Latest Posts

Tonight: Handsome Jack Album Release Show

October 24, 2014

With their Southern blues-rock sound, some might mistake Handsome Jack for one of the host of bands from the Nashville rock scene, but rather this talented four-piece hail from our very own Lockport, NY. The local retro-rockers will take the stage tonight at Mohawk Place to celebrate the release of their new album, Do What Comes Naturally. The album is already receiving early acclaim and even landed them a shout from Rolling Stone. Tonight offers a rare chance to hear the self-described “boogie-soul” band debut their latest record in an intimate venue while you still can. The band will also be joined by a local acts Bearhunter, JOHNS, and Pine Fever. Doors opens at Mohawk Place at 8pm and tickets are $7.

Stepfriends Releases New Album, All We’ve Got

October 22, 2014

The dudes (and dudettes) in Buffalo emo-pop collab-group Stepfriends have just digitally released their debut full-length album All We’ve Got. The eleven-track record, mostly recorded at The Square Studio in Syracuse, gives emo a little soul–think a jazzier Into It. Over It. with a dash of Circa Survive. Vocalist Johnny Lucas has a smooth and solid range, and his clear, handsome tenor takes the forefront in many of the songs. The tracks are expertly arranged; some of my favorite points on the record are the atmospheric bridges and breakdowns that give All We’ve Got it’s unique sound. Check out the angular riffs and crisp drumwork on track “Renovation” below, and go visit the band’s Bandcamp page for digital downloads and vinyl preorders.

Tonight: Brillz and SNAILS Twonkaholics Tour

September 30, 2014

If you happened to catch Brillz the last time he was in Buffalo, then you know that he knows how to throw down, and he throws down hard. Brillz and SNAILS are kicking off their Twonkaholics Tour tonight in Buffalo. Brillz, a moniker based on an abbreviation for “brilliant.” He has had releases on major labels like OWSLA, Mad Decent and Slow Roast Records, toured major cities and has played big name festival crowds. What started as a title for his album, “twonk” has clearly become it’s own defintion. What does TWONK mean? In an interview he did with Bass Collective, he said the word is all about it’s openness to interpretation. Twonk is whatever you want it to mean. “It’s about being weird, having fun and being creative,” he has said. Here’s a visual representation for you to form your own definition: Check out Brillz’s Instagram: @brillzbrillz [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/153059351″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false”[...]

Cal Dripken

September 30, 2014

The issue with a lot of doom, hardcore, and even punk is that the genres so conforming and formative, that it becomes drone-esque, taking you on a flight plan without showing you any new views of Lake Tahoe. Once you have been to LA, you have been to LA, but how about we go to Narnia instead? That is exactly where the Buffalo sludgy, metal quintet, Cal Dripken, plan on taking you. Then again, what else would you expect from a band that features current members of Fleshy Mounds, Blobs, Aircraft, and Scajaquada Creeps? “You can have a heavy riff and still have a melody that doesn’t have to be a boneheaded melody,” guitarist James Warren explains. “It can have something to it, besides just being loud and heavy. We try to combine both of those things a lot.” What really makes Cal Dripken stand out among the multitude of[...]

Just Announced: Halloween at the Hamlin House

September 18, 2014

A demonic, unholy union has occurred in Buffalo, NY…. OLD FRIENDS, NEW FACES has teamed up with buffaBLOG to host a night of debauchery at the legendary (and haunted) Hamlin House (432 Franklin Street). OLD FRIENDS, NEW FACES has been throwing the scariest bashes in Western New York for forty years; we here at buffaBLOG have strived to be the best blog for finding local music, evil or otherwise. This year, we have combined our powers to make a freight-filled night of freakishly fun food, dance, and drink. The event will take place on Saturday, October 25 at 10 pm.  Performing two sets is the 90’s alternative cover band Soul Patch. Also, featured for a 2nd consecutive year is Spooky Stephen of the DJ duo, Spooky Business. Tickets are $18 presale over at our bigcartel store, or $20 at the door.  Every ticket includes FREE BEER until 2 am. Get your ticket now if[...]

Fashion Expo 1990 Releases New Album, waiting for memphis

September 18, 2014

Earlier this year, the debut release from Fashion Expo 1990, a relatively unknown electronic/house alias of Difficult Night’s Miles Kirsch, was named our Album of the Week here at buffaBLOG. That record was filled with nostalgic vibes from various dance music scenes of the 90’s and featured impressive keyboard melodies and highly dexterous rhythms along with interesting sample selection. Earlier this month, the project released its second album, the six track waiting for memphis, via bandcamp. Like the self-titled debut, the record consists of previously recorded material, this one dating back to 2006. Standout tracks include “98% hustling,” with it’s archaic samples and breezy melodies and “c.h.a.r.m.,” which features soulful piano chords and classic house vocal sampling. Once again, the keys throughout the album are virtuosic and give many of the tracks an urgent feel to balance out the ethereal, blissed out element found in the artists’ production. Listen/download waiting for memphis below.

Difficult Night Drops New Track

September 11, 2014

Slacky folk-rockers Difficult Night have just updated their Soundcloud page with a spankin’ new number. The new track, titled “Turn My Back,” doesn’t stray far from the band’s signature sound, sitting somewhere between the practiced bagginess of a Pavement jam and the lo-fi indie jangle of All-Time Quarterback. Singer/guitarist Shane Meyer lays his customary spoken-word singing style over a foundation of rhythmic piano octaves and a twinkly guitar riff, resulting in a sound that is decidedly Difficult Night with a fun new flavor. Oh, and towards the end of the song there is a bomb guitar solo that could pierce a concrete slab. But don’t just take my word for it, press the play button below and give the fresh track a listen for yourself. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/166436608″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: araabMUZIK

August 29, 2014

Hailing from Providence, R.I., Abraham Orellana goes by araabMUZIK, and he is master of the MPC. A revolutionary talent, by tapping the pads of the piece of equipment and making loops, he paints an electronic and hip-hop inspired masterpiece of sound with his fingers. The vibes of his productions are sultry, sexy, and ghetto, interspersed with the signature female vocal letting you know, “You are now listening to araabMUZIK.” He has toured with Sleigh Bells, Baauer and Zeds Dead in addition to a multitude of collaborative work with highly influential artists such as Cam’ron, Styles P, Swizz Beatz, A$AP Rocky and Danny Brown. He pulls samples from a diverse range of artists from Oceanlab, Kaskade, The Who, Jay Z, The Supremes, Lana Del Rey, and so much more. By basically, in essence, performing a remix live, araabMUZIK has mastered one of the most creative ways to perform electronic music, entitling[...]

Applennium Releases “Old Maples”

August 29, 2014

So we may have let one slip under our radar. Earlier this year, local mood rockers Applennium stealthily dropped a new track on their Soundcloud page—a grooving song sounding like something off of Bombay Bicycle Club’s latest. The danceable track, titled “Old Maples,” is a bit of a stylistic departure for the band, leaving behind the dreamy folk twang of earlier material to capitalize on a peppy house-beat with a fat, juicy bassline. A rhythmically-played palm-muted riff and distant jangle-chords add a pleasing airy element to the track while the band’s chillingly good male/female harmonies round out the haunting number. Never a dull moment from this band—earlier this year they played a mind-blowingly good set for the Harvest Sum showcase of Herdfest, and wound up contributing a song to the label’s 2014 summer compilation, available here. Better six months late than never, enjoy Applennium’s “Old Maples” below. (You know, if[...]

Today: Buffalo DIY Fest II

August 9, 2014

The Buffalo DIY Fest returns to Buffalo River Fest Park today, making this year two for the do-it-yourself oriented music and arts festival. The festivities start at 4pm, and feature a wide array of things to look forward to, including live music, art vendors, and food trucks. buffaBLOG got to pick the brain of festival organizer Cam Rogers, who answered a few questions we had about the event and the DIY community. buffaBLOG: So what exactly is DIY fest? Cam Rogers: To me, the DIY Fest is a gathering of people to celebrate the DIY spirit and culture in Buffalo. It involves people that make things, whether that is art, crafts, metals, paints, music, or noise, and celebrates creation. bB: What inspired you to organize the festival? CR: I guess what inspired me to organize the festival was the desire to bring people together. It’s tough to bring all the[...]

Contribute to Desire Will Set You Free

August 5, 2014

Berlin. The LGBTQ community. Punk rock spirit. These are some of the common threads of the upcoming film from Yony Leyser (William S. Burroughs: A Man Within), Desire Will Set You Free, slated for release in Spring 2015. Straight from the press release, Desire “explores artistic and marginalized life in Berlin with an often critical and sometimes humorous (but always reverent) eye. The story follows the encounter between an American writer of Israeli/Palestinian descent and a Russian aspiring artist working as a hustler. Actively exploring gender identity, sexuality, andthe differences between expatriate and refugee life, the main characters travel through Berlin’s layered history and unique subcultural landscape. On their adventures they discover influences and remnants of the Weimar Republic, WWII, the Bowie years, and punk”. Jillian Mertz, a staple of the Buffalo music & arts scene, and recent German transplant, has been heavily involved in the promotion of this film, as[...]

Tonight: RADARADA

July 29, 2014

Combining jazzy live instrumentation with dexterous, melodic lyricism, Buffalo hip hop outfit RADARADA have quickly caught on as one of the most intriguing new groups to emerge locally as of late. Their excellent debut, First Edition, received album of the week honors here at buffaBLOG and was a soulful, welcome addition to the already eclectic local hip hop scene that boasts a healthy mix of veteran talent and hungry newcomers.  Tonight, the band brings their impressive live chops to McGarret’s on Elmwood for a show following the Bidwell Concert Series beginning at 9pm. Admission is $3 at the door. 21+.

Buffalo Vaggie Fest

July 28, 2014

I’m sure you have seen the flyer. I’ve seen it everywhere, from Black Dots Record Boutique to the Elmwood Market, from Spot Coffee to Amy’s Place. The flyer depicts any man’s worst fear, especially if they’ve seen the campy B-­horror film Teeth. Needless to say, it’s definitely eye-catching. The flyer that I am speaking of is for the Buffalo Vaggie Fest, which will be celebrating its fifth year next weekend. The event is the brainchild of Britt Wagner, and even though it is a “lady band” fest, Wagner has a hard time identifying herself as a feminist. Well, maybe she is a feminist by its technical definition, but she prefers the term “equalist.” “I don’t like to say that I am a feminist, but I’m an equalist. Equal shit for everyone,” she says as she takes a sip from her bottle of Magic Hat. “I’ve been places where people have been[...]

Tonight: Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses

July 12, 2014

To carry a legacy on decade after decade is quite a feat. Louis Prima was a pivital musician during the New Orleans jazz era. He became notable for classic Italian tunes to his starring vocal role as King Louie in the Disney film The Jungle Book. With Vegas experiences and collaborations with Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack, Prima became known for his “Wildest!” signature. If you think you don’t know Prima, think again, especially if you’ve wandered Hertel Avenue for Buffalo’s Italian Festival. And if that doesn’t strike your memory, take a listen to his famous song from The Jungle Book. His son, Louis Prima Jr., is continuing the legacy but rather than recreating the past and following a set path led by his father, he is amping it up with a modern vibe. The band’s album Blow scored a #25 rank on CMJ‘s Jazz charts. Along with his eight-piece band,[...]

Today and Tonight: Red, White & Igloo – Queen City Cartel Boombox 003

July 4, 2014

America. Political stances aside, the Fourth of July is the one day a year where mostly everyone will bust out their patriotic attire, fire up the grills and shoot off those fireworks they scored from Pennsylvania (or trek downtown to watch regulated ones). For a while, my family and I had the same tradition each year. We would camp at Southwick Beach, which was just outside of Syracuse. I have the fondest memories as a child of chasing fireflies, spending time with my grandparents, the smell of the campfire and the exciting but almost terrifying feeling of holding a sparkler and running wild. My “Uncle Kenny” (we weren’t blood related) would gather the family, head to the beach and we would walk a decently far way down, where the campsites ended and there was hardly anyone in sight. My entire family and I, under the starlight ,with the sound of the[...]