Latest Posts

Broke Royals – Campr

February 9, 2026

Returning for buffaBLOG to review are Washington D.C.’s Broke Royals – click here to see Nick Sessanna’s take on their single, “The Weather.” Campr, the album containing said single, is Broke Royals latest release. The album is stunningly calculated, referencing themes of restraint, emotional intelligibility, turbulent friendships, and self-empowerment.   Album opener “Better Off” is a lovely introduction to BR. Clean and airy guitars, breathy vocals, and tight drums power this one forward, culminating in a mid-song crescendo that makes use of crunchy guitars. They perfectly segue into title track, “Campr,” in a way that blasts in seamlessly from the opener. The singer laments, “I choose my words carefully / Look where that’s gotten me.” The music itself is tinged with yearning guitar licks that touch ever-so-slightly into Midwest emo territory, alongside wild, impressive percussion. “Campr” achieves depth within the mix with its soothing, string-like synth pads. Halfway through, the[...]

Newman Bros Presents – Camping Trip!

February 2, 2026

Camping Trip! is a reiteration of an interesting 2014 concept album by Newman Bros Presents, a funk-punk band from Ithaca. The album demonstrates creative storytelling with intricate musical accompaniments that spans a handful of genres. To say NBP is a multimedia project is an understatement – Camping Trip! will be released as an album, a play, an illustrated children’s book, and even a pinball game (including an accompanying iOS version)! To add, their friends at Well Worn Boot released some fan-fiction about this multimedia effort that can be read here.   The album starts off with “The Opening.” Here, we meet our main character, a camp counselor named Paul Blart Jr., and his pet monkey, Toto. An upright bass and horn ensemble play behind the narrator as Paul and Toto move through their morning routine. Paul’s voice is raspy and young-sounding – it’s comparable to the SpongeBob SquarePants opening theme[...]

Slow Coast – Home of the Restless

November 23, 2025

We last heard from San Francisco’s Slow Coast when buffaBLOG reviewed their singles “Double Vision” and “Perfect Lie.” We’re happy to report they’re back – Slow Coast just released their stellar album Home of the Restless, which sonically presents itself as beach-y and somewhat psychedelic. The lyrics cover several topics related to self-discovery – here’s a little more from the band about their headspace while writing the album:   “Most of these songs were written in moments where I felt like I was standing in my own way – caught between who I thought I was and who I actually am. It’s about the quiet fights that happen in your head, the stories you tell yourself just to get by, and the clarity that comes when you finally stop running from them.”   Overall, this album is incredibly consistent, offering tunes that are reminiscent of Tame Impala, The Strokes, and[...]

Giuseppe Cucè – 21 grammi

November 16, 2025

Hailing all the way from Sicily, Italian singer-songwriter Giuseppe Cucè released a cathartic, intense album called 21 grammi. The album title, which translates to 21 Grams, refers to an old theory about the human soul: during the exact moment of death, the human body, according to legend, would drop 21 grams in weight. This loss of exactly 21 grams is apparently the soul and all that cannot be measured – memories, faith, love, and so on – escaping the body when one reaches Death’s Door. 21 grammi, released by TRP Vibes and produced by Riccardo Samperi, relentlessly attempts to explain the human experience, with Cucè himself stating, “Within those 21 grams there is everything: what we have loved, what we have lost, and what still keeps us alive.”   The album begins with the sprightly “È tutto cosi vero.” Immediately coming to mind is the work of Forro in the[...]

Astronaut Head – “Talk To Frank”

November 7, 2025

Once again returning to buffaBLOG, Astronaut Head, the solo project of Buffalo’s Jessica Stoddard, treats us to an epic, movie soundtrack-esque piece of lo-fi, indie trip hop called “Talk To Frank.” Stoddard has worked on projects that are at least part-Scottish, such as The Deep Red Sky and The Little Birds. Not too long ago, Astronaut Head also released the 5-song EP Meek Moon, a musical grouping reviewed by buffaBLOG’s Ronald Walczyk. The EP departs from Stoddard’s past creative endeavors, and presents with an alienesque echo. “Talk To Frank” is a similar, yet continued evolution of Stoddard’s journey – it is drenched in reverb with titillating synthesizers and massive electronic drum queues. The song provokes, all at once, intense introspection and dream-like entrancement. It feels natural despite its intensity at times.   Stoddard is very mindful, exact, and practiced in her approach to songwriting and musical production. One can definitely[...]

Drift City – Spectral Heart Mosaics

October 28, 2025

Kentucky-based musical effort, Drift City, plants a promising seed with their latest EP release, Spectral Heart Mosaics. From start to finish, the folk-and-jazz-and-blues-inspired band presents themselves very professionally – the sounds, accurate; the production (see: Kevin Ratterman), thick and palpable. There is a wide variety of instruments utilized throughout the EP, like lulling saxophones and zipping synthesizers. While the songs wrap the listener in a dampening mist of tangible relaxation, the overall feel of this music collection is hopeful, pushing toward self-growth, as well as somewhat spiritual.   The EP opener, “Leave Your Life,” listens like the soundtrack of a mood-lit lazy river. Immediately, one may take note of the vocal delivery, falling somewhere between Iggy Pop crossed with The National. After a brilliant saxophone solo, there is a pleasing shift in feel when the drummer strikes the ride with brushes more consistently, lending to a relaxing, jazzy feel. Song[...]

Pleistocene – “Your New Life”

May 2, 2017

In a brash two-and-a-half minutes, Rochester’s Pleistocene conveys a message like a swarm of bees: Missing an old friend is hard even if you’re confident she’ll be okay. “Your New Life” is the lead single from the band’s killer release Spear. New life is breathed into the song via this roller derby video featuring a protagonist colliding recklessly reflecting the free, surf rock nature of the lively tune. The video tells the story of roller derby moms and their children growing to love and experience the same rough-and-tumble sport. Pleistocene’s effort is respected as “Your New Life” demonstrates a best foot forward. Check it out below. [vimeo 213706391 w=640 h=360] PLEISTOCENE – “YOUR NEW LIFE” from BUBL-T on Vimeo.

Bryan Johnson and Family Return with New Single

February 22, 2017

Local surf rockers, Bryan Johnson and Family, returned earlierr this month with a new reverbed-out single “Next Wave.”  On the Fam’s new single, the guitar is a wonderful blend of janglyness and smoothness. The bass thuds along joyfully while the hi-hat swarms about your head like a feather-down pillow. The xylophone-esque lead does the song well – it adds to the Hawaiian feels. “Next Wave” is a welcome return from the Buffalo staples. Check it out.

Mac DeMarco – “This Old Dog”

February 3, 2017

The wonderful, “jizz jazzy” Mac DeMarco just announced the release of a new album called This Old Dog. Along with the release came a few teasers including the title track. Noticeably different is the acoustic guitar found in this song. It’s still very chill Mac DeMarco, but there’s something more serious about it. After Another One, this was to be expected. The chorus is ordained with either slimy keys or an effected slide guitar. Whatever the instrument, it bounces between ears. Easy going bass rumbles your ear drums. The percussion is simple. The ride really carries the listener away – its sizzle like popcorn kernels against a metal bowl. DeMarco’s tessitura falls within its usual range. “This old dog ain’t about to forget all we’ve had and all that’s next,” is the most alluring line of the new tune. It is simple but endearing and enough to ring true to[...]

Lambchop – FLOTUS

February 1, 2017

Lampchop is a unique band with a path like none other. They’ve taken on genre after genre throughout their journey – first traditional country, then post-rock, soul, lounge and so on. FLOTUS (For Love Often Turns Us Still) is their latest effort, and the only one that I’ve listened to thus far. Their twelfth studio album is a touchy, electronic folk/lounge jam with difficult-to-hear lyrical smatterings. Nonetheless, FLOTUS marks a substantial piece from the near triple-decade-old group. In Song 2, “Directions to the Can,” the main features are the oohs and ahs and the close to gibberish, effected vocals of Kurt Wagner. The smooshy hi hat queues one of greater velocity alongside the rest of the drumbeat. “Take it on the chin,” can be heard most of any lyrics. A simple song, yet beautiful and enticing. “Writer” seems to be a statement piece pointing out the diminishing qualities, or sometimes evolutionary[...]

Tonight: Tokyo Police Club

January 19, 2017

One of Canada’s prized indie outfits is soon to be at our doorsteps this evening when Tokyo Police Club play the Waiting Room. Whether you love the odd drums and fuzzy bass of “Nature of the Experiment” or the general warm tenacity of Melon Collie and the Infinite Radness Pts 1 & 2, Tokyo Police Club have the musical chops to impress and entwine. Collectively, TPC is a band standing the test of time offering their listeners tasty, increasingly pop treats. Their new tendency to go pop bodes well as the band continues to write simple, loving tunes that fill your heart with joy. Supporting TPC is Charly Bliss, a sludgy, rock act from New York City. Their latest single, “Turd” (which is about denying a relentless catcaller), the group produces a somewhat grungy, 1-2-3-4 rokker. Doors start at 7pm and tickets are $23 walk-in. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpBNWWcJIRs&w=560&h=315]

Tonight: Tyler Mendola

December 16, 2016

Milkie’s is set to feature three Buffalo-based musicians performing stripped down acoustic sets. Set to play tonight is Tyler Mendola, from the retro, psychedelic Deadwolf-pack. His music is sure to swoon, and his performance should shine new light upon what is typically expected of the frontman. Supporting Mendola are Yes Yes and Elliot Douglas (M.A.G.S.): Yes Yes (Michael Ersing) is a unique, Xiu Xiu-esque take on the singer-songwriter stance with and Elliot Douglas is a local garage rocker also turning to the face’s acoustic cheek. Word on the street is he may be doing some Malones covers. Doors are at 9pm and there is a $5 cover. Stream Deadwolf’s “Shine” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/284849978″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Staff Picks

December 15, 2016

To begin our Best of 2016 coverage, we asked a handful of our staff writers to submit their favorite albums and songs of the year. Cliff Parks Favorite Album: The Avalanches – Wildflower The joy and pleasure this album gave me this year is incalculable. The elusive Australian DJ collective saved the day with this next level sonic adventure into boom box urban funk and ear tickling psychedelia, featuring a wicked sense of humor, a killer collection of guest stars (Danny Brown, Toro Y Moi, Biz Markie, Mercury Rev’s Jonathan Donahue, Father John Misty..) and some of the greatest crate diving ever, creating a thoroughly satisfying journey into the sounds of summer and of our lives, and an ode to walking down the music filled mythological NYC streets of our shared popular imagination. Favorite Song:  Anderson .Paak “Put Me Thru” This year was far from spectacular, but Anderson .Paak was incandescent,[...]

Cannon the Brave – Cannon the Brave EP

December 1, 2016

Cannon the Brave is an indie pop outfit from Albany, NY who take their name from Allyson Smith’s superhero alter ego. The group originated as a songwriting outlet between twin sisters Allyson and Whitney Smith, eventually adding three members to support the act’s growing sound (Eric Margan, Mike Campana and Brian Beverly). The project is roughly a year-and-a-half old and have a mantra that aims to bring out the best in themselves and those they touch. The first song off the self-titled EP, “The Only Thing I Need,” spills in with a lovely, old-sounding piano statement. Deep ohs warmly wrap themselves around you. “I was afraid of what I would become…” is sung amidst powerful chordal keys. Smith shares truth in telling her audience that all you need is inside of you. “Sometimes” kicks with background falsettos and groovy bass drum. Smith’s voice is the type that is in between talking and[...]

Dave Monks – All Signs Point to Yes

November 23, 2016

Dave Monks, better known as the long-haired frontman of Canada’s own Tokyo Police Club, split from the others to record six really solid acoustic songs under the title All Signs Point to Yes. Each track is as touching as the next: Whether the tunes are about the unpredictable future or heartbreak blues, this collection has what it takes to make you feel connected. Driving, laying around, or easy listening suits All Signs Point to Yes best. The EP kicks off with “Vegas,” probably the most happy of all the songs. This one is about being with the partner of your dreams despite outside uncertainty. The lyrics speak highly of deep love and how far it can carry you. The guitar strums are mostly offbeat upstrokes and Monks sings in his unassuming baritone. A key lead in the middle of the song helps it sail. Clapping ensues shortly after, forcing some[...]