Latest Posts

Thick Winter Blud & I Can See Mountains Merge, Form Super American

August 3, 2015

The run of Thick Winter Blud proved to be a short one as the pop-punk trio, which emerged from the ashes of singer/bassist Mat Cox’s I Can See Mountains, is no more. Instead of disbanding, though, the group merged with a couple members of the fellow defunct Buffalo act to form Super American. The newly branded group reminds us of our favorite shouty, gone-to-soon local act, All Blondes Go to Heaven, along with some up-and-coming nationals like Modern Baseball, Somos, and Front Bottoms. You can get the full story of the four piece’s birth right here by the way. The quartet has promised to drop some new material early this fall, so until then, listen to “Nevermind,” a track the band quietly shared near the end of July, below.

Howlo – Howlo

August 3, 2015

As many-a musician will attest to, putting out a full-length is hard work. Howlo has been hard at work. That claim goes beyond basic syllogism; the work is plainly evident in the music itself. The Rochester four-piece just put out its s/t full-length debut, 11 tracks of unadulterated feel-good indie pop, and it was worth the wait. Howlo, musically speaking, continues on the catchy indie-rock sentiments of singer/songwriter Ben Morey’s solo material, namely 2013’s aptly-titled Pleasant. Fellow Howlonians Christine Benincasa (bass), Jane Bryant (drums / vox), and Justin Pulver (guitar / vox) round out the sound with inviting male/female harmonies with serious melting power, and song contributions that add to the record’s air of dynamicity. Some of the album’s scrappier moments conjure Pixies comparisons while the vibe-ier, docile tracks call up the soft exactness of Yo La Tengo, but in the grand scheme of things, Howlo is an entity all[...]

Father John Misty at Town Ballroom (8/1/15)

August 2, 2015

Triumphantly returning to the Town Ballroom stage three years after a now legendary opening performance for Youth Lagoon, Father John Misty delivered a scorching, hot as molten lava headlining set that melted the minds and libidos of the assembled sold out crowd. The show, part of an international tour supporting his 2015 masterpiece I Love You, Honeybear and sandwiched between Lollapalooza and shows in NYC, was an unexpected late addition to an already fine summer of shows, and now stands as one of the finest of the year, and a near religious experience. The opening set from the enigmatic Springtime Carnivore was ideal, and got everything started right with a satisfying mix of Cardigans-esque 60’s pop and Southern moxy. Playing a selection of tunes from her eponymous debut, Springtime Carnivore (aka Greta Morgan) wowed the attentive crowd with expressive, breathless vocals and hazy, jangly guitar riffs that conjured bittersweet sensations[...]

Tonight: Incubus & Deftones

August 2, 2015

These days, the so-called nu metal movement of the late 90s and early Aughts – spawning such atrocities as Papa Roach, Kid Rock and Linkin Park, to name a few – is typically dismissed with the contempt and scorn it so rightfully deserves. But, as is the case with most fad sub-genres, it also spawned a handful of artists who are actually worth your time and money. Chief among these nu-metal diamonds in the rough was the Sacramento art-metal quintet the Deftones. While their contemporaries have mostly fallen by the wayside, finally succumbing to years critical panning and godawful records, the Deftones have remained popular and even acclaimed, buoyed largely by their varied influences, adventurous experimentation and flair for juxtaposing beautiful, serene moments with vicious screaming and chainsaw riffage. You could make the same case for the alt/funk rockers Incubus, who while best known for their 2000 rock ballad “Drive,”[...]

Tonight: GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES!

August 1, 2015

Those looking for an alternative to the sold out show at the Town Ballroom tonight, there are plenty of options to chose from, one of which being a show at Buffalo Iron Works. Bearing only a guitar and a drum kit, math rock duo GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! will provide a real treat for the audience. Cited as one of the leaders of the math rock movement, the duo is sure to provide an incredibly high energy set, and their experimental yet accessible style of songwriting is something you won’t want to miss.  Included in the GIRAFFES tour package is experimental / progressive outfit, TripLip, and the show will also feature an opening set from local dual drum duo, Coca Cola Death Squad, or CCDS for short. The show is set to start at 8pm, and the entry fee for the show is only $8.

Tonight: Father John Misty

August 1, 2015

In recent years, Buffalo experiences an uptick in shows around festival season due to our relative geographical proximity to Toronto’s North by Northeast and Chicago’s Lollapalooza. This is good news for us because it brings acts like Real Estate and now Father John Misty to soundtrack some of these balmy nights. And really, there is no one more fitting for the sultry height of summer than Father John Misty. This show is sold out so there is little to do to get you to go to the show if you don’t already have a ticket, so I am going to offer a warning. If any of you notice a distant look in your loved one’s eyes tonight, if suddenly they don’t seem to notice you even exist, I really wouldn’t take it personally. These people are under a powerful spell, the powerful spell of Father John Misty, a strange and[...]

Tonight: Passive Aggressives Anonymous

August 1, 2015

As the annual week long Infringement Festival nears its final days, we are left with decisions to make. Where should I spend my Saturday? Which acts and artists warrant my attendance? It’s tough, because there is no way to see every act, every performer, or attend every gallery, exhibition, or display. Well, if music is your bag then allow me to help with the decision making and schedule tinkering. Tonight, Allen Street Consulting (394 Franklin) will host an Infringement gig with buffaBLOG’s stamp of approval. Among tonight’s lineup is Rochester’s primary sardonic croon-rock unit Passive Aggressives Anonymous, making a welcomed Buffalo appearance. PAA’s tongue-in-cheek take on lounge rock is fresh and unique, and no stranger to the pages of our blog. The group just dropped an impressive new single, the impish and dreamy “Many At Once,” check it out below. Tonight’s bill also includes alt-country hometown hero Zak Ward, who[...]

Tonight: Pleistocene

July 31, 2015

Infringement is one hell of a festival, isn’t it? In case you haven’t had your fill, we’d like to bring attention to the showcase at Sugar City tonight, also known as the Sugar City Masquerade Ball. Costumes are encouraged! Obviously we’re a music blog, so we’re here to tell you one of our Rochester faves, the jangle-poppers in Pleistocene, will be kicking off the night right. They’re followed up by Baltimore, MD’s Joseph and the Beasts (who sound like Father John Misty meets Of Montreal), as well as Buffalo stalwarts Like a Panther and Wolf. Pleistocene plays at 7:00 so make sure you get there early! $5 entry, $3 if you have a costume on. Let’s get festive.  

Tonight: Blueprint

July 31, 2015

World-class lyricist Blueprint is headed into the Studio at the Waiting Room to perform tonight. The Rhymesayers MC is a frequent collaborator with some of independent hip hop’s best, like producer RJD2 and rapper Illogic, as well as his high-profile labelmates Atmosphere and Aesop Rock. As expected with a Rhymesayers signee, Blueprint can rap his face off, and often does so on genre-bending production. Blueprint’s latest album King No Crown is a fusion of the soul samples and experimental sounds that have brought his projects acclaim in the past. Joining Blueprint in the show is the North Carolina veteran rapper Supastition. Best known for his 2013 single “Yada Yada” Supa’s career extends from his time as a NC battle rapper in the late 90s to his current role as an artist and social activist. Tickets are going for $10-$12, and doors are opening up at 7 pm.

Iron & Wine w/ Ben Bridwell at Canalside (7/30/15)

July 31, 2015

As Samuel Beam and Ben Bridwell sidle on stage, they are received by a spirited yet collected crowd. Beam has this benevolent air about him while Bridwell has more of a boyish excitability (you can see this as his head flits back and forth at the mic and he attempts to dance). Beam, most commonly known under the moniker Iron & Wine, and Bridwell, vocalist of the staple indie-rock group Band of Horses, are undoubtedly two successful and prolific musicians in the indie/alt-folk scene of the past decade. So naturally, with their talents combined in a joint set, we expect great things. The duo’s friendship predates both of their main musical projects and the camaraderie is apparent. There’s a moment mid-show where they exchange coy laughs and joke about Hootie and the Blowfish being the only notable band out of South Carolina (both are also originally from SC). Beam takes[...]

Titus Andronicus – The Most Lamentable Tragedy

July 30, 2015

Believe it or not, if you were at the Titus Andronicus show at the Tralf Music Hall in 2013, you were among the first people in the world to hear tracks off of the band’s latest effort, The Most Lamentable Tragedy. While two years seems like a stretch from the first announcement of an album and its release date, after hearing it all the way through for the first time, it all makes a bit more sense now. This album is not only the band’s most ambitious release to date, but their most uncompromising, mentally engaging, and liveliest. The Jersey outfit really outdid themselves on this one, a tough task after some of their past work, crafting a 29 song, 93 minute “rock opera” of sorts, cited by front man Patrick Stickles as having underlying meanings rooted in manic depression and how it has affected him throughout his life. These[...]

Tonight: M.A.G.S. w/ the Soft Love

July 30, 2015

While Elliot Douglas has been part of the Buffalo music scene for quite awhile, but it wasn’t till his formation with Adam Lilley and Andy Wesner as M.A.G.S. that it seemed as if everything came into place. The trio finds itself in a middle ground between garage rock and post-punk but with hooks to rival any major pop act. This is a band that can be absolutely blistering live while still delivering sugary sweet singles. Tonight, the band continues to ride the wave of momentum its been on since the release of the Cellophane EP earlier this year. Joining them will be the Soft Love, the much-buzzed new kids on the block who’s debut single “ALL OF IT” introduced the world to their particular gritty and aggressive blues rock sound. The band has gained a glowing reputation for its live shows at local clubs and this year’s Herd Fest. This stellar[...]

Tonight: Bourbon and Coffee

July 30, 2015

Freak-beat poetry unit Bourbon and Coffee is taking on the task of tackling Neutral Milk Hotel’s seminal album In the Aeroplane Over the Sea in full tonight at Dreamland. Those who attended the now defunct Inventory Mondays at Hardware a couple years back may remember B&C leader Ian Be performing the occasional selection off of the album on his ukulele in what appears to be some sneaky foreshadowing to this evening’s event. Joining the group will be Tins’ drummer Dave Muntner and Space Cubs herself, Suzanne Bonifacio. In addition, B&C will be their own opening act, delivering a set of original material before diving into the Neutral Milk Hotel masterwork. Music begins tonight at 6pm while the first strum of “King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One” should ring sometime around 7pm.

Tonight: Iron & Wine w/ Ben Bridwell

July 30, 2015

My experiences at Iron and Wine visits to Buffalo over the years have been a bit mixed. Sam Beam’s sort of solo show (his sister was on hand to play cello) at Babeville’s Asbury Hall back in 2008, despite being rather beautiful, was down right sleep inducing while his face saving, big band backed performance at Town Ballroom in 2011 was quite possibly my favorite show at the venue that year. I missed his Spring Fest show at Buff State the following year, but I recall that being a solo show too, so maybe it was for the best. As for tonight, I think its safe to assume this show will be a busy one as Beam, a former Florida State film professor, takes on his biggest Buffalo audience yet at the Thursday at Canalside concert series with Band of Horses front man Ben Bridwell by his side. The pair[...]

Maybird Debuts Second Single from Turning Into Water

July 29, 2015

The Rochester/Brooklyn based psych rockers in Maybird have debuted the second single from their upcoming EP Turning Into Water, which is set for release in September. The song, titled “Big Sun Explosion,” is both lyrically and musically tight. Starting with a catchy guitar riff paired with high note xylophone, I can’t help but hear major influence from MGMT or Tame Impala with a little John Lennon twist. Lyrically, the Lennon influence really shines, using an attractive rhythm and melody as a foundation for the song’s beautifully written lyrics. In romantic fashion, Josh Netsky’s words serve as a Whitman-esque poem of transcendence with nature. “I saw a sight to see flying away from me, a wall of mirrors projecting it’s disappearance.” Netsky suggests breaking down the barriers of consciousness and seeing life as it truly is, and most importantly observing nature as it is around him. He later confirms that he has found beauty[...]