Latest Posts

Tonight: Passion Pit

May 20, 2019

Cambridge-based indietronica band Passion Pit makes their return to the area tonight with a show at the Rapids Theatre. Frontman Michael Angelakos, who spent his formative years in Buffalo, will be bringing the tenth anniversary tour of their major label debut Manners, a glistening, danceable record that is filled to the brim with hooks. However beneath the gloss, Angelakos is able to write very openly and honestly about his struggles with his mental health. Far from being gratuitous, these songs highlight Passion Pit’s ability to write compelling pop music that is still anchored by these honest emotional conversations. With standout tunes such as “Sleepyhead,” and “Little Secrets” highlighting Angelakos’ falsetto coupled with catchy danceable synths, this concert is definitely a must see. Tickets are $37.50 GA Standing and $119 VIP. Doors at 7pm, music at 8pm. Written by John Smigielski

Tough Old Bird Reveals First Single off Upcoming Album

May 9, 2019

Late late month, Filmore NY’s Tough Old Bird dropped “Harbor Song,” the first single off their upcoming album The Old Great Lakes. “Harbor Song,” finds them expanding their sound slightly, in a way that highlights their rustic, blues tinged Americana stylings. The track opens up with a soulful trumpet duet, which is soon joined by a gentle beat in the drums. Lead singer Nathan Corrigan’s vocals balance perfectly, with a lilt that carries a certain weariness. The track is extremely evocative, conjuring up images of dusty, yellowed photographs. As the track builds, the layers grow, but at no point overpower Corrigan. Perhaps this is the real beauty of Tough Old Bird; their ability to capture Rust-Belt languor and the weariness of the road without succumbing to it. Aside from their expanding fanbase, this track will also appeal to fans of Buck Meek, The Avett Brothers, and Townes Van Zandt. Tough[...]

Tonight: Caroline Rose

May 8, 2019

Sharp-tongued satirist Caroline Rose brings her LONER LOSER FREAK Tour to town with a show at Buffalo Iron Works tonight. Rose is currently finishing up a year plus long tour behind her critically acclaimed third album LONER, which was released on New West Records in 2018. A far cry from the alt-country styling of her previous two albums, LONER finds Rose embracing a synth forward sound with danceable hooks. Lyrically, this album covers topics such as death, loneliness, self-doubt, and misogyny amongst other things. But the beauty of the album is Rose’s ability to deal with such serious and potentially traumatic topics with such unflinching candor. Rose uses satire as a means of translating or transforming the inherent anger and pain of her subject material. Coupled with her infectious pop sensibilities, Rose is able to capture attention in a way that doesn’t minimize the weight of the topics she covers.[...]

Tonight: Pinky Doodle Poodle

May 3, 2019

Japanese power rockers Pinky Doodle Poodle will be making a stop at Milkie’s tonight at 8pm. Known for their heavy, riff based music with positive lyrics, PDP maintains a fairly active touring schedule. After catching the ear of Robby Takac, the band was signed to Good Charmal Records and released their first full-length record in 2014. Their most recent release, Poodle Boogie was released in 2017. Core members Yuria and George have created a high-energy guitar driven sound that balances scorching riffs with playful lyrics. Rounding out the bill tonight are the punk outfit Radical Operations and instrumental rockers Good-Dude. In addition to their show at Milkie’s, you can also catch PDP at the Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend. Doors at 8pm with a $6 cover. Written by John Smigielski

Tonight: The Felice Brothers

April 29, 2019

Catskills based folk rockers The Felice Brothers will be making a return to the area with a show at the 9th Ward on April 29that 8pm. They’ll be touring in support of their new record Undress, out May 2 on Yep Roc Records. This will follow up their 2016 release Life in the Dark. Far from being novices, The Felice Brothers have already proven themselves to be a formidable force in the Americana scene. In 2017, the band served as Conor Oberst’s backing band on Salutations, and his subsequent tour. They will also be performing at the Borderland festival this Fall in East Aurora. This new album features a paired down sound, and is far and away their most reflective and personal release. On Undress, The Felice brothers tighten the scope of their increasingly sociopolitical songwriting. The title track of the new record features rich imagery and a decidedly political[...]

Maybird Drops New Single “Gonna Lose Your Mind”

April 3, 2019

Rochester psych pop quartet Maybird just released “Gonna Lose Your Mind,” the first single off their forthcoming album. This release will be a follow up to their 2017 EP Keep In Line, which was produced by Patrick Carney, best known for his work with The Black Keys. Maybird was first signed to Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records back in 2016. “Gonna Lose Your Mind” features lush psychedelic textures, and the unique addition of a horn section. Lead singer Josh Netsky’s vocals dance effortlessly around the track, and are joined in a haunting duet during the chorus. The result is a track that will appeal to both new and longtime listeners. Keep an eye out for their new album, dropping May 3rd on 30th Century Records. Written by John Smigielski

Lovers Walk Launches Debut Single, Project

March 28, 2019

Rochester-based songwriter Ian Proper has just released “Starry Eyes,” the debut single from his newest project Lover’s Walk. Proper, previously known for his work with Sports and The Young Couples, has found a mature sound that blends indie-pop sensibilities with a driving eighties energy. With a tasteful use of harmonies, and seemingly effortless hook, “Starry Eyes” is a promising showing from Proper. Keep an eye out for a full release, as it will be interesting to see what direction this project will head in. Starry Eyes by Lovers WalkWritten by John Smigielski

Tonight: Ben Folds

March 21, 2019

Alt piano-rock stalwart Ben Folds returns to the area with a rare solo show this evening at the Fallsview Casino. Known for his energetic and engaging live performances, this show will certainly appeal to old and new fans alike. Folds first rose to prominence with the Ben Folds Five after their 1997 release Whatever and Ever Amen. With songs like “Brick” and “Song for the Dumped,” Folds used his trademark sardonic wit and profanity to diffuse lyrics of melancholy and self-conflict in a way that resonated with audiences. Following the breakup of the Ben Folds Five, Folds released his debut solo record Rockin’ the Suburbs in 2001. What has been described by Folds as “punk rock for sissies” is actually a carefully crafted synthesis of pop and classical sensibilities that have defined his genre bending sound for decades. Currently,  Folds works as the Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony orchestra[...]