Latest Posts

Tonight: Lettuce

November 11, 2015

There are two kinds of lettuce: one, a boring vegetable, and the other, an influential funk band. Lettuce brings the full course of the meal even though they’re named after what some would call an appetizer. Historically, they came together in 1992 at Berklee School of Music up in Boston, Massachusetts. Not having any gigs to speak of, the gang would consistently ask bands to “let us play,” which sonically translated into “Lettuce” after much repetition. Nowadays, they’re not begging for an audience: they’ve got one. It’s been two years since Fly! came out on Velour Recordings, and with their latest studio album, Crush, they’re picking up where they left off with a twist. Lettuce has always had a “big band” sound due to its larger size: Erick “E.D.” Coomes on bass, Adam Deitch on drums and percussion, Neal Evans on keys, Hammond B-3 organ, and piano, Eric Krasno on[...]

Tonight: Michael Parallax

November 11, 2015

Dreamland’s living room is one of the best and most innately interactive spaces in Buffalo. Beyond ideal for shows that blur if not smash the barriers that traditionally exist separating artist and audience, special experiences are known to jump off underneath that magical chandelier, and this will certainly be true tonight when Orlando’s Michael Parallax returns to Buffalo. A frequent tour mate of Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!, Parallax’s celebratory pop art happening revival meeting freak out is perfect for the venue, so be prepared for some togetherness with your fellow humans after sets from an impressive lineup of local electronic arts including, the always fine Armageddon Party, Hooked On Casiophonics, and Logan Locking. The “suggested” donation is $5 and the show starts at 8pm. WHO WE ARE by Michael Parallax

common rituals Release Debut EP, form

November 10, 2015

The wistful melodies pervading the music of Rochester Lo-fi/indie pop artist common rituals offer a warm, understated pop sound with alluring instrumentation. form, the musician’s debut EP, includes hazy synth work on tracks like “Spring Break” and “October” which along with spacious percussion make for an immersive listen. The jazzy “Intermission” is reminiscent of French downtempo band Air and provides one of the most atmospheric moments of the release while the acoustic “Maybe (Solar Sky)” leans more towards direct singer/songwriter fare. Listen/download form below.

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Paper Mâché Dream Balloon

November 10, 2015

If you haven’t heard of King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, here’s a short history of the band’s existence. They formed in 2010 in Melbourne, literally as a side-project/joke band. They released the hard-hitting 12 Bar Bruise in 2012. It was mostly garage-ey psych punk revival. The next year saw two completely different, completely amazing albums released from the band. The first, Eyes Like The Sky, was a spaghetti-western themed album that really is in the realm of spoken word. Float Along- Fill Your Lungs was the second that year, which was more of a pure psych-rock album complete with time changes, lofty melodies, and of course, a 16 minute long song. 2014 saw the band drop two more albums, and in early 2015, Quarters!, a collection of four ten-minute songs that was just recently nominated for “best jazz album” of all things, as a part of the ARIA awards, was released[...]

Tonigh: IJI

November 9, 2015

Seattle, Washington act pop IJI will be talking the stage at Sugar City this evening.  IJI, the project of songwriter Zach Burba, boasts some incredible fun, dance heavy, groovy pop songs that will no doubt inspire the audience to put on their dancing shoes. Locals on the bill include Peter Kirsch, who features a unique lo fi slacker throwback similar to the first Mac Demarco record, as well as Welks Mice. The vibraphone duo boasts an incredibly unique sound that is easier seen than described. Doors open for the show at Sugar City tonight at 7pm.  For only $5, there’s no reason not to go check out some fun music. Who doesn’t want a little fun to close out their dreary Monday?

Bethlehem Steel – Docking

November 9, 2015

This isn’t the first time we’re writing about Bethlehem Steel (BS), so by now, Becca Ryskalczyk’s move to Brooklyn has been well-publicized. We like to take care of our own, even when they move out of town after all. In case you’re unfamiliar, Becca was Buffalo-born and educated at SUNY Fredonia. You may have caught her several years ago on a solo trek across the US with fellow Buffalonians A Hotel Nourishing. Either way, we consider Becca an honorable Buffalonian, even as she’s busy making waves in the Brooklyn independent scene. Docking is the new EP (out via Brooklyn’s Miscreant Records) from this talented three-piece. Though they’ve always had a knack for fuzzy indie-pop (see “Guts” from their last EP, Grow Up), BS has really stepped up their fuzz game on Docking. Opening track “One Giant Fuck Machine” is a poppy, apt introduction to this EP, showcasing the groups’ loosely-wound, borderline lo-fi tunes. Most notable is Becca’s[...]

Tonight: Jonny Two Bags

November 8, 2015

On a rainy Tuesday night I’m talking music with Jonny Two Bags, guitarist for the legendary punk band Social Distortion. He is about to embark on tour in support of his debut album, Salvation Town. Jonny speaks humbly about the recording process, discussing the uncertainty of recording as a solo artist. “I wasn’t even sure what it meant to take my songs, and for the first time in my life, record them myself without the input or compromise that comes from working with other people, or in a band” he tells me. I pick up something in his voice as we speak. It’s the sound of confidence that wasn’t always there. Jonny’s journey to become a solo artist wasn’t easy. Whether it was not being able to find the right players or getting the traction to make it happen, self-doubt played a part in the background. As Jonny tells it, part[...]

Tonight: Moody Cosmos

November 7, 2015

Tonight at Curly’s, we have a banger of a show for you to check out. Sonny Baker, Moody Cosmos, Kimmy, and Dreambeaches will be be convening at the basement venue for a good mix of music with all kinds of influence, from surf to psych to shoegaze. Moody Cosmos is a relatively new psych/krautrock outfit currently residing in Fredonia. It’s the most recent brainchild of Peter Cahlstadt, who also happens to be the creative force behind Fredonia’s Mooses. Sonny Baker is bringing his solo act to the show, along with Kimmy, and also the surf-ey alternative outfit Dreambeaches. This one’s an early one; doors are at 6pm with Sonny Baker going on first. Cover is $3.

Tonight: The Tins

November 7, 2015

Even with the year nearly complete, the Buffalo music scene still has a couple new releases to look forward to before the calendar turns, and one of those is from the Tins. While recording their forthcoming full length with Robby Takac, set to drop in 2016, the pop trio managed to pump out the self recorded EP Love on Strike as a place holder. The EP’s first single, the rising “Summer Jazz,” was already shared couple weeks back via Brooklyn Vegan, and you can expect the band to premiere the rest of the album when they take the stage later on at Nietzsche’s Joining the Tins this evening will be Rochester’s ready-to-break, electro dance rockers KOPPS (who may or may not have a good buddy joining them tonight…), reshuffled Buffalo synth rockers Humble Braggers, and Brooklyn’s hypnotic post-punk outfit, the Midnight Hollow. Doors open at 9pm tonight with a $7 cover. Make[...]

Tonight: The Multiple Cat

November 6, 2015

The angular pop mainstays in The Multiple Cat (IA) will make their way through Buffalo tonight on a musically diverse bill presented by Queen City Cartel. As a band, The Multiple Cat has stood the test of time as the ever-evolving project has spanned a nearly 20 year timeframe. Some of their latest material—see “Magic That Doesn’t Work,” below—finds a happy medium between indie rock and alt-country, feel-good tambourine vibes a-rumblin’. Make your way down to The Gypsy Parlor tonight to bask, dance, and maybe bask some more. In the name of true eclecticism, local support tonight will be provided by wild garage punk trio Kharlos and soaring psyche rockers Deadwolf, both acts having released fresh material this year. The party starts at 10pm for a cool $5.

Rich Slave’s J.Dot Drops New Video

November 6, 2015

Buffalo rapper ASlaveNamedDot (of Rich Slave) is continuing his string of dope singles with his newest video for “Outta State,” his final video of 2015. It’s been a busy year for Dot and the Rich Slave crew,  one in which he dropped no less than six videos as well as the August project Slave Talk.  “Outta State” is a feel good track hip hop track in the broadest terms. Playfully braggadocious and heavy on “ayy” ad-libs, “Outta State” is another charming song from Dot. His bars touch on Flava Flav watches, curvy girls, and second place bitches as the trumpet loops in and out on some chill, jazzy production. The video is shot by another rising Buffalo rapper in Don Scuzz. Give it a watch below and stay tuned for more from Dot in the future.

Tonight: Cash Cash and Tritonal

November 5, 2015

After Dark Entertainment and Factory Nightlife welcome Cash Cash and Tritonal to Town Ballroom as the Untouchable Tour hits Buffalo tonight, Thursday, Nov. 5. With the release of their most recent collab, “Untouchable,” the two groups joined forces for a North American tour. Both Cash Cash and Tritonal are no strangers to the Queen City with their last show in town at LiFT nightclub this past March. The American DJ duo Tritonal was on MTV Clubland’s Artists To Watch In 2013 and has been widely successful ever since. Their worldwide fanbase has grown so large that they have titled themselves “Tritonians.” Cash Cash, the brotherly collaborative, originated in 2007. They have evolved to be one of the hottest groups in dance music, with their most popular hit “Take Me Home” dominating the charts their success has only skyrocketed. Both DJ duos have played at festivals and nightclubs around the world alongside some of EDM’s biggest producers. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/204218148″[...]

Screaming Females at Mohawk Place (11/03/15)

November 5, 2015

Another night, another insane show at the Mohawk Place, and this one literally people hanging off of the ceiling (see below). Buffalo’s Hot Tip started the night off, showcasing their straight up spooky style of punk. Potty Mouth soon followed, treating the crowd to an awesome set of their pop inspired punk jams. And it came as no surprise that Screaming Females’ style melodic punk had the crowd in an absolute frenzy by the end of their set. Check out some shots from the night below, and a full gallery of the night’s photos, click here. Potty Mouth Screaming Females

Tonight: Lydia Loveless

November 5, 2015

There’s an emerging consensus that holds that Columbus, Ohio native Lydia Loveless can do no wrong. A singer/songwriter of uncommon clarity, grit, and conviction, she seems to defiantly hold the very promise and potential of American music in her hands. Having just stuffed the sophomore slump in the trunk of her car and on the road behind her just released Somewhere Else, Loveless returns to the Sportsmen’s Tavern stage tonight along with Toronto alt-country trio Elliot Brood. Tickets are $17 and doors open at 7pm.

Tonight: Dave Rawlings Machine

November 5, 2015

Dave Rawlings Machine takes over Babeville’s Asbury Hall tonight to support the band’s new release, Nashville Obsolete. The album is the latest entry in the impressive repertoire of Rawlings and his longtime collaborator and partner, Gillian Welch. Their seventh album in nearly 20 years of collaboration, Nashville Obsolete highlights the duo’s highly acclaimed and decorated musicianship, with contributions from other great names in Americana music, including Willie Watson and the Punch Brothers’ Paul Kowert. Tonight, expect to be floored by Rawlings’ preternatural guitar playing and Welch’s lovely vocals. This is a show not to be missed. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are still available for $35 at the door.