Latest Posts

The Demos Release Video For “If You Only Knew”

August 7, 2018

Rochester power pop band The Demos have released a self directed video for “If You Only Knew” off their upcoming EP of the same name and it’s as ludicrously irresistible as the single itself. What’s up with this band, dropping such an insanely good video in the post video age for a song as exquisitely crafted as “If You Only Knew,” with Jason Milton’s Thomas Mars channeling vocals, sweet riffs, ear pleasing production values. and that chorus with the band swooping in “Wall Of Sound” style like a modern day, bittersweet Electric Light Orchestra? Then they do a music video for it that’s smart, funny, beautifully shot, and exceptionally edited for maximum wit and charm? I mean, that Super 8 bit over the bridge that calls to mind Talking Heads videos with an early 90’s psychedelic Flaming Lips aesthetic is above and beyond the call of duty, especially when elegantly yet[...]

Sea Planes Drop New Single “Magnetic Love”

August 3, 2018

Rochester spralling electro pop duo Sea Planes have returned with a new single “Magnetic Love” and it hits so many sweet spots that it could almost be deemed indecent by the fun police. Fans of M83, Sigur Ros and Polyphonic Spree (also, Queen) will all hear something they like on an instinctive, gut level in this one, with it’s soaring harmonies, built up tension/release, and grand, out-sized gestures that come at you with reckless, childlike abandon from the very first notes. Also, these guys sort of disappeared for a while so this is a pretty nice comeback move to be honest. Check it out.

Japanese Breakfast at The Bug Jar (7/16/18)

July 19, 2018

Japanese Breakfast returned to Rochester, NY for a sold-out show at The Bug Jar on July 16th in the midst of their 2018 USA tour. Packing the tiny club to its full capacity, Michelle Zauner and her bandmates played an electrifying set of emotionally-charged, shimmering indie-pop, culling key tracks from 2016’s Psychopomp (Yellow K Records) and last year’s Soft Sounds from Another Planet (Dead Oceans). Radiating pure joy, Zauner’s sprightly voice and animated stage presence elevated her songs to higher plane of expression. Japanese Breakfast were supported that night by Philadelphia’s Mothers and Rochester’s own Calicoco. Check out the photos below. Calicoco Mothers Japanese Breakfast

Soft Opening – Don’t Like Most Things

July 9, 2018

Don’t Like Most Things, the new release from Rochester’s Soft Opening, is not nearly as misanthropic as the title suggests. Far from it, in fact – the best moments of the album spring from longing for connection, not denying it. The first song, “Don’t Bury Me Yet,” kicks off with distorted and strutting hard rock machismo, but it’s just a feint. It’s almost immediately undercut by a cleaner guitar and a cooing saxophone that launch us into something closer to Dinosaur Jr. than T. Rex. Singer and songwriter Justin Pallini soon begins to catalog his fear of death by bodily breakdown: “Feeling swollen, aching knees/Body’s breaking, takes what it needs/Getting harder and harder to breathe… Soon, I’ll die, won’t I?” The humming sax lines, quick tempo and over-the-top neuroticism keep the mood light, as if he knows the obsession is ludacris and counter-productive. He just can’t help himself. “Love Dumpster”[...]

Rochester’s Derelict Vessel Drop Debut Post-Rock EP

June 28, 2018

Derelict Vessel are a newly-minted post-rock band hailing from Rochester, NY. Their debut EP, Skeleton Coast, is a six-song offering specializing in quiet-loud dynamics with poignant flavors of emo, rock, and ambient music mixed throughout. Opening track “Drowned Cities” highlights the group’s penchant for tuned-down guitars, sludgy tempos, and epic moods. They transition into songs like “The Guard” and “Tower of Silence,” a couple of six-minute epics that resolve with borderline heroic climaxes. Album highlight “We Were Here” shows off Derelict Vessel’s surprising range, trading their typical doom guitars for a more ambient approach (concluding, of course, in an explosive ending). Lyrically, this quartet keeps it simple, but poignant – closing track “The Mother” is evidence enough. Skeleton Coast is available now via Bandcamp for a very reasonable rate. Skeleton Coast by Derelict Vessel

Katie Preston Drops Single “The Art of Falling Apart”

June 12, 2018

Singer-songwriter Katie Preston has officially released her first solo single. “The Art of Falling Apart” comes in advance of a full EP titled Soap Opera, due out later this year. Preston has been a fixture in the Rochester, NY music scene, appearing in various bands, but noticeable for her tenure with rock group Pleistocene. She now embarks on a solo journey, venturing to Nashville to record, both this track and the EP, at Sound Awake Studios and Tiny Tape Room. “The Art of Falling Apart” is melancholic and breezy, dripping in that kind of sunny-yet-sad vibe that dominated California pop in the ’60s and ’70s. There’s also something very modern here, too, with an ambient dream pop sound that cloaks the song’s tuneful, almost Beatles-esque bounce. Harp flourishes and a downward-descending bass line meld with wilting and reverb-soaked guitar and keyboard passages, while Preston’s laidback and understated croon sits perfectly[...]

Soviet Dolls Unleash New Single “Hunters”

April 11, 2018

Synthetic pop-rockers, Soviet Dolls, are back and unleash the latest single and title track off their new EP, Hunters. With a beat like a panther stalking its prey in the moonlight, the Rochester quartet mix Siren vocals, velvet riffs, lurking keys and a soaring chorus for a tune that will tap into your primal thrills and desires. Pounce on this electrifying and irresistible listen below ASAP. Check out and support Soviet Dolls’ Hunters on Bandcamp here or stream it on Spotify here. Hunters by Soviet Dolls

The Able Bodies Release Video for New Single, “Ordinary Life”

April 5, 2018

We all could use an escape right now. The wheels are coming off our government, 1984 is our reality and now the Tatums are separating. Thankfully Rochester’s electro-pop pride and joy, The Able Bodies, offer one with the liberation of their latest meme-inspired video, “Ordinary Life.” Armed with a guitar and drum machine, this promising pair craft a catchy, stress-relieving psych-rock track with dreams of escapism you won’t be able to help sing and dance along to all day and night. This is the third video release from Able Bodies and arguably their best and most exciting one yet, so take a break from your troubles and check it out below. Subscribe to The Able Bodies YouTube channel for more videos here or stream them on Spotify here.

YLXR Collabs with Teflon Sega & Drops the Track “Closure”

March 29, 2018

Rochester producer YLXR tag teams with Teflon Sega, an up-and-coming crooner in the fast lane, for the sensual electro-R&B track, “Closure.” Sega’s talents truly shine as he wallows in YLXR’s lonely, cloud surfing production with a serenading voice that’s vulnerable and emotionally striking, making for a heartbreaking listen you won’t get tired of hearing. Close your eyes and get lost in this tactile tune below. Check out more YLXR and Teflon Sega tracks on their SoundClouds here and here.

Hawker M. James Releases New Single & Video, “Falling Out,” Off Upcoming Album

March 29, 2018

Hawker M. James, pseudonym of Mike James (formerly of Longwave and The Demos), brings us his emotional first single and video for the song, “Falling Out,” off his upcoming album, The Cool Wind. The Rochester songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer reflects on the devotion to one’s craft and sacrifices made in pursuit of dreams on this gentle, contemplative folk ballad. Evocative and thoughtful, the track is comprised of soothing acoustic strings and touching piano keys wrapped up in James’ warm and cozy vocals. Check out the visuals for this infectiously introspective tune below. Keep an eye out for the release of The Cool Wind and in the meantime check out James’ SoundCloud here for more tracks.

Passive Aggressives Anonymous – The Mauve Album

February 12, 2018

The Mauve Album is the perfect title for Passive Aggressives Anonymous’ first full-length release. The Rochester band’s music has more in common with the shade of violet than you might think–both have a pleasant and mostly disarming initial appearance, but upon scratching the surface you’ll find a little something extra. For Passive Aggressives Anonymous–or ‘PAA’–a band whose call to glory is their expertly-arranged romantic lounge style of instrumentation, that “something extra” comes in the form of frontman John Valenti’s tongue-in-cheek vocal delivery, which remains unabashedly intact on the new album. The Mauve Album is buffaBLOG’s Album of the Week. For those unfamiliar with PAA and have no idea what I mean by “tongue-in-cheek” vocal delivery, allow me to paint a picture. You’ve booked a suite in a hotel that’s near overly classy (not a t-shirt in sight, decked-out lobby bar, red velvet everywhere, etc.), but something about the elegance is[...]

The Able Bodies Drop Video For “Pet Shop”

January 30, 2018

Rochester electropop outfit The Able Bodies are back with a new single and video that’s absolutely guaranteed to provide some warmth during this fine Buffalo winter we’re having. “Pet Shop” is irresistible 80’s pop and a Chromeo-esque summer roller skating jam that’s just a few months early, heavy on juicy synth lines and breezy, soulful vocals… but it should be noted that it’s definitely not about about the joys of pet ownership or the American pet industrial complex. A tight follow up to their debut single “Flicker” from last August, it’s hilarious, catchy as hell, and what you need right now.

Tart Vandelay – Flow

December 20, 2017

Rochester indie pop rock act Tart Vandelay have released their second EP. Aptly titled Flow, it is a jazzy and tranquil four song trip. Originally a duo, the now four-piece group is building off of their 2016 debut, which featured more of a loop-based pop inflection. On Flow, the band is blending ethereal and polished tones together, achieving a smooth and breezy sound. Lead singer Katie Halligan’s voice shifts just as well as the music does; as light and airy as the most laid-back jazz moments, and as full-throated as the heavier rock moments. The EP opens with “High Noon Haze,” a vibey slow burn tune that casually floats along. “Lonely Girl” is a shuffling indie jazz-rock tune reminiscent of early John Mayer. The pace starts to pick up slightly on “Cloudy Doubts,” which rides a beachy vibe and syncopated groove. By the closing track, “Drifting,” they’ve reached full fusion,[...]

Circa Survive at the Main Street Armory (12/01/17)

December 5, 2017

This past Friday, Circa Survive brought an insane tour package to the Main Street Armory in Rochester.  We sent our photographer down the 90 to catch some of the action.  The massive venue did not deter the bands nor the passionate fans from giving it their all.  Balance and Composure kicked things off, followed by instrumental prog/math rock act Chon.  Things started to get a little crazy after Thrice went on, in a good way.  The madness was only amplified into Circa Survive’s set, as both bands are known for having exceptionally passionate fans.  Check out some photos from the show below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. Balance and Composure Chon Thrice Circa Survive

River Lynch and The Spiritmakers Drop New Video “Straight Through”

October 19, 2017

Rochester rock and roll upstarts River Lynch and The Spiritmakers have teased us with a video for their latest single “Straight Through” that is pure, organ soaked, riff heavy goodness.  These guys are clearly on a mission, and this song and rock-band-in-studio-recording video definitely qualify as a call to arms to fellow rock revivalists ready to reassert the primacy of rock music, for good or ill, in the crowded modern marketplace. With more new music  on the way, it will be most interesting to hear what they’ve got to back all of this up. In the meantime, check out “Straight Through” below.