Preview

Tonight: Ugly Sun

June 6, 2019

Summer is almost here in Buffalo and that means it’s time to crank out the tasty jams. In order to get a head-start on those summer vibes, we suggest going down to Mohawk Place on this evening as Ugly Sun will celebrate the release of their self-titled album. In the previous weeks, the boys released two absolute bangers in “Little Fire” and “Bury My Soul in The Garden,” both of which are included on the album. If you haven’t already, you need to listen to these tracks and get ready to sing them back. Joining Ugly Sun for their release is Johnny and The Man Kids, who have recently released an album of their own in You Made Me Hurt, as well as Cheap Peach. 

Advanced tickets are available for $10. Doors are at 7pm. See you there. 
In the meantime, listen to Ugly Sun below. Little Fire by Ugly[...]

Tonight: Space Cubs

June 1, 2019

Indietronica multimedia ensemble Space Cubs will be releasing their hotly anticipated LP The 4th Age, with a show tonight at Mohawk Place. Originally born in 2011 as a venture of songwriter/producer Suzanne Bonifacio, the group grew with the addition of multimedia whiz Shawn Lewis (Lesionread), and guitarist and visual artist Adam Pressley (Frenchpressley). It’s been fascinating to see how the band has progressed, growing their sound with each release anchored consistently by Bonifacio’s powerful, otherworldly vocals. Most recently, the band released three singles leading up to their new album; “Shelves” in November 2018, “Sideways” and “Circular” which were both released a few weeks ago. If the singles are any gauge, this new album is going to be special. With the ability to channel early period Eno ambient, as well as the jagged, angular art-rock of Radiohead, Space Cubs have consistently proven themselves to be one of the most interesting bands[...]

Tonight: Simon Joyner at Silo City Reading Series

June 1, 2019

Tonight Buffalo post industrial event site and Instagram hot-spot Silo City hosts the latest installment of Just Buffalo Literary Center’s Silo City Reading Series, a multi-disciplinary event featuring local and international artists and musicians plus prolific Omaha-based singer/songwriter and lo-fi legend Simon Joyner. A pillar of the Omaha music scene, Joyner has releasing a steady stream of albums and material since the early 90’s, influencing Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes, Better Oblivion Community Center)  and The Mountain Goats while also sharing the singular and noteworthy distinction of having his album played in it’s entirety by BBC Radio 1 legend John Peel. Simon Joyner will be joined in the magnificent space that awed both Le Corbusier and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius by noted American poet Bob Hicok, local performance artist, poet, and owner of Rust Belt Books Kristianne Meal, and Buffalo transdisciplinary artist, designer, writer and educator Shasti O’Leary Soudant. The event is free and[...]

Tonight: Wine Lips

May 25, 2019

Tonight,  Mohawk Place hosts a night of serious, uncut garage rock when it hosts Toronto’s very own Wine Lips, DC garage sludge rockers Teen Mortgage, Rochester’s The Dirty Pennies, and local ne’er do wells Bold Folly. Wine Lips busted out of the Toronto scene and onto the international stage thanks to their hard charging riffs, killer rhythms, and insouciant  and vaguely glam vocals from Cam Hilborn, and after an Asian tour last year this is the bands first tour south of the border. Washington DC’s Teen Mortgage are a skull crushing drum and guitar duo that unleashes a sound way bigger and heavier than what any two dudes should be able to wield by themselves, so be prepared for sweet sonic overload. Meanwhile, The Dirty Pennies from Rochacha just released their first EP last month of vocative and shoegazey yet rousing garage rock, and local psych rockers Bold Folly will be[...]

Tonight: VR Sunset

May 24, 2019

Local synth-pop group VR Sunset will be headlining a stacked local bill tonight at Nietzsche’s. VR Sunset is the brainchild of Reggie Clark, known for his past contributions  with Lesionread and Planet Three. In January they released their debut album Artifact which drips with new-wave psychedelia. Standout tracks include “Tame The Beast,” “Clear Views,” and “Tidal Wave.” With plenty of fuzz and de-tuned synths it’s surely a must listen for fans of Tame Impala, The Flaming Lips, and Neon Indian. Also on the bill tonight are alt-rockers Nylon Otters, indie stalwarts Hundred Plus Club, shoegaze outfit Chevron Bloom, and bummer punks Talking In My Sleep. With such a diverse lineup, there’s surely something for everyone. $7, Doors at 9pm. Artifact by VR Sunset Photo by Zach Anderson Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: North by North

May 20, 2019

The unicorn of rock ‘n roll bands happens to be the two piece line-up. Stripped down, this combo of guitar and drums delivers more punch than a full piece orchestra.Take for example, The Flat Duo Jets influencing the White Stripes who gave credence to the Black Keys. Following suit, from the city of Chicago, I’d like to introduce to you North by North. Self described crunch rockers playing sweaty fever dream rock ‘n roll, North by North use their experience of over 650 shows to their advantage. They unleash boogie-woogie grooves from drummer Kendra Blank and psych-surf riffs from guitarist Nate Girard to create a rich and colorful atmosphere that reminds one of The Stooges mixed with Sonic Youth. They will be in town tonight in support of their latest album Last Days of Magic. Also on deck tonight are garage act The Gennies, buzzing newcomers Halo Nellie, and raw rock act[...]

Tonight: Passion Pit

May 20, 2019

Cambridge-based indietronica band Passion Pit makes their return to the area tonight with a show at the Rapids Theatre. Frontman Michael Angelakos, who spent his formative years in Buffalo, will be bringing the tenth anniversary tour of their major label debut Manners, a glistening, danceable record that is filled to the brim with hooks. However beneath the gloss, Angelakos is able to write very openly and honestly about his struggles with his mental health. Far from being gratuitous, these songs highlight Passion Pit’s ability to write compelling pop music that is still anchored by these honest emotional conversations. With standout tunes such as “Sleepyhead,” and “Little Secrets” highlighting Angelakos’ falsetto coupled with catchy danceable synths, this concert is definitely a must see. Tickets are $37.50 GA Standing and $119 VIP. Doors at 7pm, music at 8pm. Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: Basement

May 16, 2019

Tonight, England’s Basement invades Buffalo’s own Rec Room on Chippewa for potentially one of the best rock shows you’ll see all year. The group has done a good job of keeping us patiently waiting for another show since their visit to see us last spring at Mohawk Place. Since then, they’ve released Beside Myself in October of 2018, which is full of ear catching hits including “Be Here Now.” Joining them for the evening are Philadelphia rockers Nothing, as well as L.A. alternative/grunge revivalists; Teenage Wrist, who have just released the enticing 3-song EP entitled Counting Flies. Doors at 7pm with a $20 advanced ticket. Beside Myself by BasementWritten by Mike Rakiecki

18 & Under Battle of the Bands Registration Starts Sunday

May 16, 2019

Are you 18 & under and looking for an opportunity to hop onto the local scene? Brandon Schlia, brains behind local label Steak & Cake Records, hopes to fast track your interest by organizing an 18 & Under Battle of the Bands set for this summer. The registration for the event starts this Sunday, May 19th at local all-ages space Sugar City between 5pm and 8pm. Inspired by monthly all-ages shows put on at his local YMCA, Schlia hopes to pass it forward with creating and fostering a younger demographic to the Buffalo music scene. Sunday’s registration will be the initial round of the event. In July, there will be a showcase featuring some of registered bands. In October 2019, this will all come to head with a Battle of the Bands, winner going on to battle a separate bracket of Spring 2020 bands. If you are interested in participating,[...]

Tonight: Spirits Having Fun

May 16, 2019

Tonight, local DIY space Sugar City hosts a “very fun rock show” featuring Chicago art rock outfit Spirits Having Fun, Tokyo East-West rockers and now honorary Buffalonians The Molice, and local post rock avant-gardist Little Cake. Melding sweet melodies, chaotic whimsy, progressive discordance, and elements of free jazz, Spirits Having Fun have a debut album coming out next month, Auto-Portrait, and a lot going on simultaneously from a critical standpoint, so they’re worth checking out. The Molice meanwhile, have been kicking around Buffalo since last Fall while working on material at GCR Audio, playing venues all over the city and they’re back to Sugar City for more international DIY fun, while Little Cake will get the fun started with their impeccable melodies and always bravura musicianship.  Cover is $7-$10, doors are at 7pm, and don’t forget that Sugar City is an all ages space that is drug and alcohol free so please be cool.[...]

Tonight: The Sea The Sea

May 14, 2019

The Sea The Sea come to the 9th Ward tonight in support of their latest album From the Light. Expect the group to bring along with them their folk harmonies that rival The Fleet Foxes. Mira Costa, keyboard, guitar, vocal, and percussion, approached Chuck E. Costa after a talent competition, and the two used their mutual love of gospel and Sunday Service to craft indie-folk-pop. Currently playing with a drummer and an additional vocalist/, The Sea The Sea have carved out their definitive folk sound with extraordinary pop hooks and should brighten up your rather cloudy Tuesday/May. The Sea The Sea are accompanied by Koko.Neetz (Andrew Kothen). Doors are at 7pm with a $12 door. Written by Kevin Prentice

Tonight: Nylon Otters

May 11, 2019

Looking for something to do tonight? Perhaps you should spend your Saturday night checking out some heartfelt indie and rock music. Buffalonian mainstays Nylon Otters (warbly feel-good indie rock) and Passed Out (heartfelt and blistering indie-emos) are anchoring the show, featuring a very special set from Ithaca’s Wildflwr. Rounding out the evening is an ambient opening set from Depression Quilts. Tonight’s show is at 9pm at Milkie’s on Elmwood. Bring $5. Demo #1 by Wildflwr

Tonight: Slow Cooker

May 11, 2019

Tonight Buffalo surf punks Slow Cooker celebrate the release of their debut LP Do A Kickflip at Duende at Silo City with an international lineup featuring fellow local punks Science Man  and 2 of London (Ontario)’s finest punk up and comers KLAZO and MANAGER. With Do A Kickflip Slow Cooker (Ian McCrohan, Andy Krzystek, Joe McGrath, Adam Malchof) stretches out their sound to embrace some psychedelia, garage rock, and New Wave while staying true to their school of wanton thrash and scuzzy surf punk. Science Man aka John (one half of Night Slaves) Toohill will be playing some jams from his recently released eponymous debut, while London Ontario’s KLAZO and MANAGER will be getting everything started with their respective  crushing thrash punk and mind shredding and doom laden noise rock. Big kudos to Duende for trading the laid back, folk vibes they’ve become known for since opening last summer for some straight up[...]

Tonight: Wild Once

May 10, 2019

Tonight, you need to get down to Mohawk Place to see one of the best all-local lineups this year has to offer so far. Wild Once is kicking off the weekend by celebrating the release of their new EP Perennials. If that wasn’t enough to get you out the door, let us remind you that you will receive a FREE copy of the release with a ticket purchase. In case that doesn’t get you jazzed enough, keep in mind that the lineup absolutely rules. Synth-pop titans Humble Braggers are playing their first show in quite some time, which, in and of itself, is a good reason to attend. Joining them as well are rising post-emo acts Cooler as well as Worse Things. Doors are at 8pm, tickets are $10.  In the meantime, check out Wild Once right here: Perennials by Wild OnceWritten by Mike Rakiecki

Tonight: Caroline Rose

May 8, 2019

Sharp-tongued satirist Caroline Rose brings her LONER LOSER FREAK Tour to town with a show at Buffalo Iron Works tonight. Rose is currently finishing up a year plus long tour behind her critically acclaimed third album LONER, which was released on New West Records in 2018. A far cry from the alt-country styling of her previous two albums, LONER finds Rose embracing a synth forward sound with danceable hooks. Lyrically, this album covers topics such as death, loneliness, self-doubt, and misogyny amongst other things. But the beauty of the album is Rose’s ability to deal with such serious and potentially traumatic topics with such unflinching candor. Rose uses satire as a means of translating or transforming the inherent anger and pain of her subject material. Coupled with her infectious pop sensibilities, Rose is able to capture attention in a way that doesn’t minimize the weight of the topics she covers.[...]