Buffalo

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.