Syracuse

Canceler – GASP

February 20, 2019

We buffaBLOGGERS pride ourselves on being “in-the-know,” so its always a pleasant surprise when we stumble upon something new and unique. This was precisely the case with Syracuse’s Canceler and their latest EP, GASP. Combining elements of post-punk, emo, and indie rock, GASP is a raw and sincere blast of emotion from a mysterious three-piece that we’d love to know more about. EP opener “Helium” is an apt introduction to Canceler. It opens with one of the most subtle moments on the EP, but quickly evolves. The band uses bursts of frantic drumming, sing/scream harmonies to emphasize depressive lyrics about being tired of life’s ups and downs and the simple exhaustion of yearning for better days. The band juxtaposes lyrics about “being tired” and “feeling like magic,” which paints such a uniquely peculiar picture – one that’s poignant and heartfelt. One of GASP‘s most notable features is the mix. I invite the[...]

Trench Releases Music Video for “Bend,” Announces Debut LP

July 10, 2018

Syracuse’s Trench have been very busy since their formation in 2015. After racking up 27k views on the music video for “Seaweed,” a second pressing of their debut EP, and a successful tour of the East Coast, the band is gearing up to release their debut LP, Ritual Love. Lead single “Bend” is the perfect foot to put forward, a beautifully-heavy demonstration of Trench’s penchant for quiet/loud dynamics. The band ebbs and flows, building tension with subdued, droning verses before exploding into larger-than-life choruses layered thick with distortion. Pairing influences from bands like Hum and Explosions in the Sky with contemporary flavors like Nothing or Citizen, “Bend” is dark, ethereal, and emotive – a perfect introduction to Ritual Love, due out 9/21 via Flesh and Bone Records. The underwater camera work of “Bend” is reminiscent of Trench’s post-rock, shoegazy sound, juxtaposing swirly, chorus-and-reverb-laden guitars with cinematography to match. Shot and directed by Dani Nuckols, the video is meant to evoke a certain[...]

Syracuse Act Ohne-Ká and the Burning River Release Apocalyptic Instrumental, “Where the Forest Ends”

December 15, 2016

Syracuse act Ohne-Ká and the Burning River caught our ears with the apocalyptic sounding “Where The Forest Ends.” Taken from their latest release, Tree Lines and Birth Rights, “Forest” is a part of a concept album accompanied by a book (or digital PDF) that you can read while you listen (or even on its own). The story follows the travels of several forest animals and the pack leader wolf they all follow. Musically, fans of mewithoutYou, Explosions in the Sky, or Thrice would dig Ohne-Ká’s style. Check these guys out on Bandcamp too.

Super Defense – Sinking/Anything

July 8, 2016

I know what you’re thinking: “That picture is hilarious – Dwight Schrute-esque.” Well, that pretty portrait is of Super Defense, an indie/lo-fi/power pop solo project hailing from Syracuse. Andy Horvath, the man behind the music, has been writing tunes for this act since fall of last year. As of recent, Horvath teamed up with label Ghoul Tapes and utilized recording palace Converse Rubber Tracks of Brooklyn. His lates endeavor,  Sinking/Anything, is a two-song take on wanting to feel… forgotten at best. Luckily, Super Defense offers its listeners the best recordings and compositions its released to date. “Sinking” is an explosive song with a light mix. In other words, it’s fast like a punk song, yet gentle on the ears. Perhaps the best description is it’s like Cloud Nothings’ soft-spoken sibling. Regardless, the song carries an interesting mix. The bubbly bass bounces about the fretboard. Frantic guitars attack both ears (sometimes offense[...]

Kvlt Ddy – Springing Graves

March 22, 2016

Kvlt Ddy (pronounced “Cult Daddy”) is a band native to Syracuse that issued their fifth release, extended play Springing Graves, a little more than a week ago. The EP’s cool color schemed cover art looks like a beautifully violent fuse of Avatar‘s prettiest foliage and The Terminator’s skinless skull –  an accurate visual for the music, oddly enough. Kvlt Ddy’s self-proclaimed pop bummer rock and lo-fi emo genres justly portray their songs. Kyle Beam, Alex Palumbo, and friends composed shoegaze with two different stylistic foci: synth-heavy, effect-drenched shoegaze, and a fuzzy, distant, noisy variant. Admittedly, the group’s duality helps give the three song-EP an overall lost feel. Springing Graves makes it easy for you to keep your head down and bob about half-wittingly, forgetting your troubles. “Lingering Will” is the first song off this boisterous crew of recordings, the name providing effortless foreshadowing for what is to come. The tune begins with a clean,[...]

The Nudes – demos

March 8, 2016

After releasing their debut EP last year, The Nudes have compiled a collection of b-sides simply titled demos. Here, the Syracuse quartet offers songs that were recorded in a basement over the span of a couple years. Naturally, this provides a very DIY, lo-fi feel to their overall sound. demos starts off mellow but gradually picks up the pace, and by the third track, “i never know” they’ve hit their stride. Once “i never know” gets going, it sounds like it could be an early 60s rocker from the likes of The Kinks, or a modern equivalent from The White Stripes. This vibe permeates throughout most of the album. But amidst all of the grimy rock they mix in songs like “ghosts” and “hurt to feel” that feature electro-beats and arpeggiated synths. Together, it creates an interesting and enjoyable balance. The lead vocals predominately feature singer/guitars Mim Reading, with the occasional appearance of[...]

Super Defense Releases Debut EP

October 28, 2015

If you were lucky enough to catch Geneseo’s Soft Cough at our Yace showcase earlier this month, you should give Syracuse’s Super Defense a spin. Super Defense is a lo-fi, DIY project showcasing jangly fuzz-pop for fans of Japandroids, Wavves, or Cloud Nothings. This EP also marks the first release from Syracuse-based tape label, Ghoul Tapes, which buffaBLOG will surely be keeping their eye on. Until Ghoul Tapes’ next release, enjoy some Super Defense below. P.S. The albino deer’s name is Fritz.