Latest Posts

Autoignition – “Plummet / Picking Daisies”

January 27, 2025

Buffalo based pop-punk quartet Autoignition just released “Plummet / Picking Daisies,” a two-track ripper that’s already found its way into our regular rotation. With anthemic choruses and their heart on their sleeve, these songs hit like a freight train. “Plummet” sees the band come out swinging, with blistering drums setting the stage. The earnest vocals have a sense of pleading, underscored with a slow-moving guitar countermelody. The energy captured on this track is very raw, that is undoubtedly reflective in band’s live performance.   “Picking Daisies” opens with a little more space, but no less energy. With a hooky guitar line, and driving drums, the track churns under the vocals. With echoes of early Blink-182, this is the perfect foil to ‘Plummet.”  High-impact release from a band that is getting a lot of well-deserved buzz. All in all, these tracks are a snippet into the project’s promising future in the[...]

Boy Jr. – I Love Getting Dumped

November 29, 2024

Boy Jr. is back in a big way with their new record I Love Getting Dumped. A collection of 13 breakup songs, frontperson Ariel Allen-Lubman (they/them) commands your attention as strongly as ever with their trademark genrefluid style. They speak to us on a heartfelt level, connecting with us in a nostalgic, at times comical way that speaks to anyone who has ever dealt with the death of a relationship.   The album opens with the haunting “Your Mom Is Disappointed In You.” The vocals are delivered so earnestly, you can feel the pain in their voice, expertly underscored with sparse electronics.  “I Hope You Feel Terrible” is truly a standout, easily drawing parallels with “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo, or contemporaries like Kim Petras or Billie Eilish. Allen-Lubman sets the scene with a fuzzy, bouncing riff that really lets the vocals shine. Slowly building the texture, by the[...]

Tonight: Night Slaves

March 13, 2020

Inventive industrial act Night Slaves will be celebrating the release of their newest LP THREE AND A HALF with a show tonight at Revolution Gallery. Anchored by core members David Kane and John Toohil, the group has recently expanded to include Lucy Bell, Ryan McMullen, and Kelly Mourdant. Their sound is an amalgam of 60s garage rock, psychedelic Brit-pop, darkcore, and just a smattering of sardonic post-punk sensibility. While previous releases, such as 2018’s Night Slaves III, have leaned more heavily towards the darker industrial side, their new album finds the group embracing a new sound. Their new single “ABSOLUTE” is a deeply infectious dance track, much in the spirit of “HandClap” by Fitz and the Tantrums. It will be interesting to see the direction this album takes, but I for one am excited. Providing support will be psych-chamber pop group Parade Chic, and lo-fi dream pop artist Ex-Pat. Revolution[...]

West Ferry Releases New s/t EP

February 26, 2020

Emo rockers West Ferry just dropped a concise self-titled EP last Friday. Clocking in at just over six minutes, it’s a quick yet impactful listen. Each of the songs has a distinct character; angst. While each had an anthemic quality, the standout was “Forever Home.” The group really seems to have settled on a sound, and the DIY energy is still present in their recording. If not already on your radar, a must listen especially for fans of Cursive, Tiny Moving Parts and early Brand New. Check out the EP below, you’ll have time. West Ferry by west ferry Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: A Very Special Episode

February 21, 2020

NYC based post-punks A Very Special Episode headline a bill tonight at Sugar City. Since forming in 2016, the band has channeled the shoegaze energy found in their 2017 release Censored Dreams and embraced a punk aesthetic with their 2018 EP Cut for Time. 2018 also saw the band signing with upstart label Knuckle Down Records. Known for their energetic live performances, they’re a must-listen for fans of Bully, Sleater-Kinney, and Bikini Kill. They’ll be joined by upstart Buffalo indie-pop group Olmsted. Anchored by ex-Halo Nellie guitarist Nate Miller, the group has really started to make a name for themselves. Last seen at Steak and Cake’s 9 Year anniversary show, their dreamy aesthetic will certainly appeal to fans of The Beths, Snail Mail, and Soccer Mommy. Closing out the bill is buzzy indie-rockers Not For Nothing. While still relative newcomers, they hit the scene hard and have proved they’re a[...]

Tonight: Wild Once

February 14, 2020

Wild Once headlines a night of cathartic emo rock tonight at Mr. Goodbar. Fresh on the heels of their 2019 release Perennials, Wild Once have dropped a new track off their upcoming EP. Their new track “Trophy Girls,” the title track of their forthcoming EP, is an anthemic ode to digital addiction. As lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Mayer says: “On a broad scale… this song is sort of an acknowledgement of how often we catch each other staring at our phones these days. It’s to the point where we often don’t even feel rude whipping them out in the middle of a real life conversation. In both personal and professional situations. We use them to fill the fill the silence, that we get so bored and uncomfortable with so quickly. It makes us more lonely and yet we think it is the solution for loneliness. We weigh our options.[...]

Tonight: Rhett Miller

February 6, 2020

Alt-country superstar Rhett Miller takes the stage tonight at the 9th Ward. Best known for his work as the frontman of the Old 97s, Miller has made quite a name for himself as a solo artist. His most recent release The Messenger from 2018, marks the eighth solo record from Miller. While decidedly more indie-pop than his work with the Old 97s, Miller sings with a convicted vulnerability that is instantly captivating. The Messenger is a deeply personal record that shows Miller at his highs as well as his lows. Miller’s sound will definitely appeal to fans of Uncle Tupelo, Jason Isbell, and Justin Townes Earle. Joining Miller on the bill is fellow Texas based songwriter Salim Nourallah. Nourallah approaches the same alt-country material as Miller with a decidedly atmospheric psych-pop approach. Local troubadour Tripi opens the show. 7pm Show. Tickets are $36. Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: Boy Jr.

February 1, 2020

Rochester based artful garage-pop act Boy Jr. headlines a deeply interesting indie bill tonight at Nietzsche’s. The brainchild of songwriter Erica Allen-Lubman treads the boundaries between angsty garage rock and full on glam pop. Lubman is also a captivating persona, and will definitely draw you into her performance. She’s really found her sound, which has definitely been refined through the years, and her last few singles “It’s Enough” and “Anyway” are definitely worth a listen. Also on the bill are indie stalwarts Hundred Plus Club. With enveloping textures reminiscent of Interpol or The Last Shadow Puppets, HPC makes instantly infectious and memorable music. Definitely bring your dancing shoes. Rounding out the bill are lo-fi rockers Dogs in Stereo and local sad boys west ferry. This looks to be another promising bill, and will definitely help you shake off the winter blues. 9pm Doors, $7 cover, 21+ unless accompanied by a[...]

Super American Drops New EPYOBWOC

January 28, 2020

Pop punk duo Super American just dropped their newest EP YOBWOC. Where their 2017 release Disposable gave us an angsty unabashed pop punk sound, their 2018 full length Tequila Sunrise showed us a more mature, refined sound. Clocking in at just over five minutes, YOBWOC is a perfect hybrid of their two previous releases. Super American 2.5 shows us their ability to write deeply infectious and energetic pop punk songs, that still have the nuance a maturity of Tequila Sunrise. YOBWOC opens up with the blistering “Chlorine Fight Song” which at only :40 definitely leaves us wanting more, in the best possible way. Next up is “Untitled” which blends early Blink-182 energy with the nuance of a band like The Story So Far. Finally, “Tangerine + Guava” simmers along with energetic outbursts in the midst of a restrained energy. I sincerely hope that YOBWOC is leading to another full-length release[...]

Tonight: Sons of Luther

January 18, 2020

Driving alt-rockers Sons of Luther headline a diverse indie showcase tonight at Mohawk. With a dark, brooding sound, their most recent EP Do What You Can really highlights their riff heavy, new wave aesthetic. Joining the  line-up is dark-pop producer Medusa. To call their music danceable would be an understatement, but it’s also deeply dark, even menacing at times. Truly the most compelling aspect of their music is how cathartic it is. A perfect hybridization of aggressive synths, unique samples, lush harmonies, and diss track lyrics, Medusa is a singular artist and commands your attention. Also on the bill is indie emo-punks Passed Out. In a similar vein of Modern Baseball, Passed Out writes deeply cathartic lyrics that succeed in their mission of making you “very sad, then happy, then very sad again.” Finally, rounding out the bill is jangly dream-pop outfit Coral Collapse. With enveloping shoegaze textures, and a danceable driving[...]

Tonight: Laveda

January 9, 2020

Albany-based lo-fi dream pop outfit Laveda share an interesting bill tonight at Nietzsche’s. After forming in 2017, the group burst into the spotlight when their debut single “Dream. Sleep” was premiered in February 2019 by Pitchfork Radio at their Mid-Winter Festival in Chicago. Since then the group has released two more singles, most recently “If Only (You Said No)” this past November. With lush harmonies and shoegaze textures, their songs completely envelop you. Definitely a must-listen for fans of Beach House, Slowdive, and Tennis. Also on the bill are Fredonia synth-pop group superficial. and Buffalo alt-rockers Red Button Dilemma. superficial. is a deeply fun band, in the wheelhouse of groups such as The 1975 or Wallows, while Red Button Dilemma fuses new-wave aesthetic with a gritty alternative undertone. The lineup compliments each other quite well, and will definitely be a great night to discover some new favorites. Doors at 8pm,[...]

Tonight: NYE @ Nietzsche’s

December 31, 2019

Tonight Nietzsche’s is hosting a stacked local music bill and  this year may truly be one for the record books. With acts ranging from synth-pop to psychedelia to moody indie-rock there’s most certainly plenty to go around. Headlining will be everyone’s favorite synth-pop act Humble Braggers. Known for their energetic live shows, they’re sure to make you dance the decade away in style. Also on the bill is local psychedelic heavyweights Deadwolf. True revivalists, their lush textures harken back to the “golden age” of psychedelic acts such as The 13thFloor Elevators or Strawberry Alarm Clock. Rounding out the local “heavys” on the bill is indie-rock outfit The Burkharts. With a distinctly lo-fi dreamy surf-pop sound, they’re a deeply fun band and certainly one to get you moving. Also on the bill is Urban Planning and relative newcomers to the scene The Best Strangers. Urban Planning plays jangly, moody indie-pop, with[...]

Breakfast for Dinner Releases New Single

December 5, 2019

Fresh-faced indie-pop outfit Breakfast for Dinner just released their newest single “She Ate My Heart Out Like A Hurricane.” Originally based out of the DIY scene in Corning, NY, they’re now based out of Buffalo. The heavy garage rock/DIY aesthetic is very clearly presented in their first single “Wonder” which came out earlier this year. “She Ate My Heart Out Like A Hurricane” shows a much more evolved sound from the band. At the outset, the song pulls you in with glistening synth textures, a driving beat, and a reverb drenched lead line. The breathy vocals in the verses are balanced well by the stronger chorus, which is undeniably catchy. With a sound akin to Robyn, Bat For Lashes, and iamamiwhoami, Breakfast for Dinner has a deeply mystical indie-rock sound that still manages to channel a DIY pop-punk aesthetic. This neatly packaged song is a great addition to your playlist. Keep[...]

Cooler Drops New Single “Gentleman”

December 3, 2019

Buffalo’s favorite Indiemo trio Cooler returns with their newest single “Gentleman.” Their first release since 2018’s Buried EP shows a mature side of the band, with deeply cathartic lyrics that are very catchy. Their previous releases have been very guitar driven, and while that energy still exists, the lush harmonies and textures that are present on “Gentleman” really highlight the lyrical acuity of the band. Cooler has always had an ability to write compelling pop-oriented songs about such heavy topics such as mental health, love, and loss and “Gentleman,” which focuses on the end of a relationship, is no exception. Check out “Gentleman” below and be on the lookout for their upcoming EP in 2020. Gentleman by CoolerWritten by John Smigielski

Koko Neetz Reveals New Video for “molecules”

November 7, 2019

Indie-songwriter Koko Neetz (the moniker of dreambeaches’ guitarist Andrew Kothen) recently released “molecules,” the first single and accompanying video off his upcoming album titled i.t.t.i.p. This marks the first release from Kothen since 2016’s Moral Monsters, an excellent EP that shows his prowess as a songwriter. molecules shows us an evolved sound, while maintaining Kothen’s meticulous attention to orchestration. Lyrically “molecules” maintains a gentle existential tone, backed by expertly by simple guitar lines and gorgeous harmonies. Kothen’s attention to detail puts him in a category with orchestration and arranging superstars such as Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Sufjan Stevens. If this track is any indication of the rest of the album, we may have a contender for one of the strongest releases in Buffalo this year. Kothen has proven time and again that he’s a true “musician’s musician”, with wistful introspective lyricism, and a deeply thoughtful approach to recording. for fans[...]