “weird,” which according to Chris Alan (the artist behind PIC), is a state of mind that should be fully embraced to it’s second exponent. Let’s get weird squared is more like it and this video release can be viewed as a solid introduction the concept. In a world governed by a policy of weird squared, judgment is out of question. Still, any semblance of proper etiquette could potentially be scoffed at. You’re encouraged to fling around all the food in your pantry like confetti and if you don’t know by now, balloon animals are awesome and trending. Your living room has disappeared and in it’s place is outer-space. Also, though you’ve probably gone as far to romanticize the idea of traveling via horseback once or twice in your recent adult life, you haven’t even touched on the idea of[...]

Queen City Music Lottery Band, Nail School, Debuts First Song

April 4, 2014

On the eve of the Queen City Music Lottery Showcase, one of the randomly assembled acts, Nail School, has released its first track via bandcamp. Featuring members of JOHNS, Merchants, and Space Wolves, Nail School’s “Russian Bride” is a cut of dark, aggressive garage-punk that doesn’t sound too unlike some of singer John Toohill’s other projects, including the recently debuted Alpha Hopper. You can catch Nail School, along with Plosive, Move Real Fast Stop., and a handful of other brand new acts, tomorrow night at the Foundry (298 Northhampton St) starting at 6pm.

Rackmastas Release Return of the Rack LP

April 3, 2014

Rackmastas, a long time duo born out of the basement of Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, recently released its long awaited LP, Return of the Rack. Spanning 17 tracks, the record has a lot going on, although don’t be misled by the long tracklist as a handful of those songs are fun little radio station under writings. The long form tunes cover many genres, including R&B, hip hop, dream pop, experimental post-rock, jazz, and pretty much you name it. Stand out tracks include “Girl Watcher,” a pretty cut dreamy computer pop that would please Dntel fans, and “H.H.G.M.T Zoppity,” which sounds like what Collections of Colonies of Bees might sound like on a sugar high. You can stream the entire Return of the Rack, which features contributions from members of Inquiring Mind, Crows and Jays, and more, at the band’s bandcamp page. In the mean time, listen to “Girl Watcher” below.

Listen to “See Me Again” by Soul Butchers

April 2, 2014

Soul Butchers have recently made a blip on our radar with their debut 7 deep EP/short album 18 Wheeler (produced by Mr. Skimask). The album starts off with a retro-punk flavor similar to that of locals Irving Klaws or Wolf Tickets, but the real magic creeps out on the third track, titled “See Me Again,” where the band distances itself from the rowdy Stooges-like intensity. “See Me Again,” sounds like a mix between a lighter Les Savy Fav meshed with more cathartic Dismemberment Plan. Comprised of past members of 90’s hardcore/punk band, Black Tar, and more recently Delores, and Trailerpark Tornados, Soul Butchers’ next show will be at Spiral Scratch’s Record Store Day showcase on 4/19. Request “See Me Again.”

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[...]