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Depeche Mode v. New Order flier

Tonight: Depeche Mode Vs. New Order Dance Party

April 4, 2014

If these dance parties are any indication, the 80’s must have been a tough time for fans of British music, you constantly had to pick a side. The Smiths vs. The Cure, Depeche Mode vs. New Order, Wham vs. Boy George. Ok, I pulled the third one out of my ass but still, tonight’s dance party is the second in a series of knock down drag out fights where the only winner is you and your need to dance. Following last months’ Smiths vs. Cure party, the team behind Transmission Dance Party and On the Wire will be hosting a Depeche Mode vs. New Order party at Hardware tonight. Legitimate heavyweights of British electronic music, tonight will be dedicated exclusively to exploring their respective catalogs. This means that, as long as they play nothing either band did in recent years (please), this dance party will feature nothing but classics. And really,[...]

Rhubarb w/Ocupanther & Brown Sugar

April 4, 2014

We have a triple threat on our hands tonight. Each act offers a mind-bending exploration of sound, that is, if you choose to let go. Think of them as a triple-layer popsicle–flavors blending and melting together, yet distinguishable by taste and age. First on the roster is Buffalo-born Rhubarb, formed in the late 1990’s when trapper keepers were in the limelight and we prepared for epic millennium celebrations around the globe. Perhaps this pivotal timing had something to do with their sound. It’s not the over-saturated and aimless wanderings most ‘psychedelic’ music cares to label itself. Rhubarb clearly takes its roots from a jazz-standpoint, like Medeski, Martin, & Wood, slowly carving out a sensual rhythm and twisting the beat into a delightful daydream, steady on percussive leads. Next in line is Rochester-based Ocupanther, who take their name from a mythical Ocular Panther who gains control of a soul through hypnotic[...]

Tonight: Cloud Nothings

April 4, 2014

Cloud Nothings is one of those groups that become popular simply because there is no other option. Too inspiring to remain hidden, too interesting to blend in with the grey scenery, too good to go unnoticed, the now trio has become one of the most talked about bands in rock’n’roll. They have the “it” factor, as cliche as it is to say. You could sense it in Dylan Baldi’s (Cloud Nothings’ driving force and primary songwriter) earlier works. On their self-titled and Turning On, we were treated to brilliant fragments…. transcendent glimpses, albeit through a lo-fi pop punk medium. On their last release however, Attack on Memory, the group broke out with sonically compelling, tension filled songs that defy categorization; anger, pain and longing ever-present. “I thought I would be more than this” screams Baldi on “Wasted Days,” and we relate because it’s something many of us have thought at one time or[...]

Tonight: Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers

April 3, 2014

Tonight, Buffalo’s incredibly busy spring rumbles on with a visit by Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers to the Buffalo Iron Works in the Cobblestone District. The daughter of The Band’s Levon Helm and singer Libby Titus, and veteran of the Midnight Ramble Band, Amy Helm serves up a potent and soulful brand of Americana music that’s eternally evergreen, delightfully mischievous, and sure to please fans of The Band and the Blue Heron Festival set. Local troublemakers and blog favorites Ten Cent Howl open the show with their country infused bold mayhem. Doors open at 8 PM and tickets are $25.

Tonight: House Concert w/ John Langford & Skull Orchard

April 2, 2014

Get up close and personal with Jon Langford & Skull Orchard tonight at the Boratin-Tanner home in Hamburg. Langford, a versatile folk-punk musician, has performed in the backing band for This American Life and is considered a staple of the Chicago music scene. Local songsters Unwelcome Guests will kick off the event with an acoustic set at 7:30pm. Don’t miss this unique and bound-to-be-great house concert.  

Tonight: buffaBLOG 4th Birthday Party

March 29, 2014

Our birthday has arrived. Well, technically its tomorrow, but we are close enough. This evening at Duke’s, we will celebrate four years of the blog with a great cast of bands from over the WNY area. If you missed any of the spotlights on the acts playing tonight, make a moment to brush up below. Mr. Boneless Harmonica Lewinski Alex Berkley & the Atlanta Falcons Real People Chauncey Tails I suppose there isn’t much more to say. Thanks to everyone who helped us get to year four. Hopefully we will have many more birthdays down the road. Party kicks off tonight at 10pm sharp. Not Buffalo time. Real time. Cover is only $5.

Tonight: Mid-Winter Beach Party

March 27, 2014

Buffalo is notorious for its confusing weather, and weather confused citizens.  While visiting Californians may still be shivering in their long underwear tonight, Broadway Joe’s will be soaking in the glorious 46 degree weather with a beach party, complete with punk n’ tots. Mayday! will be performing, and their heavy hitting B-52’s esque track “Blood Bath” could be this event’s party anthem. With such delicious song titles as “Shark Sandwich” and “Illegal Alien vs. Child Predator,” they’re sure to give an electrifying performance, so you best wear a swimsuit made of rubber. The reverb drenched tones of Aaron and the Burrs will propel attendees they ride the waves and surf the crowd. Embrace the ocean of thrashing instrumental surf rock. The Televisionaries out of Rochester will round off the set with dirty, gritty surf punk. Start the weekend tonight with music to break down sandcastles to.  Admission is a cheap[...]

Tonight: The Misfits

March 27, 2014

It’s one of the most iconic logo’s in rock’n’roll. The Misfits‘ skull can be spotted miles away; often greeted with enthusiastic shouts and howls. Whether a punk rocker or casual music fan, everyone recognizes it, even if they aren’t exactly sure what it refers to. Much like KISS, albeit, a darker, faster and more menacing version, The Misfits have turned that logo and their brand into a brand-name. They are now known, because of it, which is strange because I remember them as the underground punk band that all my friends worshipped. This popularity has won them some fans and lost them some fans. One thing is undeniably true about our ghoulish friends. The Misfits are one of the most iconic punk rock groups of all-time and arguably one of the biggest cult bands (i.e. never saw any mainstream success) that has ever walked this planet. And “Astro Zombies” is one of my[...]

Tonight: Prawn

March 26, 2014

This isn’t the first time Top Shelf Records has sent one of their top-tier emo revivalist bands through Buffalo – tonight’s offering is Prawn, whose clean guitars and angsty vocals sound like Joan of Arc if they calmed down a little and tried to put a little structure to their songs. Tonight’s show is at The Lair and starts at 6:00pm. The support for tonight is incredible, featuring Buffalonian support from Del Paxton, Figurehead, and Alleys. Rochester is sending over Barbarossa. $10.

Tonight: Cut Copy w/Jessy Lanza

March 25, 2014

Over the last ten years, Cut Copy has been one of the most consistently solid electro-pop acts out there. On last year’s Free Your Mind, the band inflected their sound with an acid house vibe and the result was excellent. Tonight, they will be returning to Buffalo with the equally great Jessy Lanza. Those who have seen the band before know that their live shows are not to be missed. If you are unfamiliar with the opener, the Hamilton, Ontario based Jessy Lanza released the amazing Pull My Hair Back last year on Hyperdub. This strong debut was produced by the Junior Boys’ Jeremy Greenspan. Lanza’s icey grooves and spacey vocals make her an excellent opener for Cut Copy and this is definitely a show you should get to early. Cut Copy w/Jessy Lanza Town Ballroom $26 Doors at 7pm