Latest Posts

Stephen Babcock

May 18, 2025

Hailing from the Rust Belt, Stephen Babcock’s journey began in modest surroundings, a world shaped by the blue-collar pulse of industry. Amidst a family of four, including a twin, he absorbed the musical background passed down by his father. At 13, he started crafting songs, laying the foundation for a career as a singer-songwriter. Eight years of relentless dedication birthed “Said & Done,” Stephen’s inaugural project that resonated with the authenticity of Rust Belt roots. As the release echoed beyond the industrial horizon, he embarked on a nationwide tour, from intimate Nashville writers’ rooms to stages across the United States. “Fiction,” the critically acclaimed EP dropped in April 2018, showcasing Stephen’s genre-blending prowess. Opening for Ed Sheeran, William Hinson, Brad Goodall, and others, he became a favorite of PASTe, Atwood Magazine, Variance Mag and more. “Monroe,” released in October 2021, solidified his place in the musical landscape. “When We Were[...]

Elemantra

January 22, 2025

Buffalo, NY’s indie rock group Elemantra blends somber and sincere melodies with the lush aura of dream pop and shoegaze. Formed by childhood best friends Justin Woodmancy, Nick Beiling and Brent Bergstrom, the ensemble has consistently crafted creamy, reverb-drenched and infectious tunes. Their swirling pop sound is highlighted by dense, warm walls of guitars that are offset by transparent and introspective lyrics that bare all. Elemantra has curated a sonic atmosphere that is comforting, fresh and nostalgic. Only Momentary by elemantra

Eugene Palmer

December 23, 2024

Eugene Palmer is the alter-ego / moniker of Buffalo’s Matt DiStasio and his slowcore / 90s style college rock music. Formed in the dark days of COVID-19, the project has emerged as one of the tightest indie bands on the indie scene. Rut by Eugene Palmer

Aye Karou

December 23, 2024

“Aye Karou is an energetic 5 piece rock band from South Buffalo, NY. Its members include Mark Barrett (bass guitar/vocals), Ray Fulton (guitar/vocals), Brian Battenfeld (drums/percussion), and Bill Fulton (guitar/vocals). They began playing together in the summer of 2007 as The Tragically Sith, a cover band playing songs by The Tragically Hip but altering the lyrics to be all about the Star Wars films. A decision to begin playing original music drove the group to form Aye Karou in early 2010. The goal of the band became to share their music with as many people as possible and have the absolute best time ever doing it. Influences include My Morning Jacket, Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., Weezer, Pavement and Built to Spill.” – Aye Karou Hi, Karate by Aye Karou

Hundred Plus Club

November 6, 2024

Buffalo-based indie rock trio Hundred Plus Club consists of Zain Shirazi (vocals, guitar), Burak Spoth (drums), and Zekeriya Spoth (keys). The three have been friends since middle school, playing together for over ten years, officially donning the Hundred Plus Club moniker in the summer of 2015. Hundred Plus Club is reminiscent of mid 2000s indie rockers such as Tokyo Police Club, Bloc Party, and Interpol.

Prairie Pavement

September 19, 2024

Prairie Pavement is still in their pre-responsibility phase, the band’s youthful energy is truly infectious as they bring quite a commanding live show. There are many talented songwriters in this collective who each have their own identity and direction and frequently take turns taking lead. If Ween, GIRLS, and MGMT forgot their synthesizers, you’d have the essence of Prairie Pavement.

Talking To Shadows – Lost

August 7, 2023

Talking to Shadows continues to amaze their listeners with their second EP, aptly titled Lost. Recently released on Bandcamp and streaming everywhere on July 21st, 2023, Lost absolutely solidifies the band’s reputation as riffy shoegazers. Cat Van Glide’s ethereal vocals take off over the scenes made by Gregoire Palmer’s perplexing guitar work, whereas Ron Weldon’s driving basslines and Alex Hughes’ energetic drumming give a strong establishment for the band’s sonic investigation. Together, they make a divider of sound that encompasses gatherings of people, submerging them in a cathartic, reflective, and melodic experience. Opening with “Soma,” the album immediately envelops listeners in a captivating soundscape, as Cat Van Glide’s ethereal vocals intertwine with Gregoire Palmer’s masterful guitar work. The album’s progression leads to the soulful and powerful “Exit Wound,” a seamless blend of shoegaze and dreampop that resonates with perfection. “Give Me Some of You” injects an energetic burst reminiscent of[...]

No, seriously by Hate Club

Hate Club – No, seriously

May 25, 2017

Hate Club is an Albany based band that exhibits all of the raucous and raw energy you’d want to find in an indie pop/slacker group. On April 19, Hate Club released their debut EP titled, No, seriously. It’s a refreshing 4 track outing that packs a punch. The 4 piece, consisting of Audrey Goodemote on vocals/guitar, Noah Bondy on vocals/guitar, Alex Brooks on bass, and Ethan Sullivan filling out the drums, are a relatively new band, only coming together in January 2017. The band describes themselves as Tweemo, a nice sounding portmanteau (unlike most other ones) of twee and emo. Vocalists Goodemote and Bondy trade off vocal duties, striking a balanced approach with neither band member overshadowing the other. Their voices mixed together have a dreamy quality to them, like wisps of smoke from two separate sources weaving in and out of each other. This particular sound quality is aided[...]

Tonight: Sloan

November 9, 2014

Sloan are no strangers to Buffalo. Returning for their fourth show in the past five years, the Canadian power-pop legends make their way back to The Tralf again tonight in support of their latest album, Commonwealth. The four-piece is famous for their shared songwriting credits and the latest double-album perhaps offers the clearest distillation of Sloan’s sound with all four band members offering a collection of songs. One can expect  plenty of new rockers from the storied Canadian band as well as classics from seminal albums like Twice Removed and Pretty Together. With recent (and upcoming( appearances from other Canadian Indie Rockers like Tokyo Police Club and Stars, Sloan’s appearance tonight is yet another chapter in the great Canadian/Buffalo musical tradition and one not to be missed. Doors at the Tralf open at 7:00 PM tonight and tickets are $24 at the door.