Latest Posts

Pinch Kitten – Curly Sue

February 5, 2024

Pinch Kitten is Buffalo’s latest artful and insane punk band that refuses to be boxed in. They go by “Buffalo Barf Punk,” an absurd tag that feels fitting for the group who enjoy playing misfit mixed bills, polar shifts in their sound, and constantly rotating vocalists. The volcanic intro track, “Sour Punch” is a loud rager that builds toward an even louder energy of pure punk detonation. Even on the intro, Pinch Kitten, along with Curly Sue’s first vocalist, Koala Manne, already sound like they’ve damn near lost it and are ready to tear everything down around them in a fiery rage.  A new vocalist, Calvin Hardick, arrives in a similar manner on “Hippie Poems.” This character is just as angry, but instead, their bratty, more lyrical delivery juts out at an even faster pace. “Curly Sue,” also sung by Hardick, is a self-affirming indie song which feels both like a[...]

Personal Style – “False Memories”

August 28, 2023

Personal Style is a three-piece punk band from Buffalo made up of Bryan Johnson, Evan Wachowski, and Stephen Floyd. Their latest jam is a crunched-out indie-punk song they’re calling “False Memories” – with ultra chunky guitar distortion, punchy drum sounds, and nimble bass plunking, the trio brings to mind fellow genre luminaries like Parquet Courts, LVL UP, and Cloud Nothings. Of particular note here is Johnson’s soaring vocals, which he uses perfectly to cut through the angular punk grime with plenty of tasty melodies. “False Memories” was recorded at Mammoth Recording Studio here in Buffalo with Justin Smith and Mike Santillo. Be sure to check it out (as well as song two, “Heartbeat Memorial”) on Bandcamp below. False Memories b/w Heartbeat Memorial by Personal Style

Motiks – “House Of Mirrors”

July 26, 2023

Somewhere in the up & coming hip/hop scene in Buffalo, a voice can be heard with sounds of clarity – it comes from Motiks on his latest single, “House Of Mirrors.” The track starts out with Motiks speaking to his fans in the form of placing yourself in a haunted house and hearing somebody talk to you through the speakers but you don’t actually know where they are. The voice effect that resembles this sound is a very good technique for Motiks to grab his fans’ attention right away when they first listen to the track as he says, “I would like to welcome you to the house of mirrors, what you see might not be what you were expecting, we worked hard to get you here…” Telling his fans that he’s grown within his music capabilities and they’re not ready for what’s next to come from the young talented[...]

Folkfaces – PLUMS

July 25, 2023

Buffalo-based group Folkfaces is known for their “Rowdy Jazz & Bluesy Roots.” The band has an irresistible, danceable energy and a remarkable variety of sounds, engaging audiences whether it’s busking on the street, playing in a small barroom, or putting on a large electric extravaganza. The band is influenced by a wide range of musical styles, including folk, jazz, blues, Americana, jug band, and bluegrass. Folkfaces is: Tyler Westcott on lead vocals, five-string banjo, acoustic & electric guitar, and 12 string guitar; Brendan Gosson on vocals, fiddle, and mandolin; Dan Schwach on backing vocals, drums, and washboard; and finally Patrick Jackson on backing vocals, electric & upright bass.  On this project, they got some special guests to help add to their miraculous vibes – for instance, on track two, “Minivan Cowboy,” they have Tim Clarke playing the trumpet; he’s also featured on tracks three & seven as well. Brian “Dr.[...]

Well Born Boot – Riverbottom Nightmare

July 10, 2023

Buffalo-based band Well Worn Boot takes influence from stylized, western country music within the frame of a ’70s shake rock band. The group draws inspirations from Jethro Tull, AC/DC, GWAR, The Grateful Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Primus, American Legends, Korn, and SlipKnot. In the event that you book the band, you’ll be able to expect uproarious shaking music punctuated by woodwind playing, showiness, humorous comedy, puppetry, and most of all… excitement. The band released their first debut full length ten track album on June 16th, Riverbottom Nightmare, as a mission statement to what their fans can expect to hear from this one-of-a-kind group. The venture of the project begins off solid with the primary opening track, “Boys In The Band,” as the first minute contains shimmering guitar riffs alongside deafening pounds coming from the drums. Not only is it a six-minute track filled with hype about the group themselves,[...]

Starjuice – Sign Language

July 6, 2023

Buffalo’s own Starjuice is a dreamy punk band performed by singer/songwriter and actor Sidney Flanigan, backed by Corey Wilde on bass, Spencer Eck on drums, and Jeffrey Colson on guitar. The band released their debut EP, Reminders, as a three-track in the fall of 2020 amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, followed by their first full-length, Growing Pains (with former guitarist Jake Maurer) in February 2022. Rooted in punk but embellished by Sidney’s tender and heartfelt lyrics, Starjuice hopes to make you cry for your ex while you mosh in the pit. Their latest offering, the three-song EP Sign Language, was recorded at Skyway Studios out of Nashville TN, as the band wanted to try something new to catch the attention of their fans. The project starts off strong with the first track “Signs,” as Jeff and Sidney open up with snarling guitar riffs; Spencer with his pounding drums; and Corey’s relentless[...]

Pilot-Field – Demo 2023

June 28, 2023

Buffalo hometown heroes Pilot-Field recently released their debut EP, Demo 2023, on June 9th. The band was formed back in the Spring of 2023 and recorded this project at GCR Audio over the course of four days. Recorded and mixed by Buffalo and GCR’s own Jay Zubricky and mastered by Buffalo’s Davis Maxwell, the band brings strong, upbeat punk rock vibes. The project starts off very electrifying with the first track “Brain Surgeons in Pinstripes.” When drummer Rob Brennan slams his drums in the first couple of seconds of the track, it ignites the sense and drive of the whole project. Each drum strike reverberates through your veins, commanding your body to move in sync with the pulsating tempo. The lyrics from singer Dan McCormick make you feel like you can accomplish anything that you may not have thought you could, reverberating with late ’90s pop punk energy reminiscent of[...]

Hundred Plus Club – Doom and Bloom

June 12, 2023

Buffalo-based band Hundred Plus Club (HPC) stays on par with their poppy, story-driven music in their latest three-song EP, Doom and Bloom. The band teamed up with Admirable Traits Records yet again to record this project which joins the ranks alongside a number of excellent singles, EPs like 2016’s For You and 2017’s Everybody’s Friend, and a split with their fellow Buffalonians in Cooler.  The opening track and lead single “Garden Cruise” dives into the problems of love (in whatever form it may take) – within the first few lines lead singer Zain Shirazi exclaims, “Love makes, Love makes us cry.” He sings with such a cold and calculated pain that if you close your eyes and imagine yourself alone at night, you’d feel like you can run through a brick wall head on. Essentially, that is the picture that the band tends to draw for their fans; being able[...]

Jovi Skyler – Nothing To Do

June 11, 2023

The latest ten-track LP released by Jovi Skyler titled Nothing To Do brings back the spirit of the ’90s spirit with the added bonus of a warped psychotropic feel. The album grabs your attention with its thunderous guitar riffs, pounding drums, and fierce vocals that make one feel empowered. From the moment the opening track blasts through the speakers, it becomes clear that this album is a force to be reckoned with. Jovi takes his fans on a journey through introspective ballads, adrenaline-fueled anthems, and everything in between. Opening track, “If You Think So” sounds like The Beatles mixed with Nirvana and a touch of Sonic Youth (and also a hint of Kurt Vile) – spindly riffs lay overtop super-intense drum rolls while Jovi huffs and whispers in a way that would make 1993 proud. His lyrics to “Think” explore themes of love in relationships, even though they might not[...]

Rosie Quartz – Philophile

June 5, 2023

Buffalo-based band Rosie Quartz specializes in guitar-driven songs soaked with luscious reverb. Their surfy vibes and easy-going disposition has resulted in a new, three-song project they’ve titled Philophile (i.e. a lover of loving). Throughout your first listen, you’ll feel like you’re on a bicycle riding a hundred miles an hour on a sunny breezy day, your hair flying wildly through the wind. The drums throughout each song brought by Alex Bogart make your head bop unconsciously along with the smoothness of the guitar brought by Adam Cwynar and the deep bass grooves of bassist Ron Walczyk. When Sean Pratt’s voice first hits in the song “Constellation Prize,” you get a sense of fresh air you didn’t know you needed. Overall, their music has a vibe that is very calming and warm that makes you want to lay back and stare at the stars late at night. The project was produced[...]

Paper Lady – “Starcross”

May 15, 2023

There’s just something about a Big Muff that screams romance-gone-awry… Massachusetts-based act Paper Lady crank up the fuzz on latest single, “Starcross,” a scathing account of a farmer who (star)crossed the wrong lover. Singer Alli Raina’s vocals lay perfectly atop the buzz saw guitars and angry drum bombast, creating a sound that’s equal parts alt-rock and shoegaze. Feedback squalls and walls of guitar distortion will have you thinking of Pity Sex, My Bloody Valentine, and Nothing as you lay back and let PL’s sound tear up your heartbroken soul. You can find “Starcross” on Spotify, Instagram, and their website. Check out the YouTube embed below.

Isaiah Josiah – “Dumb To Fly”

May 15, 2023

Providence’s Isaiah Josiah is a bit of an enigma – one listen to his latest single “Dumb To Fly” will have you knowing exactly what we mean. “Dumb” is a pleasantly verbose song that falls somewhere near the cross sections of post-punk, hip hop, and synthed-out indie rock. Squiggly keyboards, punchy Casio-keyboard drumbeats, and Josiah’s enigmatic wordplay will leave you stunned as they fly (pun intended) in and out of your ears and leave you wondering how this could possibly be his debut single(!). If you’re into tongue-in-cheek or slightly self-deprecating vibes (think LCD Soundsystem or Viagara Boys), we think Isaiah’s got something up his sleeve for you. You can find “Dumb To Fly” on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

k0d4m4 – “valkyrie”

May 15, 2023

It’s fitting that a song as mysterious sounding as “valkyrie” would come from an artist as mystifying as k0d4m4. Walking a fine line between haunting, ominous, and gorgeous, “valkyrie” takes elements from witch house, darkwave, and 8-bit music and combines it into a song about arguably the least electronic thing in the world – k0d4m4 explains below: “[‘valkyrie’ is about] a valkyrie, as in norse mythology, taking a fallen warrior to valhalla” Dark, danceable, and gauzy, “valkyrie” makes you want to dance just as much as it makes you question your reality – fans of Crystal Castles, Crim3s, or Pastel Ghost are going to love this one. Check it out below via the YouTube widget, or, check out k0d4m4’s latest album, white hearts, upon which “valkyrie” resides.

Frogs Show Mercy – “Stallion”

May 15, 2023

Miami-based Frogs Show Mercy are back with another spastic jam that is sure to scratch all of your basement show itches. If you remember our previous feature of FSM (ICYMI, see here), you already know that they specialize in pleasantly-wonky indiemo compositions reminiscent of The Dismemberment Plan, Cap’n Jazz, or DIIV. “Stallion” continues that trend with a hint of post-punk angularity, pairing clean guitar plucks with nimble bass theatrics and a guttural howl that’s as emotional as it is intense. The band completed the song in a single, fateful night, and the of-the-moment urgency of the song’s composition clearly shines through in the finished product. You can find “Stallion” on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Sleepy Kitty – “Do It Without Me”

May 14, 2023

“Grimy meets shiny” is a perfect way to self-describe the music coming from New York-based act Sleepy Kitty. Their latest single, “Do It Without Me” caught our ears with its tried and true formula of chugging guitars, bouncing drum bombast, and upbeat but heartfelt vocals reminiscent of Best Coast or Beach Bunny. With sonic influences ranging anywhere from 60s girl groups to Weezer to the aforementioned acts, “Do It” starts with a bit of restraint before launching into an emotionally cathartic ending – perfect to get you amped up if you’re ever in the need for some angst. If you like “Do It Without Me” as much as we do, be sure to check them out via Bandcamp (below) or Spotify. Do It Without Me by Sleepy Kitty