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‘Tid The Season Night One at Riverworks (12/13/19)

It’s difficult to think of a band that puts on for their city harder than Every Time I Die. Over the years,  ETID’s holiday shows have become bigger and bigger,  and have evolved into a city wide phenomenon that can’t be ignored. The holiday shows have grown into a two day affair at Buffalo Riverworks, featuring 12 out of town bands of varying genres and two 25+ song headlining sets from Every Time I Die.  The first day alone featured All Get Out, Harm’s Way, Terror, The Damned Things, Against Me!, and of course, ETID. Thousands of fans from all over the world flocked to Buffalo over the weekend, saw all that our city has to offer, supported our businesses, and witnessed what is always one of the craziest shows of the year. I’m sure everyone in attendance is already counting down the days until next year. Check out our photos from the first night of[...]

Third Eye Blind at Artpark (7/3/19)

Last Wednesday, Third Eye Blind brought their Summer Gods 2019 tour to Artpark in Lewiston.  The heat did not deter the eager crowd, as the outdoor amphitheater seriously filled filled out over the course of the blistering day. Around 6pm, Ra Ra Riot set things into motion with a short, solid set which definitely got the crowd warmed up. Jimmy Eat World then took the stage, playing a career spanning set which heavily focused on their classic 2001 record, Bleed American. It’s safe to say that Jimmy Eat World’s hit filled set was definitely a highlight of the night.  Third Eye Blind also took the same approach. They played tracks from all of their records, including some brand new material, but they mainly focused on their iconic 1997 Self-Titled debut LP.  “Jumper,” “How’s It Gonna Be,” “Semi-Charmed Life,” they wasted no time in playing all the hits and lesser known[...]

Basement at Rec Room (05/17/19)

This past Friday, UK indie/pop punk outfit, Basement, made their return to Buffalo.  Following their appearance a little over a year ago opening for The Front Bottoms at Riverworks, they now have a new album under their belt, titled Beside Myself.  Though the group’s sound has slightly drifted from their original roots, it seemed to have work out for the better, as their fan base seems more passionate than ever.  Buffalo showed up for the show, the crowd seemed to love every minute of their set, filling out the Rec Room.  Their set list included a handful of new tracks, as well as a bunch of old ragers. Both the old and new kept the crowd moving throughout the entire set, and they treated Buffalo to a great show. The gig was kicked off with a tight set from 90’s inspired grunge/emo four piece Teenage Wrist, as well as a exceptional, immensely loud set from[...]

G-Eazy at Darien Lake (08/24/18)

Last Friday, Darien Lake was treated to a packed hip hop show filled with both superstars and up and coming artists.  Over the course of the night, the amphitheater filled up to capacity, while P-Lo, YBN Nahmir, Murda Beatz, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Uzi Vert, and G-Eazy all performed high energy sets. There was a little something for everyone, and the crowd seemed head over heels while the artists played their chart topping hits. Check out some photos from the night below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. YBN Nahmir Murda Beatz Ty Dolla $ign Lil Uzi Vert G-Eazy  

Alkaline Trio at Town Ballroom (8/11/18)

Ahead of the release of their new album due out later this month, Alkaline Trio made their long awaited return to Buffalo on Saturday.  The iconic pop punk act absolutely packed the Town Ballroom, selling out the show months in advance.  They played a whopping 22 song set, spanning their entire back catalog dating back to 1998, and mainly focused on songs from their 2003 record, Crimson and their new record that comes out in a couple weeks, Is This Thing Cursed?.  The energy in the room was insane for their entire set and the band took minimal breaks, making up for lost time since their last stop in Buffalo.  Check out some photos from the awesome show below, including shots of the energetic LA based rock crew, together PANGEA.  All photos shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. together PANGEA Alkaline Trio

Fleet Foxes at Artpark (07/26/18)

Last week, Artpark served as the perfect backdrop for Fleet Foxes show in WNY in quite some time.  The night was kicked off with a short but sweet set by Nilüfer Yanya and her band.  She began her set solo, but eventually brought her band mates out to finish out her half hour set, packed with sweet, soulful tracks.  Her mellow set served as the perfect warm up for the indie folk titans, Fleet Foxes.  During my dig for info on Fleet Foxes last appearance in WNY, I actually wasn’t able to find anything, just to give you an idea of how longs it’s been.  They did make up for lost time though,  performing a huge 20 song set packed with songs from all three of their studio records. Artpark’s scenic backdrop combined with the warm sunset provided the absolute perfect setting for the show.  Check out some photos from the night below, taken by blog photographer,[...]

Father John Misty at Canalside (07/26/18)

Three years after his last appearance at the Town Ballroom, Father John Misty made his triumphant return to Buffalo. Since his last appearance in 2015, Mr. Tillman and crew have released two critically acclaimed full length records, 2017’s Pure Comedy, and 2018’s God’s Favorite Customer.  The sizeable crowd in attendance was treated to a handful of tracks from both of those records, as well as a bunch off of his first two full lengths under his Father John Misty moniker. Supported by his tight backing band, Tillman went all in with his infamous showmanship, seemingly to frantically preach to the crowd at points, begging and pleading. Highlights included a stunning performance of “Bored in the USA,” closing out the main set with an insanely grandiose rendition “I Love You, Honeybear,” and kicking off the encore with “Real Love Baby”, equal parts sweet and soaring.  Over the course over his 20[...]

Built to Spill & The Afghan Whigs at Town Ballroom (04/24/18)

Earlier this week, Built to Spill and the Afghan Whigs both returned to Buffalo for an awesome co-headlining show. Both bands played career spanning sets, making up for lost time since their last shows in Buffalo. The Afghan Whigs offered a  high energy set, focusing on tracks from their 2017 LP, titled In Spades. Built To Spill took a more intimate, no BS approach to their set, cruising through the show as a three piece, engaging in very little small talk.  While they did play fan favorite “Carry the Zero”, they focused on their deep cuts, making for a great show for longtime fans of the band. Check out some photos from the night below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. The Afghan Whigs Built to Spill  

Moose Blood at the Town Ballroom (04/17/18)

Earlier this week, UK pop punk four piece, Moose Blood, made their way back to Buffalo.   They seemed to make the best of Tuesday’s mediocre weather, drawing a sizable crowd. They played a pretty even split of songs between all three of their major records, and the die hard fans in the crowd seemed to love every minute of it.  Indie/emo veterans Lydia also made their first Buffalo appearance in quite some time, debuting a lot of their newer pop oriented material, along with a couple older cult classics.  Buffalo’s own Marigold kicked things off with a solid set, following a tour cancellation from McCafferty.   Check out some photos from the night below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. Marigold Lydia Moose Blood    

Sylvan Esso at the Town Ballroom (03/30/18)

Last week, Sylvan Esso thrilled a sold out Town Ballroom.  The electronic/synth pop duo finally made their way to Buffalo,  selling out the venue months in advance.  A few songs into their set, they explained they had no idea that so many people in Buffalo wanted to see them, and the audience made it clear that they did not want to wait long before another Buffalo appearance.  The packed house seemed to love every minute of their set, with nonstop singing and dancing from the ecstatic audience. The duo’s stellar lighting rig provided a great aid to the hypnotizing effect of the music, keeping the audience a near trance the whole night.  Check out some photos from the show below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. Sylvan Esso    

Atmosphere at the Town Ballroom (3/20/18)

Last week, Atmosphere made their triumphant return to Buffalo for a near sold out show at the Town Ballroom. The producer/rap duo were not on tour for any specific record, but played material from their extremely extensive back catalog, including a bunch of tracks from their cult classic LP released in 2002, God Loves Ugly. While there were no local openers on the show,  Atmosphere’s friend and collaborator Evidence kicked things off with a great set, swiftly rapping his way through a set of tracks from his 2018 release, Weather or Not, as well as a handful of his older tracks as well. Check out some photos from the night below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. Evidence Atmosphere

Joywave at the Town Ballroom (03/07/17)

This past Wednesday, our neighbors down the 90, Joywave, finished up a very lengthy full US tour with a stacked show at the Town Ballroom.  Buffalo’s own Humble Braggers opened things up, followed by Joywave collaborators and boisterous Rochester natives Kopps.  Low key pop act Sasha Sloan was also on the whole tour as well, and delivered a sweet set to get the crowd ready for Joywave.  When they finally took the stage, they ripped through tracks from their whole discography, and they drew a huge crowd that packed the room.  Check out some photos from the night below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. Humble Braggers Kopps Sasha Sloan Joywave

Lights at the Town Ballroom (03/06/18)

Earlier this week, Lights played her first show in Buffalo in over five years.  The packed house at the Town Ballroom didn’t seem to mind the wait though, singing along to all of her songs, both old and new. Her live show not only looked great due to her intense lighting rig, but her tight electro pop sound sounded absolutely massive as well.  Hopefully it wont be so long before the next time her and her band roll through town.  Australia’s Chase Atlantic opened up the show, serving as a solid warm up for Lights. Check out some photos from the night below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. Chase Atlantic Lights

Tyler, The Creator & Vince Staples at the Main Street Armory (02/21/18)

Last week, Vince Staples and Tyler, the Creator rolled through Rochester for an unforgettable show. Energy levels were maxed out from start to finish, with a quick DJ set to kick things off by Odd Future affiliate, Taco. Vince Staples’ high octane set touched on all of his major projects, and he did not disappoint, taking no time to mess around.  Based off of the reaction when the curtain dropped on Tyler though, it sounded like nothing could have prepared the audience for his set. Tyler performed tracks from all of his major albums, but mainly focused on his fantastic 2017 release, titled Flower Boy. The album’s mature sound translated perfectly to the big stage, not a single person in the crowd looked disappointed whether he was playing older or newer tracks, just further proving the fact that Tyler is here to stay. Check out some photos from the night below, shot by blog photographer,[...]

Every Time I Die’s Annual Christmas Show at Riverworks (12/16/17)

Tid the season!  The Every Time I Die annual Christmas shows have turned into a sort of local legend, and this year, the local metalcore legends went all out.  They invited an insane assortment of  touring acts to open the all day event, including Vein, Knocked Loose, Frank Iero and the Patience, Reggie and the Full Effect, Pup, and Eighteen Visions.  This was probably their biggest Christmas show to date, Riverworks was totally packed, sold out months in advance, and the fans went off like the show was still a venue as small as at the Waiting Room.  Check out some photos from the hours of total madness below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. Vein Knocked Loose Frank Iero and the Patience  Reggie and the Full Effect Pup Eighteen Visions Every Time I Die