Latest Posts

B-rent – Everything For Paige

May 25, 2022

Somewhere in the up & coming hip/hop scene in Buffalo, a voice can be heard with sounds of sincerity; the voice comes from B-rent on his debut LP: Everything for Paige. The album resembles something like a modern day Shakespeare tragedy reflecting the beauty in despair. He shows his fans what rock bottom has taught him before he reaches the mountain top he’s climbing. The fuel to the flame of “Everything For Paige” was unmistakably gifted from his late sister, Paige Casillo. Tracks like “This Broke” resemble how hollow a heart that was once full still beats with as much purpose as the percussion in his music. While tracks like “Exposed” demonstrate how to run through problems (or brick walls)  head-on. The theme of the eleven track LP burns the brightest on track 10, “WITH ME, WITH YOU,” as B-rent belts out lines like “freestyle flows ain’t no need for[...]

Hussalonia – The Somewhat Surprising Re-Recording of Marsupial Garamond Hussalonia

May 18, 2022

Legend says in the year of 1997, a pop music cult was born via the Nefarico soap company and named Hussalonia. A quarter century later, Hussalonia has given us The Somewhat Surprising Re-Recording of Marsupial Garamond Hussalonia… A project that was dropped about sixteen years ago re-recorded, mixed, and mastered to the complete satisfaction of not only Nefarico & Hussalonia; but their fanbase as well. For those unfamiliar with Hussalonia, the riveting backstory and completely immersive worldbuilding are a part of the charm. In addition to their uniquely-told origins coming from a dystopian (or, surprisingly and unsettlingly current) world, their music is incredibly pristine and well-written. A truly all-around experience from this one-of-a-kind Buffalo-based artist. The album starts with the riveting “Time and Place,” in which Hussalonia bellows for the one he once loved. Conceptually continuing the tale throughout the entirety of the rest of The Somewhat Surprising Re-Recording of[...]

Conway the Machine – God Don’t Make Mistakes

May 2, 2022

The spirit of Buffalo is a very real concept that only true Buffalonians could understand; a sense of community, validity, and authenticity. The legendary rap group Griselda managed to spread the spirit of Buffalo on an international level – one third of this hip-hop superpower, Conway the Machine, recently dropped what is easily his best work to date, an LP entitled God Don’t Make Mistakes. Conway’s cutthroat delivery intersects the eloquent piano keys laid over his beats with pinpoint perpendicularity. Listening to God Don’t Make Mistakes takes you into a hip hop classroom and Conway the Machine is the coolest teacher you’ve ever had. The diversity of emotion Conway has the power to convey is infinite, especially when comparing the vulnerable “Stressed” to the triumphant “So Much More.” When he says “Don’t let em’ put me in no box, I’m so much more,” it hits hard. It’s a very surreal experience[...]

TTB Donntae – “START IT UP 2”

April 30, 2022

Buffalo-based artist TTB Donntae saw a lack of hip hop percolation in the local rap scene and decided to capitalize on the situation. Bringing in relentless flows, memorable lyrics, and standout delivery all on a bomb-ass beat; allow me to introduce “START IT UP PART 2.” TTB Donntae is currently working on his third project titled Seven6teen and has released a plethora of singles leading up to it, most notably, the sequel to his song “START UP” released on previous project The Fall of Man. It’s exciting to see where TTB Donntae will take his upcoming LP after listening to his latest work; tune in. Stream it on YouTube and SoundCloud 

Funeral Coat – Is That So?

April 13, 2022

Call it alternative, punk, emo, or whatever else you want, but call it correct; Funeral Coat’s debut LP, Is That So, is fire. The gas to that fire might come from professional production from the prominent Jay Zubricky at GCR Audio; but that’s just the tip of the Iceberg. Funeral Coat built up anticipation with a year of singles when they first formed back in 2020, then delivered Is That So? On July 3rd of 2021. Nearly a year has passed and we’re still spinning it – clearly, it has aged with grace. Album opener “Sorry” is the archetypal Funeral Coat song – their songs clearly have a punk edge, but never stray too far into bouncy, light-hearted territory. “Sorry” demonstrates this perfectly, highlighting a beautiful harmonic guitar lead layered thick with effect pedals. The vocals are similarly effected – masking the emotive delivery with a layer of shredded-speaker distortion.[...]

Coral Collapse – “Symmetries”

April 5, 2022

Rolling in like a fog over the surface of a lake, Symmetries by Buffalonian band Coral Collapse came at the perfect timing. Just as the world begins to open up again, Symmetries oozes the sweet sensation of a new day; not only does it sound like a new morning, but a fresh start with the people you love. Coral Collapse originally banded together in 2015 and have been going strong ever since. They’ve dropped three singles, an EP, and an LP outside of Symmetries… This one is different though. I’m not going to lie, after hearing Symmetries in its entirety, while their other releases served as a great foundation of roots for Coral Collapse, it’s evident that we’re witnessing their “blooming” as a band. They’ve blossomed into a force of dream pop to be reckoned with. The intro track and lead single, “Graves,” features an incredibly wholesome music video shot[...]

Canetis – Chasing Moonlight

March 28, 2022

Like the first leaves gliding through the wind in fall, the first winter snow, and that first 80 degree week in summer, Canetis is back and it’s the season of Chasing Moonlight.  The five Buffalo head bangers hardly touch the ground on their latest five piece EP. Just short of twenty minutes, Chasing Moonlight is a perfect album for the scenic route to wherever you’re going. However, each song definitely has a time and a place it’d be fully understood. Like “Daydreamer,” which would hit the hardest on that ride home from the function where you held back what you really wanted to say or do. The following track “Whenever” brings me to a blissful field of comfort in misfortunes. The first words of the opening track “Reconsider,” “Chasing Moonlight, lost since 94,” really help describe what that represented in the eyes of Canetis; or at least the fact that[...]

Happy Vacation – “Up All Night”

March 25, 2022

Buffalo-based trio Happy Vacation delivered their latest smash single, “Up All Night,” just in time for spring break. Bubbly melodies covered with a vibrant fuzzy production are tied in with classic lyrics that embody a simpler time and place – just a few of the many aspects that make “Up All Night” a gem. I can already smell the freshly smoked smores over the campfire with friends and/or family as this song blares in the background. The tellingly-named Happy Vacation is guaranteed to compliment all your memories made this summer with the synth-laced indie pop flavors of “Up All Night.” Stream it on Spotify and Apple Music

The Safety Meeting – “W1ND^UP”

March 25, 2022

Let’s take it back to the 90s, the modern day golden era of nostalgia. Shredding through the 716, The Safety Meeting has developed a sonic extract of that golden era on their latest track titled “W1ND^UP.” The hook hollers “if I worked any more or I laughed any less, I’d probably wind up dead,” resonating with a cruel yet cool aftertaste. The Buffalonian band, born from COVID, was founded by Julian Burgio and now consists of Anthony Carmes and TJ Cutajar on guitar, Kevin Sampson on bass, and Marc Thomas on drums. “W1ND^UP” released on February 1st of 2022 and is currently sitting at the top of their Spotify page (presumably until they drop their next song). Stream it on Spotify and Apple Music

Pliocene – Get Up + Live Forever

March 21, 2022

If you’re looking for music to dance to in the dark, look no further.  Pliocene’s transcendent debut album, Get Up + Live Forever, is a sonic psychedelic. Composed entirely of instrumentals, the ambience of each track is immense; gathering elements from chillwave, post-rock, indie rock, electric downtempo, and hints of trip hop. The half-hour running time is a dream-like experience – in a sense that it feels like you’re here, but you’re not. While listening to Get Up + Live Forever, time is obsolete, and when you close your eyes you see nothing but infinite space. The tranquil sound of waves on “Estuaries” remind me of the waves used in Kid Cudi’s “All In,” which personally hit home for me. It’s unclear what value the unique titles of the tracks hold to Pliocene, but some are most definitely geared toward setting. Track 8, “Eveningbirds,” has the beautiful songs of birds chirping in[...]

Medusa – “GET HARD”

March 18, 2022

A musician made in Buffalo is no better than a musician made anywhere else, but they sure know how to hit home… Revenge-pop artist Medusa recently made another mark on the city with their experimental anthem “Get Hard.” The range of delivery and melody given throughout the track is something I’ve only heard from artists such as 070 Shake and Doja Cat. It’s enlightening to know that such talent resides in the 716 area code. There’s currently a visualizer uploaded on YouTube and Medusa has spoken on the release of a whole music video so most definitely be on the lookout. Until then, enjoy the squelching synths lurching underneath Medusa’s smooth-but-sassy pop delivery. Stream it on Spotify & Apple Music

Passed Out – Well Enough, For Now

March 17, 2022

Buffalo’s very own Passed Out released their triplet Well Enough For Now EP via Admirable Traits Records, bearing the vintage vibes of a warm cup of coffee and a flannel on the porch. The intro “Baby Blue” is accompanied by a classically entertaining video that was brought to the world wide web on February 3rd of 2022. The meat of the EP, “Scorched Earth,” holds all the thoughts we withhold from others (and even ourselves) with lyrics like “I like the face you put on when you want to be caring.” The brutally honest ballads of Well Enough For Now don’t get any more sugar-coated toward the back of the EP – “PBRs & Hockey Cards” is the last song that’s played at the bar as everyone gathers their things before parting ways for what’s assumed to be a long time. Stream it on Spotify & Apple Music Well Enough,[...]

Post Prom – Who You Pretend To Be

March 15, 2022

At long last, Buffalo-based quintet Post Prom have delivered their debut LP, Who You Pretend To Be (WYPTB), and it was well worth the wait. They provide an infectious boost of energy that makes you want to jump up on your coffee table and dance. The kind of music you would have heard in the backseat of your parents car in the late 90s. A powerful blend of rock, emo, and pop-punk flavors that bring us back to the late nights spent with friends or family in the garage – pure nostalgia. The band themselves describe WYPTB as a “coming of age story,” and their blend of crunchy guitars, relatable lyrics, and memorable melodies tell that tale perfectly. Post Prom have been playing together for roughly five years, but they sound like they have 50 years of chemistry as a band. The insertion of each and every element of Who You Pretend[...]

Scumfire – Trash Film

March 11, 2022

Scumfire’s Spotify bio reads: “Birthed in 2019, became men in 2020. Fueled by Genny and general disdain. No cops allowed, and buddy, believe me when I tell ya, we’re gonna know if you’re a cop.” If that doesn’t accurately convey what Scumfire is about, then I don’t know what does. On May 21st of 2021 the hardcore punk band out of Buffalo unleashed their Frankenstein of an EP, Trash Film, a four-song EP full of gravel-voiced screams; discordant guitar and bass riffs; and piledriver drum rhythms. It’s accompanied by a music video for “Obsolete Man,” starkly black and white, which accompanies their eardrum-shredding approach perfectly. Trash Fire is out now via Rochester-based label SORE EAR COLLECTIVE. Stream it on Spotify & Apple Music Watch “Obsolete Man” on YouTube Trash Film by Scumfire

Amateur Hockey Club – “What You Wanted”

March 4, 2022

You can hear the grime being shredded off the guitar in the grudging of Buffalo-based band Amateur Hockey Club‘s new single, “What You Wanted.” This is a common theme within the music of Amateur Hockey Club, as they radiate the essence of a blacklight in a back-alley, lit up with nothing else but neon signs in the night. Thick distortion wrapped with a thin layer of dried reverb on the vocals helps guide you into the wicked world of “What You Wanted.” Check it out on Spotify and Apple Music too. Amateur Hockey Club · What You Wanted