Latest Posts

Darth Nater – A Century Ago

April 30, 2018

Buffalo-based singer-songwriter Nate Noworyta is back with another release under the stage name Darth Nater. Titled A Century Ago, it is his 7th overall release of solo material through this outlet. The new record spins tales inspired by people, places, and events from the year 1917. Musically, A Century Ago is a varied tapestry, weaving elements of folk, Americana, pop, rock, jazz and even emo sounds. Acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele all engage in passages of melodic, proficient, energetic and stirring instrumental interplay, adding up to a perfect collision of traditional folk instrumentation and contemporary alt. rock riffing. Drums and electric guitar make occasional appearances to supply heft, while flourishes of clarinet, flute and trumpet show up to adorn the surfaces. The vocals are slightly wild, yet smooth and polished, like early 2000s emo. When paired with the acoustic instrumentation, the overall sound is reminiscent of groups like AJJ[...]

Jon Lewis Band Drops New Video off Get Wild Somewhere

April 3, 2018

Rochester group Jon Lewis Band are back with some new music. After having released eight studio albums in just four years, the indie rock’n rollers are hitting early 2018 with yet another release, slated for May. In anticipation of the the new record, titled Get Wild Somewhere, they have released their first single “Cinnamon Only,” along with a music video. The track is a straight ahead rocker in a minor key, with deep distortion and a firm low end. There is a funky clavinet-like keyboard that is peppered throughout that balances against the guitars, reminiscent of psych-rock sounds from the late ’60s-early ’70s. Lewis’ mid range lead vocals are smooth and land right on top of the whole mix. There’s a good blend of classic and modern rock, with a slight griminess to it, too; essentially its Tom Petty meets Wilco with a splash of Primus. Check out the music[...]

Tonight: Wild Child

March 25, 2018

Tonight, Wild Child makes their return to Buffalo. The Austin-based group will be hitting Buffalo Iron Works, in a performance presented by Sunbeam Entertainment. Touring in support of their fourth full-length record Expectations, the indie-pop veterans will be touting their infectious melodies and a seven-piece band that looks more like a mini orchestral ensemble. Opening in support are Los Angeles indie folk act The Wild Reeds. The group signed with Dualtone to release their sophomore album last year, following a quick ascension in notoriety thanks in part to an appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. The group boasts a wide range of instrumental versatility and gorgeous three-part harmonies supplied by Sharon Silva, Kinsey Lee, and Mackenzie Howe. The show begins at 7pm. Tickets can be bought day of the show for $18.

Tonight: Joe Pug

March 11, 2018

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Joe Pug makes a stop in Buffalo tonight. Hitting the 9th Ward @ Babeville, the folk crooner is still touring off the strength of his 2015 release, Windfall. Pug’s journey has taken him across the country, from Maryland to North Carolina to Chicago to Nashville, and now Austin. His music reflects the nomadic amble of a restless traveler, and conjures Walt Whitman in his literary-like prose. Buffalo native solo singer songwriter Eric Ruhlmann will be opening the show. Doors are at 6:30pm, with a start time of 7:30pm. Tickets are $17 day of the show.

Tonight: Andrew Bird

February 24, 2018

Multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird makes his long-awaited return to Buffalo tonight. The genre-bending singer-songwriter will be stopping by UB’s Center for the Performing Arts, for what’s sure to be an awe-inspiring performance. The show is presented as An Evening With Andrew Bird, so there will be no opener. Bird, who is a classically trained violinist, has made a long career of blending influences from all over the musical map, including jazz, pop, baroque, calypso, blues, folk, country, and rock. His most recent full length record, Are You Serious, was released through Loma Vista Recordings in 2016. Currently, he is working on releasing a series of EP-length audio-visual projects called Echolocations. Each one is recorded and filmed in a unique location, such as a canyon in Utah, an aqueduct in Lisbon, and the Los Angeles River. Doors are at 7:30pm, with a show start time of 8pm. Tickets are still available for[...]

Eric Beeny – Glass, the Wall’s Ghost III

January 22, 2018

Local indie folk singer-songwriter Eric Beeny’s latest project is part three in a series of albums under the moniker Glass, the Wall’s Ghost. The self-titled record (Glass, the Wall’s Ghost III) is his most unified piece yet, with a cohesive and polished flow throughout. Using only an 8-track digital portastudio and a condenser microphone, the album was recorded entirely at Beeny’s home. Engineered, produced and performed completely by himself, the album feels inherently all his own and extremely intimate. The songs are meditative and melancholic, reckoning with themes of death and despair. Throughout his GtWG series of albums, he has brought the listener on an emotional journey through his own personal trials and tribulations. This third installment is no different, and finds his words more contemplative and story-like. Musically, the record is steeped in hushed bedroom folk akin to Bon Iver, with ornamental elements of dream electronica in the vein[...]

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,[...]

Jacob Peter – Echolalia

December 4, 2017

The byline for Jacob Peter’s debut EP simple states the definition of the phenomena for which this release is named; Echolalia [ek-oh-ley-lee-uh]: the uncontrollable and immediate repetition of words spoken by another person. Throughout the EP, the Buffalo-based multi-instrumentalist and composer implements this theme both lyrically and musically. He explores, reflects upon, and calls to question the vast repetitions we experience in life, both harmful and beneficial, unwanted and intentional. The arrangements and production match the subject matter, taking the listener on an eclectic journey of recollection and repetition, mining a deep well of musical influences, ranging from The Beatles to Joanna Newsom to Debussy to Grizzly Bear. Echolalia starts off with the instrumental track “Pattern,” a piano progression that lilts forward before the bursting open with twinkling ambience across the speakers. From there, Peter takes us on a tour of sonic textures, never letting each song (nor the EP[...]

A Relative Term – The Bleak

November 20, 2017

Indie folk singer-songwriter Mark Longolucco is back with his third full length record. Recording under the name A Relative Term, the Buffalo-based multi-instrumentalist is known for his exploration of varying genres. On The Bleak, he further expands his sonic palette, building off of his past releases. Having started out as a straight-ahead indie folk artist, on his second album Longolucco began to play with combining synthetic sounds with acoustic ones. Here, he takes it fully into the realm of folktronica, striking a perfect balance between warm finger-picked acoustic guitars and lush electronic soundscapes. It is reminiscent of notable hushed folk singers the likes of Sufjan Stevens or Bon Iver venturing into this electric-meets-acoustic realm. Although Longolucco’s synthesis of the styles isn’t quite as erratic as the former’s, and not quite as glitchy as the latter’s. On this album, he isn’t afraid to get pretty heavy at times, with moments of[...]

Rust Belt Brigade Release Spin on “Low Bridge (Erie Canal)”

November 16, 2017

Buffalo’s own Rust Belt Brigade have released a new single from their forthcoming release Rhythm & Roll. This track is their take on the classic regional folk tune “Low Bridge (Erie Canal),” a song familiar to many of those who’ve attended grade school in western New York. Originally a folk-punk duo, Rust Belt Brigade is shifting its sound slightly, blending in new influences from the world of bluegrass roots. The band now includes a bassist and a banjo player, while this song features local violinist Sally Schaefer. The music is as rustic and lilting as you’d expect from a classic folk group, while still maintaining the group punk side. Lead singer Victor Castillo’s raspy, half-shout voice gives this centuries old dirge a new anthemic edginess. Rhythm & Roll is set for release on December 16th, with a release show happening on December 2nd at Nietzsche’s. In the meantime, check out Rust Belt Brigade’s[...]

Tonight: Bethlehem Steel

November 10, 2017

The Buffalo-bred, Brooklyn based indie act Bethlehem Steel will be celebrating the release of their new record tonight at Mohawk Place. Out today via Exploding In Sounds Records, this is the band’s first full length record. Titled Party Naked Forever, it showcases their knack for dirty, in your face guitar riffs and vulnerable, cathartic lyricism. Joining Bethlehem Steel will be a full slate acts. Cold Sweats are grungey punk rockers via Binghamton and buffaBLOG favorites Pleistocene. The night will also feature sets from JACK, as well as DJ DMar. Doors are at 7, music at 8. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Tonight: Frankie Rose

October 10, 2017

Indie rock veteran Frankie Rose will be swinging through Buffalo tonight. Performing at the Town Ballroom’s intimate Leopard Lounge space, Rose is coming off the release of her fourth full length solo record, Cage Tropical. Having been on the scene for years, touring with bands like Vivian Girls, Crystal Stilts, Dum Dum Girls, and Beverly, she is now carving out her own sound as a solo artist. Inspired by both retro synth pop-rock and the silly eeriness of classic sci-fi films, her music is awash in shimmering, atmospheric and almost paranormal tones. Opening the show is Philly-based shoegaze rock group Suburban Living. Starting out as a solo project of Virginia musician Wesley Bunch, the group expanded into a 4-piece over the course of a five year period. Their sophomore record Almost Paradise was released last year through 6131 Records. Doors open at 7pm, with music starting around 8pm. Tickets are[...]

heave – S/T

October 6, 2017

Buffalo musician Emily Finlan has released her first EP via bandcamp. Recording under the name heave, the self-titled EP is a quick three-song debut. Here, she acts as lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, with accompaniment from Jake Galenski on drums, slide guitar and organ. Having been recorded in an attic, the EP has deep DIY indie vibes, which lends itself to the laid back nature of these tunes. The smooth reverberant tone of the electric guitar provides a gliding effect that coasts throughout the not quite 8 minute release. The lightest organ and second guitar flourishes ebb and flow at just the right moments to bring each track to life. For being only three songs long, there is quite a bit of range here. Opening track, “beveled,” has a loose jazz groove to it, with a slide guitar refrain that teases a lazy beach afternoon. The second track, “cape squad,”[...]

Zan Strumfeld – Book of Belonging

September 29, 2017

It has been a bit a journey for singer-songwriter Zan Strumfeld to get to her latest release. The new effort, Book of Belonging, was written after the dissolving of a long term relationship this past winter. The Troy-based artist had been on a hiatus from music since releasing two EPs in 2013. Working as a full-time writer, Strumfeld was thrust back into the world of songwriting this year as the story of her heartbreak unexpectedly presented itself in album form. Book of Belonging was recorded in a living room with the assistance of a small, tight band; only a light peppering of upright bass, acoustic guitars and percussion round out these arrangements. Having been recorded on an 8-track, there is an added warmth and intimacy to the album; a warmth that provides respite when paired with the wintery nature of Strumfeld’s words. The mixing is precise and focused, putting every[...]

Tonight: Quicksand

September 24, 2017

Post-hardcore veterans Quicksand make a stop at the Town Ballroom tonight. In 1995, the group broke up while at the height of their success, and after only two albums. Now over 20 years later, they are gearing up for the November release of their long-awaited third album, Interiors. They’ve been back on the road the last few years after a 2012 reunion, and tonight make their triumphant return to Buffalo. Canadian shoegaze duo No Joy will open the show. Creep, the second installment in a planned series of EPs, was released earlier this year. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office for $22. Doors open at 7pm.