Latest Posts

Stress Dolls – “Alone”

February 1, 2022

The transparency that Buffalo punk artist Stress Dolls possesses is as evident in her music as it is on social media. The last words in her Spotify bio read, “Currently I’m back in the studio with Marc working on a new release that I hope to get out sometime in 2021…” And boy did she deliver. With the single “Alone,” released January 7th (accompanied by a stunning music video just three days later), Chelsea O’Donnell shows off her near decade of experience by screaming both authenticity and relatability with straightforward lyrics like “I’d rather be alone,” showcasing that sometimes our complex thoughts are best relayed in simple terms. It’s done through the simple-yet-effective use of jangly guitar rock and synth lead flourishes, highlighted of course by O’Donnell’s one-of-a-kind vocal prowess. You can find all the different ways to enjoy “Alone” (as well as her newest EP, FORWARD) via this link.[...]

Tough Old Bird – “‘The Jaybird Lives!'”

February 1, 2022

You can almost hear the blowing of a breeze and rustling leaves while gazing at the nature-esque cover art for Buffalo indie folk duo Tough Old Bird’s latest EP, A Mantle for the Lantern. Buffalo brothers Matthew and Nathan Corrigan recorded the entire EP in their home while the rest of the world was shut down due to COVID-19. The intro to the EP, “‘The Jaybird Lives!’,” creates a very delicate, yet safe atmosphere for the audience to float through. With a breezy folk vibe that sways back and forth, A Mantle for the Lantern is akin to a rhythmic river running under the sunset. The only two words needed to sum up the ambience of the EP are peace and harmony. First, preview “‘The Jaybird Lives!'” via YouTube below, but be sure to check their entire (lengthy!) discography on Spotify as well.

Hyperview – “I Used To Be Normal”

January 31, 2022

The breath of vocalist AJ Newman from pop-punk band Hyperview is frosty enough to give an audience chills. Their most recent addition to their catalog is an EP, I Used to be Normal, featuring a music video for the project’s title-track. This was a big leap forward for both Hyperview and their fans, being the first ever music video they posted. The on-set video perfectly captures how one feels “trapped” inside of what/who they thought they were, even as normal life continues to happen around them. It runs perfectly parallel with the haunting lullaby blend of vibey emo-punk that is “I Used to be Normal.” Check out the music video for “I Used to Be Normal” below – you can also find the EP of the same name on Bandcamp and Spotify.

Humble Braggers Release New Single, “So Alive”

October 12, 2021

Buffalo indietronica mainstays Humble Braggers are back again with another lush single they’re calling “So Alive.” By now (we hope!) you’re familiar with the quartet’s euphoric sound – songs filled with what seems like hundreds of synth textures; big vintage drum sounds; plucky guitar riffs; and Tom Burtless’ signature croon. “So Alive” continues that trend, complete with a set of lyrics about how good it feels to face your fears head-on. Check out “So Alive” below via Soundcloud. If you like it, you can also find their entire discography on Spotify and Apple Music. PS: Don’t forget to pre-save their full-length LP, Love & Fear, due out November 11th – here’s the link for you to do so. Humble Braggers · So Alive

Johnny Hart and the Mess Release New Single, “Get Lost Living”

September 11, 2021

Buffalo-based rock n’ rollers Johnny Hart and the Mess recently released a new song called “Get Lost Living.” While showcasing Johnny’s soaring vocals and riff-based, guitar-driven style, the band dives deep lyrically on “Living.” About the song, they say: “This song is about getting lost in life. Both bad lost and good lost. Bad meaning you get so engulfed in the trivial nonsense of the day to day, you stop and ask are you really living your life, or are you just going through motions? Good meaning, you are so entranced in something that is bringing you immense joy that you’re just watching your life go by and couldn’t be happier… Life is short, get lost living it.” We think you’re gonna like it – you can listen to “Get Lost Living” via YouTube below or stream it on Apple Music, Deezer, or Spotify.

Wilco & Sleater-Kinney at Artpark (8/26/21)

August 31, 2021

Last Thursday, Wilco and Sleater-Kinney shared the stage for a fantastic show in Lewiston. Artpark provided the perfect scenic backdrop for a great end of summer show.  Chicago based multi instrumentalist NNAMDÏ kicked the night off, performing a short but sweet sonically diverse set with a tight backing band. Following a short rain delay, Sleater-Kinney took the stage and played a high energy, slightly shortened set focusing on tracks from their new LP which dropped earlier this year, Path of Wellness, as well as a bunch of tracks from their 2005 LP, The Woods, among others.  Wilco played an epic 18 song career spanning set, which was also shortened due to another rain delay a few tracks in. After a slight delay, the rain didn’t seem to bother the crowd, as the majority of the crowd stuck around for the whole show. We sent blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor (@brendanoconnor139 on[...]

The Hamiltones Release New Surf-Punk Concept LP, ‘Dracula Invitational, 1791’

March 14, 2021

The Hamiltones have been kicking around Buffalo for years now, crafting epic, spindly surf-punk that brings to mind The Ventures, The Cramps and Dick Dale. They’re also fiercely individualistic – this time around, they’ve crafted an utterly unique batch of songs, 14 to be exact, self-described as “the score of the most ridiculous, b-movie Dracula film no one has ever seen (and may not even really exist).” Welcome to Dracula Invitational, 1791, a next-level concept album that tells the story about how the Hamiltones were invited to be the house band at the most infamous Dracula party in the world. The whole plot is spelled out in a wax-sealed letter that’s included with every record. The Hamiltones went all out for this, including a huge centerfold illustration depicting the Dracula party drawn by Buffalo-based illustrator Mickey Harmon. Songs like “No, Let’s Eat the Musicians” (which is accompanied by a music video[...]

Humble Braggers Release New Music Video for “Better”

January 5, 2021

Buffalo synthpop heroes Humble Braggers are back with a new music video for their reimagined jam, “Better.” The video finds the HB boys getting raucous in a backyard beer pong session, complete with NFL-quality can punting (Go Bills!), table flipping, and plenty of quasi-drunken bliss. Juxtaposed against the band’s tomfoolery is front man Tom Burtless, smoothly mouthing the lyrics and dressed to the nines in an expertly-decorated room. It’s a good look for the Buffalo mainstays, who continue to pump out mature and polished music (and evidently having a great time doing so). Like all of Humble Braggers’ work, “Better” is another absolute earworm, full of tasty synths, soaked in reverb, and tinged with just-enough vintage 1980s flavor. Check it out below – If you prefer to listen elsewhere, you can find all of the links here.

Quinton Brock is Taking All of Us “To The Moon”

October 19, 2020

Quinton Brock’s latest single “To The Moon” is everything you need right now in the year of our lord 2020, and it’s video directed by Shauna Presto is pure gold and the future Leftists dream of. The ever elusive Brock has previously offered us glimpses into his progressive and soulful vision hip-hop, but here it’s sunny and frankly gorgeous surf punk rock that’s rousingly,  joyfully alive thanks to his satisfyingly earnest melodies, some killer riffs and shredding from Griff Smith and Peter Enriquez, and some fat and swinging rhythm from bassist Don Hanson and drummer Gengis Don. The video from buffaBLOG alum Shauna Presto is pure summer, and a heavenly expression of freedom, love, and community, and everybody needs to get with it as soon as possible. Thanks.

14 trapdoors Shares “Love” Music Video

September 2, 2020

Offbeat hip-hop trio 14 trapdoors has shared music video for the new single “Love,” the third single from the group’s forthcoming new album Eileen. The laid-back track is complimented by heady visuals via Mi6fit and includes guest verses from DNTWATCHTV and Medusa. Comprised of local MCs Short Moscato, Bendyface and Wza, the threesome is set to drop the record on September 11th. The 10-track release features guest appearances from Bille Esco, Benny the Butcher, Che Noir and more heavy hitters from Buffalo’s hip-hop community. Check out the clip below.

Elemantra Drops Live Sessions EP

September 1, 2020

Local indie rockers Elemantra are back with their first collection of new tunes in two years with G Camp Live Sessions. Recorded and filmed last fall while camping Seneca Allegheny Territory, the 3-track EP finds the Salamanca foursome continuing to mine the early emo / post-rock / shoegaze  hybrid sound that has made them a favorite of this blog.  The group’s range – from delicate melodies to crescendoing riffs – should appeal to fans of Hum and Sunny Day Real Estate. All of the songs are accompanied by a live, river-backed clip, a nice reminder that the best season in WNY is right around the corner. The audio files can all be found on the band’s Spotify. In the mean time, watch the video for “Sun Hugs” below. G Camp Live Sessions by elemantra

Velvet Bethany Shares New Video for “She’s So Mean”

August 28, 2020

Local garage punk quartet Velvet Bethany is busy prepping for the unveiling of its latest album Abuse Paradigm. While no release date has been given, the record’s first single “She’s So Mean” dropped earlier this month and has already been given the music video treatment. The clip for the peppy surf rockin’ tune finds front person Alison Mitchell performing the song on one of Buffalo’s beautiful beaches. The video’s lo-fi quality reminds me of an old family outing to Crystal Beach my dad captured on VHS. Anyway, the track, recorded at Lockport’s Watchmen Studios, is currently available for purchase via Bandcamp while the full length should assumingly surface sometime this fall/winter. Watch the video for “She’s So Mean” below.

Rust Belt Brigade Preps Upcoming Album, Shares New Single

August 27, 2020

Buffalo roots unit Rust Belt Brigade has announced the release of its forthcoming new record Howdy Hallelujah, Here’s The Thing, set to drop on September 18th. The album’s first single “Roll Call” plays heavily into the band’s bluegrass roots, once again employing local violinist Sally Schaefer to add some old timey sheen to the tune. As always, the group’s raspy vocals and foot stomping melodies highlight its rustic punk charm. Recorded at Mammoth Studios, the album finds the busking foursome embracing a more electric sound versus its normal live band studio work. Speaking of foursome, the makeup of RBB will soon change as founding member and vocalist Victor Castillo relocates the project out west to pursue future music opportunities in Colorado. In the mean time, the single is currently streaming on Bandcamp while all proceeds from track sales will be donated to Black Love Resist in the Rust. Listen to[...]

way2wavybaby & chango4 Break on Thru to Planet 9

July 20, 2020

Right in time for the most catawampus Fourth of July in American history probably since the original and our ongoing Coronavirus summer, Buffalo’s hip hop scene delivered not one but two vital albums for our long, hot summer, Westside Gunn’s latest, which we’ll leave to Pitchfork now that the Grizelda crew has gone supernova; and Planet 9, a  gloriously shiny and irresistible collaboration featuring emcees way2wavybaby and Chango4 that’s chilled out yet laser sharp, and a very encouraging glimpse of the future. If it feels like the ground is moving beneath  our feet that’s because it is, and way2wavybaby and Chango4 are part of this seismic shift. You love to see it: artists explicitly breaking down the exclusionary and oppressive limitations of old paradigms to get and be free, and the aspirational, DGAF lyrics and hypnotic grooves of Planet 9 feels like a welcome manifestation of this phenomena. Gen Z emcees like way2wavybaby and[...]

Humble Braggers Break Out With New Single “Locked Inside”

March 11, 2020

Buffalo synth pop quartet Humble Braggers have dropped a very tight new single “Locked Inside” that’s exactly what you need inside and out after an exceptionally sunless winter. Humble Braggers don’t play around on this single, with every element on song from the achingly vulnerable tenor and evocative lyrics of frontman and creative guru Tom Burtless,  a crystal clean guitar solo also from Burtless, “Locked Inside” breaks free to achieve proper lift off thanks to it’s genuine and meaningful empathy, it’s M83 worthy synth lines reaching for outer space, and some club friendly change ups and 80’s drum vibes encouraging you to get free. Check it out below and let some sunshine in. Locked Inside by Humble Braggers