Latest Posts

Brimstone Blondes – AGE OF CONSENT

August 25, 2014

Almost every song on Brimstone Blondes’ new album, AGE OF CONSENT, is a take down of some sort. The targets change and their crimes run the gamut from exploitation to allegations of rape, but lead singer Matthew Danger Lippman feels pretty much the same as he’s pointing his finger: a little superior, a little fascinated, a little impotent and a little weird. He separates the world into the exploiters and the exploited and stands, alienated, on the outside, passing judgment. Consider the opening track, “The Photographer,” an indictment of creepo photographer Terry Richardson, who has been accused of sexually harassing and exploiting his female subjects (or maybe an indictment of a younger imitator, given that the age mentioned in the song is 12 years off). Lippman is disgusted by Richardson the “ironic pornographer,” but he’s also seemingly fascinated by the fact that he has “all the girls” right up his sleeve. Despite the sex[...]

Buffalo Sex Change – Buffalo Sex Change

August 11, 2014

When I first heard of Rochester garage post-punk band Buffalo Sex Change and their self-titled, debut album, my initial reaction was mostly just trying to figure out their highly specific and provocative name. Fairly early into the album, however, I was having a hard time imagining the two-piece being referred to as anything else. With a gritty lo-fi drums, androgynous sounding vocals, and a distorted guitar sound that can only be described as dark and dirty, the band explores music rooted in a liminal phase, never quite clear of itself. And yet, the general mood of the record comes off confident, as if the members are aware of and quite comfortable with their own liminality. With only two members, BSS does well with filling in the space of sound, particularly with Phil Pierce’s guitar playing, which switches from Buddy Holly licks  in “Gender Unknown” to early Jesus & Mary Chain/Kevin[...]

Cleanse光777 – 6怪談

August 4, 2014

A Buffalo producer that goes by the moniker Cleanse光777 has released an EP packed with darkly manipulated vocal samples, delay effects, and droning melodies. Sonically, the tracks are reminiscent of releases put out by Triangle Records, a label noted for a coherent repertoire of artists who channel a distinct sound. Some have dubbed this sound as “witch-house,” a genre which combines elements of old-school hip hop and trap, slowing it down to slug BPM, topping it with exquisitely amplified reverb. Think of a hypothetical scene from a David Lynch movie in which some mysterious and grotesque creature is slowly rising from a swamp. The track titled “blueけち火,” could serve as the soundtrack to this imagery. In fact, most of the release could accompany this ambiguous story-line, following the shot as it shows creature X  continuing on to trudge through the surrounding town, eerie and desolate in itself, peeking into a[...]

Cages – Vivipary

July 24, 2014

Under the tag of “punk” on bandcamp, but self-described as a “cohesive and undefinable act,” Buffalo-based Cages exists outside of any typical structure or classification. The group consists of vocalist Nola Ranallo, guitarist David Bailey, and now bassist Patrick Bolger, but until recently, Cages has had no major release. Their previously unreleased 2012 album Vivipary has just made it’s debut through Black Dots record shop, however, and it is considered by the band to be their their “most defining output to date.” Void of any specific form of style, Vivipary draws more upon the experimentation of tonal harmonies, shared primarily by the guitar and vocals. Immediately from the start, Ranallo’s vocals stand out as highly expressive, sometimes exploding into shrill cries, other times resolving in low end atypical melodies that fade in and out of the mix. The harmonies present in many of the tracks (particularly “Into Germination”) personally bring[...]

The Lindbergh Babies – The Lindbergh Babies

July 21, 2014

Earlier this month, The Lindbergh Babies released their eponymous debut album, and simply put, it’s tremendous.  A collaboration between local music scene mainstays Brandon Delmont (Girlpope, Son Of The Sun) and Mark Norris (Girlpope, the Backpeddlers), The Lindbergh Babies is a mature, sensual and rewarding journey into sonic ecstasy, and a gift that genuinely keeps on giving. Redolent with sweet mellotron and gorgeous soundscapes, it’s a musical tour de force from multi-instrumentalist Delmont, who seamlessly plays in so many sandboxes crafting the music for this stellar debut: Pet Sounds era Brian Wilson (“Hucklebuck Blues”), Wilco circa Summerteeth (“Only In A Dream”),  Zappa (“Flying Through”), early 70’s Pink Floyd (“Volcanoes”), and Super Furry Animals (“Oh Love”). The record is a veritable field day for rock aficionados. But the record is not derivative or a cavalcade of musical references. Yes classic rock fans will savor the vibes and grace notes, but The Lindbergh[...]

The Tins – Young Blame

July 14, 2014

There is a fantastic moment right in the beginning of the Tins’ latest EP, Young Blame, where a synth kicks in and the chorus brings an immediate smile to your face. It is that often sought after moment where a new song hits you in just the right way. This is the follow up to The Tins debut LP, Life’s A Gas, and my own introduction to the band, and I honestly feel really bad about not hearing them until now because this is some really solid psych pop. Young Blame opens with “Let it Go,” a slow building track leading into that earlier mentioned near perfect chorus. Those synths follow directly into the first single, “They Aren’t Evil,” an introspective song about diametric oppositions and always being somewhere between. “They Aren’t Evil” showcases vocalist Mike Santillo’s pleasant tenor (fun fact, Mike is also a real pleasant guy), a classic kind[...]

The Get Money Squad – Nothing’s Wrong

July 7, 2014

A spanking-new collaboration from Network’s Quinton Brock and producer Jon Bap keeps it fresh and brings forth a batch of songs with an unexpected new sound. Dubbed The Get Money Squad, the duo gets summery with their debut EP titled Nothing’s Wrong. Think the carefree attitude of Mac DeMarco meets the poetic softness of Shuggie Otis. Bap’s jangly guitar riffs compliment Brock’s smooth vocals nicely, and the combination is cooler than John Stamos double-fisting a pair of large Slurpees. Damn, that’s cool. Nothing’s Wrong is our Album of the Week. “Bohemia” introduces the EP with a quick minute of dialogue before melting away into a hypnotic instrumental section that I wish was much longer. The opener bleeds right into “June666” (my favorite of the five tracks), which chronicles a relationship between the devil and his significant other while a simple drumbeat and a fun bass line carry the song through[...]

Every Time I Die – From Parts Unknown

June 30, 2014

Do I really need to introduce Every Time I Die? Maybe I should, because every person who listens to them winds up with a melted face. I’m not kidding, check any comment section on any reviews of any of their albums. Anyone who has ever been to their perpetually sold-out Christmas shows knows what ETID is all about: brutal, guitar smashing, oft-hilarious dudes playing ugly chords on Lisa Frank guitars. What isn’t amazing about that? All that aside, ETID is nothing short of legendary. Album number seven is called From Parts Unknown, and this time around, ETID have enlisted Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou as a producer. Let me tell you something. It shows. This is ETID’s heaviest stuff yet. Album opener “The Great Secret” was my personal favorite song, probably because it was like two minutes of getting punched in the face. I like to listen to music to relax and drown out the[...]

Besnyo – Worry

June 23, 2014

I was conned. The year was 2008, and I had made my way downtown to see my fellow Eden-ites in A Hotel Nourishing play a show presented by Harvest Sum at Nietzsche’s. Alex Berkley had just finished playing his acoustic solo set, during which he had repeatedly suggested that the audience buy his new record, Worry, at the merch table in the front. Having enjoyed his set and completely oblivious to his clever ruse, I weaved my way to the merch table and paid for my copy of Worry. It wasn’t until later that night that I realized, somewhat shamefully, that the CD that I paid for was not the work of Alex Berkley. It was the work of Harvest Sum heavyweights Besnyo, and I am happy to say that the embarrassment resulting from my gullibility dissolved away just a few short minutes into their set that night. Worry is buffaBLOG’s[...]

Fashion Expo 1990 – Fashion Expo 1990

June 16, 2014

Despite being recorded between 2007 and 2008, the material that makes up the debut of Buffalo electronic duo Fashion Expo 1990 is much more reminiscent of the sounds that dominated the clubs and dance music during the decade of their namesake. With melodic piano lines inspired by house and jazz, along with synth textures and acidic bass lines that pay homage to various historical dance music scenes, the self-titled record is a compelling amalgamation of classic influences arranged in a manner that captures the same energy and enthusiasm that characterized the timeless sounds of that era. Back in 2007, Miles Kirsch, keyboard player for indie rock outfit Difficult Night, composed much of the album with help from Mike Bassette as the two regularly played the material out in the following two years. While the project was initially intended to be solely a live act, delaying the release of any recordings. Fashion[...]

Radarada – First Edition

June 9, 2014

A little over a year ago, I ran into Radarada‘s bassist, Colin Brydalski, and guitarist, Fran Coyne, at a bar.  They told me they were forming a band.  I laughed and responded, “Of course you are.”  Something about Radarada seemed meant to be, like this group of people were always going to make music together.  With the addition of  Ana Vafai (vocals), Tommy Too  (emcee/vocals), wZa (emcee/sampling), and Bryan Segarra (drums), the band took on a dynamic and extremely versatile vibe. Their music appeals to a wide variety of listeners. You’re gonna want to compare them to the Roots, Tribe Called Quest, or the Brand New Heavies with a little Sam Cooke/Miles Davis feel in the details, but I’d caution you against categorizing their sound. The more I listen to their debut EP, First Edition, the more I’m convinced that Radarada’s something different, perhaps influenced but never confined by their inspirations. Radarada’s[...]

American Stories – Horse Beard

May 26, 2014

American Stories is an interesting band. Their new album Horse Beard is a mashup of genres, namely psychedelic, folk, punk, americana, and emo. The opening track, and perhaps Horse Beard‘s strongest, is “Programmed.” The song is reminiscent of something Beck would have written in the late 90s, or even blissful indie rock like Built to Spill. At times, it dips into something 60s influenced, but it maintains  the sort of loose slacker vibe you would expect from a musician like Beck, or the fuzzy warmth from a jangly BTS jam. “All The Same” takes these already strong sensibilities and wraps them in a shroud of the kind of emo you’d come to expect from Sunny Day Real Estate. I’m only two songs in but if you’re guessing you might find a pattern here, you’re right. American Stories are genre hoppers, and typically, it would make an album sound like it lacks direction. That[...]

Sleepy Hahas – Dull Days

May 19, 2014

Dull Days, the new LP from Buffalo’s own Sleepy Hahas, is likely to be one of the most diverse, consistently entertaining albums you’ll hear out of WNY this year. The sound is all over the map, as the band explores different styles and genres on each track, from Mudhoney-esque sludge metal to more gentle, acoustic numbers. It never stops being interesting, and the end result is an endlessly fascinating debut from a wildly creative band. If Sleepy Hahas sound had to be pinned down, they are somewhere in the middle of psych rock and sludge metal, with elements of Mudhoney, Queens Of the Stone Age, and 13th Floor Elevators all emerging at various points in the album. This is especially apparent on “I Hate My Body (And It Hates Me Too),” an engaging psychedelic rant that certainly wouldn’t feel out of place on Rated R. But these are not the only[...]

Joe Mason – Joe Mason

May 12, 2014

As technology has gotten more sophisticated and more accessible, it’s become harder to to nail down a bedroom record. I mean that in the sense that it sounds like it was recorded in someone’s bedroom, not in the sense that you could throw it on and screw. Excepting the people who seek out obsolete technologies, the bedroom record is no longer something you whisper into a four-track recorder while your parents are asleep. You get 255+ tracks, a whole Internet full of sounds and samples and maybe your own apartment. Which is great in its own way. I don’t necessarily agree with the notion that more music getting made is an unmitigated good, but I’ve heard some excellent tunes that never would have gotten produced if the cost of recording were greater than zero dollars. That said, some of the best creative advice I’ve ever heard was to “set limitations[...]

Mooses – Tales From The Elephant’s Nest

May 5, 2014

There’s definitely something going on down the 90 in Fredonia. The proximity of Dave Fridmann’s Tarbox Road Studios in nearby Cassadaga, NY has contaminated the water or affected the electromagnetic fields emanating in that area in a way that wildness and psychedelia have become hallmarks of Fredonia’s music scene, which is of course a huge boon for WNY’s music scene. Case in point: Mooses, a young four piece from Fredonia who dropped itsdebut EP, Tales From The Elephant’s Nest, a tight and bold five song collection that sounds sweet in the ears and screams “POTENTIAL,” last week. Mooses get things started with the snarling, schadenfreude and 90’s drenched “Hypocrite’s Fall,” a slow burner that lures you in with restrained buildup before unleashing evocative new wave vocals reminiscent of Robert Smith and stirring Bends worthy guitars. The new wave swagger continues on the exuberant “Bette Davis,” a straight ahead rave up complete with[...]