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Tonight: The Growlers

September 24, 2016

California surf rockers The Growlers make their way to the Tralf tonight. Labeled by some as “beach goth,” the group offers an eclectic mix of garage, surf, psychedelic, pop and punk elements with disco beat undertones. Following their fun, guitar-centric 2014 release Chinese Fountain, they are gearing up for a new record, and their first for Cult Records. Titled City Club, it is available for pre-order now and due out September 30th. Doors are at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. $20 at the door. 

Wilco – Schmilco

September 21, 2016

On their tenth album, Wilco’s arrangements are as bare as ever. Following last year’s more effervescent release Star Wars, 2016’s Schmilco is laid-back, stripped-down and acoustically driven. The band themselves described the record as “joyously negative,” an intentional and enigmatic oxymoron. Acoustic guitar takes center stage, and beyond that it doesn’t get too heavy. The percussion is light and accentuated with brushes, while organ and piano lilt around the periphery. Electric guitar does make an appearance, but its role is ornamental. Wilco channels the twang of Neil Young style Americana and the jangle of mid-‘60s Beatles. On “Normal American Kids,” Jeff Tweedy looks back on his youth, not so much with nostalgia, but rather a longing for such a carefree time, with perceived and comparatively mundane plight. “If I Ever Was a Child” and “Cry All Day” are both breezy and emotional. “Shrug and Destroy” is Lennon-esque; contemplative and full[...]

Tonight: Super American

September 10, 2016

Another solid mix of bands is slated for Nietzsche’s. Tonight, Buffalo staple Super American headlines the evening’s 4-band lineup. Fresh off their latest single, “Sloppy Jazz,” the group brings their amped up, reformed pop punk to the table. Joining them will be fellow Buffalo rockers Cooler, who combine grunge and fuzz with early 2000’s emo undertones. Rounding out the bill are two Albany based groups. Jouska just released their debut album, full of DIY and lo-fi garage rock. County Mike combines indie and emo with a stripped-down alt-folk approach. Doors open at 9pm, with a $5 cover. The show is 21+.

Frank Ocean – blond

August 25, 2016

For most fans, the wait for new Frank Ocean has felt like more than just four years. However, four years is all it has been since his landmark debut album channel ORANGE firmly put him on the map. Much speculation and anticipation feverishly built up over that time span, with hints at new music along the way that went unfulfilled. Finally, late this summer, Ocean broke the silence and dropped two new projects. The first was a visual album entitled Endless, which included snippets of songs and ideas, pasted together and accompanying a video of him assembling a staircase in black and white. Two days later, he officially released his second studio album, blond (or Blonde; both are used intentionally in reference to his bisexuality). The record is a testament to Ocean’s ability to blend influences and genres, while escaping categorical definition. It’s a unified, singular statement from the singer,[...]

Michael Kiwanuka – Love & Hate

August 12, 2016

British soul singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka has released his second album for Polydor Records. For this sophomore release, he enlisted the help of veteran Danger Mouse to handle the bulk of production duties. Love & Hate is a smooth and melodic record steeped in introspection and social commentary. Kiwanuka’s diverse set of influences is on display here, incorporating elements of ‘70s r&b and soul as well as gospel, blues, rock and folk. His voice, both as a singer and a lyricist, is reminiscent of legends like Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield or Marvin Gaye. On Love & Hate, his slow jams pull less from the sexual side of r&b and more from the protest-song side, the realm in which Withers, Mayfield and Gaye were arguably at their best. The record starts out ambitious, with opener “Cold Little Heart” clocking in at over 10 minutes long. The mostly instrumental track is complete with[...]

The Branch Davidians – Sex, Death, and Things Less Boring

August 3, 2016

The Branch Davidians have released their EP Sex, Death, and Things Less Boring. Based in Rochester, the band began as an indie folk duo, before lead man Ben Stephanus expanded both the size of the group and the scope of its sound. Their five-song release is full of fuzz and shoegazey vibes. The lead guitar’s grimy buzz is a consistent force throughout the EP. They fuse throwback ‘90s tendencies with noise-rock elements to achieve a dissonant pop sound. Stephanus’ vocals are trippy with a dash of reverb, and reminiscent of melodies from underground ‘60s rock. The groovy “Bridges of Madison County” sounds like it could be a pop tune from The Zombies fed through the lens of a Tame Impala rocker. The lead guitar riff on “Your Sex Wants You Dead” is textbook pop punk, but with much more distortion. It’s not until the final track, “Blessed Water,” that the[...]

Tonight: Jeff Rosenstock

July 20, 2016

Tonight’s lineup at Mohawk Place boasts a slew of indie rockers. Long Island native Jeff Rosenstock brings his energetic brand of punk to Buffalo, with an extensive catalog of music to pull from. The veteran takes the stage with a few up and comers worth checking out. Rosenstock has been in and out of bands through most of his career. He has contributed guitar/vocals/songwriting to Bomb the Music Industry!, Kudrow, and The Arrogant Sons of Bitches to name a few. Now touring with his own solo material, he is well versed in the upbeat world of DIY indie pop. In addition to Rosenstock will be Columbus, Ohio’s own Sidekicks, as well as Salt Lake City natives Quiet Oaks, both supplying a chaotic element to the lineup. Also play are Buffalo’s Seven Thirty Seven who round out the bill with their skacore anthems this evening. Doors open at 7pm with a $14 cover[...]

Weaves – s/t

July 15, 2016

Buzz Records signees Weaves have released their much anticipated debut album. The Toronto-based indie group’s self-titled effort is an energetic amalgam of noises. It’s a delightful smorgasbord, where you’ll find elements of pop, rock, funk, punk, and indie. The contrasting styles compliment each other well, as Weaves has a penchant for capitalizing on the clash of genres. They turn the weird and the wild into really catchy and melodic rockers. The fuzzy, math-rock esque guitar riffs are a standout, as well as Jasmyn Burke’s irresistibly dynamic vocals. She sings with a carefree attitude, while at the same time possessing a heavy urgency in her voice. Her back and forth melodies are the captain of the ship, giving the record direction, while seemingly being directionless. The whole thing feels like it could fall apart at any moment, but it never does, and that’s what gives it its charm. Lead track “Tick”[...]

Andy Hull and Robert McDowell – Swiss Army Man Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

July 13, 2016

Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull and Robert McDowell are broadening their horizons with their latest project. The pair were enlisted by experimental film directors Dan Kwan and Dan Scheinert (known professionally as The Daniels) to record the score for their newest film, Swiss Army Man. Hull and McDowell were given one caveat; every sound must be made solely by the human voice. Though lacking any instrumentation, the soundtrack is unlike any acapella you’ve ever heard. After initially reading the script, Hull immediately recorded the song “A Better Way,” which appears as the final track. It is the only song to feature acoustic guitar, and serves as the anchor for which he and McDowell pulled musical motifs from for the rest of the score. Throughout, repeated “dahs” and “wahs” as well as droning, reverb-laden choruses and layers of various vocal noises define the soundtrack. Stars Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe even make[...]

Mitski – Puberty 2

July 5, 2016

While attending SUNY Purchase, indie-rocker Mitski self released her first two albums. After graduating, she signed with Double Double Whammy to release a third. Now with Dead Oceans Records, her fourth studio album Puberty 2 is an earnest look at growing up. She likens the pain and awkwardness of this major transition into adulthood as a second form of puberty. Though slightly more polished, lo-fi production is still at the heart of it all for Mitski. She neatly combines drum machines with rousing electric guitars, and employs a vocal distortion that brings her rich, mid-range voice to life. This effect perfectly compliments the tone of her lyrics, as she somberly details life’s qualms and inevitable loneliness. The arrangements are raucous and range between delicately sparse and all-out in your face, reminiscent of life’s ups and downs. The overall focus of Puberty 2 can be seen as contemplation of meaning and[...]

The Hotelier – Goodness

June 21, 2016

Massachusetts natives The Hotelier are just a little bit lighter on their latest release. The underground emo revival champions’ third record, Goodness, was prefaced with a statement from lead singer-bassist Christian Holden. In it, he indicated a subtle shift from deep introspection to contemplation of outwardly relations, with people and the world. While the album may not be as dark as its predecessor, it is still thematically heavy and packs an emotional punch. Goodness starts out with just Holden softly delivering a spoken-word poem. From there, thunderous drums and heavy guitars take over. He varies his vocal tone throughout, from barely audible quietness to over the top yelling. It is a pure rock record, but with well-varied dynamics that give it its kick to the gut. There are moments where the music builds to a chaotic crescendo, only to be suddenly stripped away to nothingness. It perfectly mirrors and accompanies[...]

Car Seat Headrest – Teens of Denial

June 8, 2016

Recording under the moniker Car Seat Headrest, Will Toledo has self-released eight albums between 2010 and 2015. He finally made his major label debut last year with Teens of Style, a collection of reimagined tracks from his previous albums, now performed with fuller arrangements. This year, he has a new batch of songs with an even more expansive sound for his second album on Matador Records, and tenth overall. Titled Teens of Denial, it is an epic foray into full-tilt indie rock. Toledo is pumping life back into guitar-driven indie, infusing it with the prog influences of the ‘70s and the catchy tunefulness of the ‘60s. He makes use of overlaid spoken word, screamed backing vocals, ornamental synths and horns, and layers upon layers of heavily distorted guitars. There are no tight 3-minute rockers here, as each song is carefully composed and the arrangements are fully fleshed out. The record has an effervescent ebb and flow to it, twisting seamlessly[...]

PUP – The Dream Is Over

May 31, 2016

Toronto punk rockers PUP are back with their second full-length album. The title, The Dream Is Over, is apparently a jab at vocalist-guitarist Stefan Babcock’s doctor. After incessant touring following their 2014 self-titled debut, Babcock’s vocal cords were shredded. His doctor informed him that the dream was, in fact, over. Instead of calling it quits, the group defiantly pushed forward, bringing forth a sophomore album full of dark wit and in your face punk rock. The record opens with a gradual ascension into chaos as “If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will” asserts a severe and earnest sentiment towards life on the road. From there, it’s a non-stop parade of heavy guitars, aggressive drums, yelled gang-vocals, and self-loathing. The riffs are satisfyingly catchy, suggesting a pop inflection on their unapologetic edginess. The album possesses a drunken swagger and laments life’s many failed relationships and endeavors. The Dream Is Over feels like the youthful melancholy of The Front Bottoms combined[...]

Tonight: La Luna

May 23, 2016

Tonight, Sugar City welcomes a lineup of punk and alternative garage rock acts to their back stage. Headlining the evening of noisy rock are Toronto natives La Luna. The group, who specializes in angvlar pvnk, is coming off the release of their second record, entitled Always Already. The band’s loud brand of DIY punk will be the showcase of the evening. La Luna will be supported by locals from Buffalo’s punk scene. Joining them will be stoop rockers Slow Cooker, who’s 3-song EP Rough Stough was released in December. They will be preceded by The Patterns, an indie post-punk group who are also fresh off an EP release. DUDES will open up the evening, having just released their debut album, Stay Home Pt 2. Doors are at 7pm, with a hard end time of 10pm. Cover is $6-$8 for the touring band, and free/pay what you can for under 18.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Nonagon Infinity

May 20, 2016

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have been on a tear since forming in 2010. The Melbourne, Australia-based psychedelic rockers are now on their eighth full-length studio album in six years, an impressive output considering they are also relentless live performers. Their latest, Nonagon Infinity, is an onslaught of fast tempo, psyched-out rock that shows off their cornucopia of influences. The entire album is intended as a continuous, looped musical piece. Each track flows directly into the next, with the final track (“Road Train”) connecting seamlessly back to the first (“Robot Stop”). If you were to put the album on repeat, it would continue forever. Of course, you could do this with any album. However, there would be a clearly defined and discernible beginning and end. With Nonagon Infinity, you don’t know where one song ends and the next one begins, as you are lead on a never-ending sonic journey.[...]