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Tonight: Best Coast

August 7, 2016

In 2009, Bethany Cosentino burst onto the indie rock scene as one-half of Best Coast, a hauntingly romantic homage to all things heartbreak, weed and cats. Irony-free, Bethany’s heart-on-her-sleeve lyrics, coupled with the amazing instrumentation of Bobb Bruno, her partner in crime, led to one of 2010’s most unlikely success stories; the Crazy For You album, a record that seemed to excite just about everyone. Equal parts fun-in-the-sun and reverb-drenched Beach Boys melancholia, this was an album the underground and mainstream could both agree on and wrap their heads around. The songwriting was just that strong. Since that time, Best Coast has released two more albums, reputation firmly intact. Tonight, along with Sunflower Bean, an utterly fantastic psych-pop band with influences ranging from the Smiths to more recent (and fellow Brooklyn based) Diiv, Best Coast will be hitting up the Tralf (7pm, $24) for a night of sheer audio bliss.[...]

Ugly Sun Releases Debut Single “Mock Me Out”

August 5, 2016

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Arctic Death frontman John Crook. Since the band’s split in mid 2011, the members have held tenure in an impressive run of great Buffalo bands, including, but not limited to: Nelson-Type, Crooks, and Father Baron. Ugly Sun is Crook’s new project, rounded out by longtime collaborators Trey Hollowood and Harrison Crook. The trio released their debut EP, Cherokee, earlier this month. Recorded with Jay Zubricky at GCR, their new single, “Mock Me Out,” is a sunny and articulate take on alternative rock. The song highlights Crook’s distinctive drawl and the band’s use of big, beautiful guitars and lush harmonies. Ugly Sun is sure to be a fixture in the local scene this fall. You might also be able to catch them on tour throughout October. Till then, you can stream “Mock Me Out” below via Soundcloud. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272590516″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sparklebomb Releases New Batch of Spooky Singles

July 22, 2016

Spooky synth queen, Sparklebomb, has released a new batch of brooding ambient tracks. The Buffalo-transplant / Syracuse native, Angie Conte has been performing under the moniker for close to seven years, perfecting her atmospheric and dismal sound. As per the songwriter’s repertoire, the intro to “Right Along with Me” leads into the dialogue of an old-time audio of Murder Castle, a drama inspired by serial killer / madman, H.H. Holmes. The dialogue is spliced over ominous organs, eventually introducing a drum machine. The muffled interaction drops,  leaving almost mesmerizing synth loop meanwhile building your anxiety for something to happen, which is a tease because the track fades out much like how it faded in. If there ever was a musician to score a horror film, it would be Sparklebomb. Check out “Right Along with Me” below and explore the ‘bomb’s discography here.   [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273362364″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Super American Releases New Lyric Video for “Congratulations”

July 8, 2016

The hyper-literate pop-punkers in Super American are at it again, this time with their new song “Congratulations.” By now, you probably recognize enigmatic frontman Matt Cox (ex-ringleader for other Buffalo favorites I Can See Mountains and Thick Winter Blud), who specializes in penning irresistibly upbeat emo anthems. You might also recognize the new addition of two members of ex-Buffalo expats Lovey. “Congratulations” reflects the influence of Super American’s new lineup – Cox joins the rest of his band for a surprisingly still sit down despite the group’s knack for fun, polished post-internet rock. “Congratulations” is below for your viewing pleasure. Photo and video credit: Andy DeLuca

Holland Purchase Releases Debut Single

July 1, 2016

Kevin Stuitje (of Tomoreaux fame) has just released a new single under the moniker Holland Purchase. His debut single, “Five Years” is sad, guitar rock about the realities of navigating relationships while also dealing with depression. The track has undeniable emo flavor (the good, passionate kind) while also nodding towards Tomoreaux’s ambient tendencies. “Five Years” both highlights and distorts Stuitje’s shoegaze-esque vocals that range from a quiet hum to passionate screams. Fun fact: Cody Morse (of Buffalo band Deadwolf) recorded the track, which also features Tom Burtless (Humble Braggers) on drums and Nate Ward on bass. Head over to Holland Purchase’s Bandcamp page – you can snag “Five Years” for a very affordable “pay what you want” rate.

dreambeaches Release New Single

March 15, 2016

Buffalo-based beach-y trio, dreambeaches, released their first single off their forthcoming album Habits. dreambeaches, lead by Corey Bzibizik sprang onto the local scene last year after splintering off from local synth-pop band,  Humble Braggers (and bringing Jacob Peter and Gabe Wells from said band along). Set for a late spring release, the summer-y lead single “Graduation Day” is a fuzzy-pop song that delves into casual frustrations – road rage, cocky college students, and watching a relationship fade away while you are still treading water. Put some shades on, drive with the windows down, blast “Graduation Day,” and care about nothing. Hakuna Matata.

Difficult Night – In a Blackhole at the Listening of Distant Harpers in the Dim Gloam of Evening

February 29, 2016

Difficult Night is somewhat of an anomaly.  An anomaly in the fact that the unique Buffalo quartet is fundamentally unclassifiable. The oft-coined “slacker rock” designation only goes so far, “indie rock” is an even broader cop out. Classifications (or lack thereof) aside, I can concretely say that the band does what they want, a project unburdened by the shackles of expectation. Their latest album, In a Blackhole at the Listening of Distant Harpers in the Dim Gloam of Evening (inhales), lays foundation on that sentiment, making the collection of songs deliciously raw and unapologetically soaked in truth. Blackhole seems to shine brightest in its elements of observation and introspection. “I used to believe in signs / before I knew how to read ‘em,” sings Shane Meyer on midtempo number “Turn My Back,” track two of the 9-track album. Many of the songs feel like face-to-face conversations with Meyer, an unfiltered[...]

Hundred Plus Club Releases Debut EP

February 23, 2016

Local garage rockers Hundred Plus Club have just released their debut three-song EP, full of frantic, dance rock. This fresh-faced act recently recorded with Nick Borgosz at World of Noise Studios (Bryan Johnson & Family, M.A.G.S.). We recommend these guys if you would be interested in hearing what Dave Monks (Tokyo Police Club) would sound like as front man of The Rapture or Interpol. You can check out our personal favorite track from Three Songs, “Reversed,” below.

Charles Bordeaux Releases Free Of.. EP

February 16, 2016

Buffalo producer/songwriter Charles Bordeaux, formerly known as REverb Rock, recently released a soulful four track EP titled Free Of.., which includes instrumental melodic synth jams as well as downtempo experimental pop with frenetic percussion and emotive vocals. The artist’s abstract style is notably compelling on tracks like “Temple” and “Youth”, where lush arrangements accompany the singer’s introspective lyrics along with immersive vocal samples. The casual instrumental jam “Wax & Wane” centers around an infectious synth progression, paired with static drums and a strong bass groove to make for a jazzy, contemplative feel. Listen to/download Free Of.. below.

Moody Cosmos Reveals New Single

February 9, 2016

Last week, Moody Cosmos–the neo-psyche garage project of Mooses frontman Peter Cahlstadt—dropped a new single, making our early spring a bit more exciting. The explosive track, titled “Old Sarge’s Drop Zone,” is a departure from the outfit’s first single, the soulful “Rocky” (which, unfortunately, has disappeared from the depths of the internet). The new track is a psyche-glam cornucopia of instrumentation, opening with a tonky piano riff that eventually explodes into a liberal serving of fuzz, organ, trumpets and sax, recommended for fans of Foxygen, Sleepy Jackson, and Supergrass. The whole track listens like a grand psychedelic rock opera–politically tinged, wild and huge. Worth a spin. Downloads are available here on the Moody Cosmos’ bandcamp page, and it’s worth mentioning that any proceeds made from the track will be donated to Charity:Water, which aims to provide clean water to developing nations. More info on that at charitywater.org. Check out “Old Sarge’s[...]

Faire Écho – Child of Rage

February 8, 2016

Before the break, I mentioned that going into the new year buffaBLOG would be keeping you up to date on every new and exciting voice in local music. So it’s after eagerly waiting 30 long days that I can finally share with you one of those voices; Faire Écho. Faire Écho is the electronic brainchild of Buffalo native and former Sleepy Haha’s bassist, Derek Sullivan. Now residing in Neu-Ulm, Germany; Sullivan has taken to producing music full-time and the first results are nothing short of breathtaking. Child of Rage is the name of his forthcoming work, a loose concept album based around the destructive power of childhood pain and fear. The album follows a haunting series of vocal samples that thematically ties the work together using what sounds like childhood therapy sessions and chilling eyewitness accounts. While the album itself is still awaiting a release, Sullivan has released a collection[...]

La Fiesta Lafayette Releases New EP

February 2, 2016

Mysterious lo-fi act La Fiesta Lafayette has just released a new three-song EP. Recorded on the cheap in in a run-down apartment with a gas leak, LFL has made efficient use of the surprisingly ideal bathroom acoustics. Capoed guitars and smooth mandolin tones lay the groundwork for LFL’s snarky, but fitting vocal delivery. What results is an impassioned acoustic effort in the same vein as Fevers and Mirrors-era Bright Eyes or Balance Problems. Check out “OpheliaOphelia” below.  

Herd Fest Accepting Applications for 2016

January 22, 2016

Yesterday afternoon, various Herd Fest social media accounts announced that the annual festival is now accepting applications for 2016’s event, which beings on Thursday, June 16, 2016 and ends Sunday, June 19, 2016 at an array of different venues. In the previous two years, Herd Fest had organizations curate their own showcases based on brand leanings, and although all our partners did an amazing job setting lineups, each year we’ve had the same gripes from bands wanting to get in on the action. “I wish we were knew about this,” “No one asked us to play,” and “Hey I’m in a super cool band coming through and have no contacts in Buffalo and we are playing North by North East in Toronto, Canada and we would like to be added to one of your shows 48 hours beforehand.” Unfortunately, while we cannot do much for traveling bands with poor tour planning skills,[...]

Peach releases new album The Fall of Rome

December 3, 2015

Buffalo production duo 桃 [peach] with only a pair of bandcamp releases to their name are responsible for one of the more unique sounds to come out of the local electronic scene. With their latest album The Fall of Rome, the artists explore sounds rooted in vaporwave, house, and electronica while adhering to the ancient Roman theme with track titles like “Julius Caesar,” “The Ides of March,” and “Fall of the Republic.” Opening with the downtempo, glitchy “Ode to a New Age,” Peach complements fiery drums with lush chords and dark atmospherics while the more house-oriented “Julius Caesar” brings to mind the work of Toronto duo Crystal Castles with its abrasive textures and frenetic synth leads. Their eclectic production skills lend themselves to more groove-based, mellow tracks as well with “Welcome to Rome” and “Crossing the Rubicon” providing a more subdued tone while maintaining the experimental, scatter-brained approach that characterizes Peach’s sound. Perhaps[...]

Tonight: The Leones with Applennium

November 20, 2015

Headlining their first show in Buffalo, local shoegaze/dream-pop band The Leones are a newly formed duo comprised of singer/songwriter Justin Bachulak and guitarist Dustin Lau, who met at show at Babeville’s 9th Ward while Bachulak was playing with Americana act Crows and Jays. Combining ethereal, contemplative guitar tones with jazzy keys and dark atmospherics, the pair plan to release their debut LP, Ghost In The City early next year after a string of regional tour dates to promote the new material. Tonight, the band will perform at the Studio at Waiting Room along with local indie rock acts Applennium and Hundred Plus Club. Tickets for the all ages show are $8 and can be purchased here. Music starts at 7pm.   [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/183040349″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]