10. The Burkharts – “Tell Me”

The tail-end of 2025 saw the return of beloved surf-pop scenesters, The Burkharts, with a new single “Tell Me.” The new track stays in the realm of their 60s-soaked beachiness with their usual inspirations of The Beach Boys and The Beatles. No longer the youngsters on the block, The Burkharts continue to evolve their sound while masterfully creating melodies and multi-part harmonies that stick to your ribs. – Ron Walczyk

9. Science Man – “Puzzle Hoax”

No one in the Buffalo scene does chaotic punk rock better than Science Man‘s mastermind John Toohill. A fixture in the local DIY scene, Toohill has been instrumental and present for close to twenty years, spanning close to a dozen projects both as the frontman and support. Science Man is Toohill’s Frankenstein, with 2025 seeing the resurrection of the project. The new album continued with Science Man’s dizzying repertoire, with the track “Monarch Joy” being the chaotic yet cohesive track that beats your brains in knots and makes you come back for more. – Matt Burgerhoff

8. Wylie Something – “God’s Country”

Wylie Something * is the moniker for prolific Buffalo musician Jake Smolinski, who has been making waves in the local scene since he was a teenager fronting The Cascos. His creativity is seemingly unbound, always working on something himself or lending his talents to other local projects. Wylie Something is the umbrella where Smolinski is the most true to himself: part slacker rock, part freak folk, part coffeeshop singer-songwriter, and his latest EP Up Through The Rust blends it all up nicely. The track “God’s Country” made us return to the release again and again with its drowsy slacker stroll and escapist lyrics. “Hundo’ miles out” — nowhere I’d rather be.  – Ron Walczyk

7. Spaced – “Dog Bite”

Spaced has continued their break-out momentum in 2025, becoming leaders in Buffalo’s hardcore scene as well as one of the city’s most brutal exports. Since forming in 2021, the quintet has continuously grown bigger and better, sharing the stage with some of hardcore’s most respected acts and touring the USA and UK on said buzz. Spaced’s 2025 EP, No Escape, is a perfect snapshot of the band’s essence, with the fifth track on the album, “Dog Bite” standing out the most to our ears. It’s a heater, complete with gang vocals, aggressive punk energy, and is a snapshot of the band’s intensity and propensity for hardcore bangers. – Matt Burgerhoff

6. Passed Out – “Being Elsewhere”

2025 saw the return of beloved local indie act, Passed Out, who emerged with an EP and LP after close to five years since their last release. With their latest double release, the group continues with their signature punk-laced emo, (think Desaparecidos) highlighted by lead singer Andy Pothier’s biting, impassioned vocal delivery and accented by backup vocalist Jake Rogers perfect echo and harmonies. Pothier’s lyrics have a definitive Conor Oberst tilt to them, however, where he excels is his emotionally intelligent storytelling akin to that of Craig Finn of The Hold Steady. “Being Elsewhere,” off the band’s Do you miss anything at all? EP, is a slice of everything the band does well: interesting arrangements, flawless dynamics, and that killer lyrical despondency.  – Ron Walczyk

5. Raybees – “Egg”

Basement psych-rock recording project Raybees blew us away with their second EP, Reaper, Take My Life For Free!. The band is an amalgamation of many of the local scene’s top players with collaboration from vocalist Jacob Smolinski (Wylie Something), drummer Dan Keegan (Wild Pink), keyboardist Kam Plotner (Velvet Bethany), guitarist Matthew Danger Lippman, and bassist Bran Schlia (Steak & Cake Records). Together, the powers combine to create a noisy Osees-esque release that is punchy and raw. Standout track from the album is the devilishly fun opener “Egg,” with references about the Scajaquada and Old Pink snarled by Smolinski’s brash and gravel-y vocals. – Ron Walczyk

4. The Mookies – “Grocery Store”

The Mookies underwent a big transition in 2025, evolving from the previous entity “Mookie,” adding a “The” and making the band name plural. The quintet seemed to thrive on the Elmwood strip, bringing their high energy jangle-pop sound to nearly every attic, basement, and dive bar in that allowed music in the city. The band etched it’s way into one of our favorite outbreak acts of the year with their track “Grocery Store,” a song about falling in love in the supermarket aisle and imagining a life together. Don’t listen to this one at the Lexington Co-Op, it could get dangerous. – Nick Sessanna

3. Super Flea – “86”

Usually a demo is just a sampling of what a band has been tinkering with and wants to show the world what they sound like… This might help get the band some starter gigs, or maybe get on the radar of a record label that might lead to a future signing. Rarely, does a demo pack a punch as hard as Super Flea’s 2025 demo, specifically opening track “86.” The project combines some of the flavor profiles of buzzing pop-punk act Autoignition and singer/songwriter Milo Duhn to create an intense, driving pop-punk banger, driven by studio drummer Greg McClure of Del Paxton. This track has shades of the very best Knuckle Puck and Neck Deep singles and we are excited to see where 2026 takes this quartet. – Nick Sessanna

2. Gatto Black – “You Can’t Make Me Dance”

Gatto Black * seems to have a breakout year in 2026 and pulled no punches getting back to the grind after his incredible 2024 album Not Ready to Die. In summer 2025, Gatto Black released a new single titled You Can’t Make Me Dance,” a slice of skate-punk melodic hardcore that reflects on project-lead Sal Mastrocola’s youth and dealing with the duality of being queer and Catholic. Gatto Black delivers sing-a-long gang choruses and an intensity that never seems to fade, tickling our propensities for Comeback Kid, Bayside, and AFI. – Nick Sessanna

1. Johnny & the Man Kids – “The Way Things Go”

Johnny & The Man Kids * have been a reliable source of garage pop goodness for nearly a decade at this point and their foothold on the local indie scene is both established and well-deserved. The band’s early-Spring EP Everything is From Now On is easily one of those top-to-bottom releases with no skips, earning itself some heavy rotation in the blog offices and beyond. Well-roundedness aside, the standout track is opener “The Way Things Go,” a bright and jangly indie rock noodlefest that packs bittersweet nostalgia alongside those surgical leads. JATMK’s poppy energy and ability to deliver heater after heater at this rate is unmatched for the band’s lifespan. – Ron Walczyk

The post The Ten Best Songs from Buffalo in 2025 first appeared on buffaBLOG.

buffaBLOG Holiday Show @ Milkies

Since the blog has re-emerged in fall 2024, we have re-worked many of our operations to better fit the music landscape in 2025. One tradition we needed to continue was our annual holiday party, where we feature some of our favorite local/regional bands emerging from the scene and showcase them on one bill. We like to market this as a catch-all for all for some of the best bands in the scene currently and local scene supports to attend and semi-curious home-for-the-holidays Buffalonians to get a sense of what the Western NY indie scene is all about.

The holiday party’s past lineups had always tried to feature one out-of-town regional band, and this year’s performer comes by way of Rochester slacker-rock outfit kitchen. The band emerged into the blogosphere in 2025 with their highly acclaimed album Blue Heeler in Ugly Snowlight, Grey on Gray on Gray on White, which led to a kitchen feature on Stereogum and their pivotal spot as Album of the Week last April. 

The local line-up includes some of the most buzzed about local acts in the current scene, with performances from surf-tinged Johnny & the Man Kids *, shoegaze extraordinaires Elemantra *, and buzzing power-pop act The Mookies. 

If you want to support local music, see a snippet of the talented musicians making WNY their home, and what we do over here at the blog, this is where to be. Save room for the jalapeño poppers. Doors open at 7pm with a $13 cover at the door.

The post Must See Shows (12/17/25-12/23/15) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

The Surfrajettes @ Sportsmen Club

Toronto retro surf act The Surfrajettes showcase their summer-y sounds Thursday night in Black Rock.  Buffalo loves a band with a gimmick and The Surfrajettes can pull it off as they portray a group of 60s beach boppers. The four-piece has been steadily attracting fans with their intricate guitar work and upbeat shows since 2015. You may already be familiar with them as they gained the internet’s attention with their beach-y cover of Brittany Spear’s “Toxic” back in 2018.

Opening the night is local raw rock trio Evil Things. $20 cover.

Friday, June 27th @ 8pm

Sun Junkies @ Milkies

Promising Brantford, Ontario quartet Sun Junkies cross the border for a Friday night rager on Elmwood. Throughout the band’s nine year tenure, the band has continued to pump out a consistently high energy indie-punk-adjacent repertoire, spanning two full length albums and an EP. Fans of FIDLAR, Dune Rats, or even Rochester’s Jerry Big’s World Famous Band would be into the band’s high octane sound.

This is a well-rounded bill, with opening slots from Buffalo pop-punkers Robbery Club and indie scene mainstays Johnny & the Man Kids *. $15 cover.

Saturday, June 28th @ 7pm

Tugboat Annie @ Electric City

COVID changed Buffalo a lot during the close to two year lockdown we all experienced. Restaurants no longer served the late night crowd, bars did last call at 1:45am, Allen Street became a dead zone, and Boston Market closed (RIP). It was not all negative, however, as the downtime inspired Buffalo-based 90s college radio quartet Tugboat Annie to get on stage again. The band has been playing semi-regularly big local shows over the past few years and not missing a beat.

Tugboat Annie got their start in the early 90s at the University at Buffalo and became a staple of the growing indie scene in the area. The band achieved semi-mainstream success in the late 90s with some commercial and soundtrack work, before eventually putting the project on the backburner in the early 00s.

It’s a full lineup on Saturday with support from local rockers Black Jacket (ex-Last Conservative, The Incureables), alt rock act Stress Dolls, and indiemo veterans Gathering Ground (ex Piebald, Pilot to Gunner). $26.74 will get you in.

The post Must See Shows (6/25/25-7/1/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

444 Forest Avenue

If you wanted to minimize your steps for the day, I would suggest bringing a lawn chair to 444 Forest Avenue and not leaving, as the lineup has some true talent from the emerging local scene. Starting the indie lineup is Ian McCuen, a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists who has somber and gripping songs that are reminiscent of Bright Eyes or Sufjan Stevens.

Kriggy @ 3pm

390 Richmond Ave

New kids on the block Kriggy aim to prove what the buzz is all about on Richmond Ave mid-afternoon. The band has an angular, math-y messiness that is appealing and no-frills in the most charming way possible.

Sonny Baker Trio @ 3:30pm

1110 Elmwood Ave.

Buffalo music scene mainstay Sonny Baker teams up with his frequent collaborators for a rare trio performance outside of Mr. Goodbar. You’ve likely scene Baker in his numerous iterations throughout the years, including Lazlo Hollyfeld, Wooden Waves, Talking Deadheads, and even A Hotel Nourishing. Expect Sonny’s solo project to have comparisons to Pavement, Broken Social Scene, and/or Dinosaur Jr.

Pr0 Social @ 4pm

545 Elmwood Avenue

Fresh off the release of their February 2025 EP some don’t make it here.. is gritty R&B/ hip-hop solo artist, Pr0 Social. Since emerging on the scene in 2018, Pr0- Social (aka Jerrell Lanos) has been honing his skills in the alt-pop scene, mastering his craft and gaining a following throughout the journey. Fans of Frank Ocean or early The Weeknd will be into Pr0.

Power Creep @ 5pm

545 Elmwood Avenue

Raw punk trio Power Creep re-emerges as a project after a fairly quiet 2025. Fronted by Tyler Will, Power Creep is the offshoot of his previous band, Cheap Peach, which was a constant opener on Buffalo’s indie scene in 2022 and 2023.

Stephen Babcock @ 6pm

444 Forest Ave.

After hours officially start at 6pm with indie singer/songwriter Stephen Babcock. Babcock has connected with fans beyond Buffalo with his relatable lyrical content and subtle pop-girlie undertones. With rumblings of lofty projects heading into the summer, Babcock’s stock is quickly rising in the local scene.

Johnny & the Man Kids @ 7pm

444 Forest Ave.

At this point, you could have just stayed at 444 Forest Ave and had a killer day of local live music. Wrapping up Elmwood Village Porchfest 2025 is Johnny & the Man Kids * who are fresh off the heals of their new EP – Everything is From Now On (which was album of the week a few weeks back).  The quintet will surely deliver upbeat indie pop with a heartfelt earnestness, and killer hooks to boot.

The post 7 Acts to Catch at Elmwood Village Porchfest 2025 first appeared on buffaBLOG.

That brand is immediately apparent on Everything is From Now On. The EP confidently navigates the band’s strengths, from the riff-driven energy of opener “The Way Things Go,” to the layered, party-like atmosphere of “Mr. Cunningham.” The band’s playful side gets a spotlight with “Play Ball!,” a song whose charm lies partly in its unapologetically straightforward baseball theme and partly in its production, which embraces a deliberate, endearing clumsiness that feels like listening in on a band simply having a great time. The rich instrumentation and feel-good comradery found on this sector of the record will speak to fans of the sorely-missed indie outfit Dr. Dog.

The EP balances this buoyant energy by delving into moments of emotional depth. This is particularly evident in tracks like “Sometimes,” an EP highlight that captures a potent bittersweet nostalgia while retaining the group’s signature joyous shimmer. “Not Anymore” similarly leans into vulnerability, utilizing delicate fingerpicked electric guitar and expansive backing vocals rich with ‘oohs’ and aahs’ to underscore themes of growth and understanding. It stands as perhaps the EP’s most affecting composition. It is precisely this juxtaposition – placing exuberant fun alongside such emotionally intelligent reflection – that makes JatMK’s work so engaging.

The collection closes on a quiet note with the brief, lo-fi sleepiness of “Weezer Luv,” stripping down to acoustic elements and a simple, confessional vocal. It’s a nice little curtain call that once again highlights the band’s range. Everything is From Now On arranges its component parts – high-spirited indie rock, thoughtful songwriting, infectious group energy, and expansive production techniques – into a cohesive whole. After a decade of releases, the band has a clear understanding of their sonic identity, wandering capably within it while occasionally sticking their arms outside the coaster. Everything is From Now On is now streaming on major platforms.

The post Johnny & the Man Kids – Everything is From Now On first appeared on buffaBLOG.

TV Star @ Area 54

Wednesday night has a certified ripper headlined by touring alt/psych act TV Star. Since forming in 2020, the band has been compared to The Jesus and Mary Chain and Mazzy Star, leading to much buzz in the Washington music scene. TV Star even managed some face time with famed KEXP DJ Cherlyl Waters and recorded a live session and interview with the outlet in 2023.

The lineup also features two Ontario power-pop acts with  Windsor’s Heavenly Sweetheart and Welland’s Big School. Fun fact, I had no idea Welland was so close to Buffalo until maybe a month ago. I had never even heard of the city, which is only 36 minutes from downtown Buffalo. After spending a weekend in Toronto recently, I discovered that many creatives have been moving to that area which seems quite promising for southern Ontario’s music scene. Perhaps Buffalo could see an influx of more Canadian acts in the coming years. For reference, Lockport is 38 minutes away.

Rounding out the bill will be post-punk locals Deluxxe and the mysterious Just Platinum. $10 cover.

Saturday, April 19th @ 8pm

Johnny and the Man Kids @ Mr. Goodbar (The Attic)

Well most everything I wanted to tell you is already on this poster, and this is the most apt image for this event. Long stay local indie act Johnny & the Man Kids * (who at this point may be teetering into the Johnny and the Man Adults territory) celebrate the release of their new EP Everything is From Now On this Saturday in Mr. Goodbar’s Attic. Through numerous releases over the past near-decade, the band has consistently pumped out quality blog-worthy singles and continuously gained a following as one of the best and tightest indie bands in Buffalo. Expect nothing less of their latest effort.

Joining them will be local dreamos Cooler * and lo-fi bedroom folk project Wylie Something *. All three of these bands are much recommended by the blog and if you want a sample of the local scene, this is one you should grab a ticket for. $15.

Monday, April 21st @ 6pm

Townies @ Milkies

Touring Southern California-by-way-of-New-England act Townies make a Dyngus Day stop in the Queen City Monday. The band had a major breakthrough with their 2024 album Of This I Am Certain, which has been highly praised by the internet’s pop-punk community. Fans of anything from late ’90s emo all the way to JAPANDROIDS should b-line it from Broadway Ave after the parade.

Also on the bill is a slew of some of the best local pop-punk acts, with slots reserved for Previous Love, Amateur Hockey Club, and We Were Blank. $10 gets you upstairs. Bring a pussy willow.

The post Must See Shows (4/16/25-4/22/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

Stephen Babcock @ The Caz

Buffalo-based indie/singer-songwriter Stephen Babcock headlines a great bill at the Caz in South Buffalo Thursday evening with support from two additional bands we are excited about. The Caz (on Seneca St.) has been open to the public for just about six months now, with a variety of programming ranging from jam to jazz to cover shows. The venue has barely dipped it’s toe into the local indie scene, so Thursday’s showcase will undoubtedly be a testing ground for the genre.

Like many of the current artists we are jazzed about in Buffalo, Babcock found his footing in a post-COVID landscape, emerging into the scene in 2021 with his debut album Monroe. Babcock’s songwriting is vulnerable and has range, with the ability to channel a somber Paul Simon or James Taylor feel with indie-pop contemporaries such as Matt Pond PA or Another Michael.  Babcock’s pop energy is impressive and could easily ghost-write in the current alt top 40 landscape.

Joining the bill will be indie songstress Addisyn Logan *, who you may have caught with our February buffaBLOG session. In addition, long-time scene staple Johnny & the Man Kids * will be rounding out the lineup. The band will hopefully be teasing some of their updated catalog, as they have a new release later this month.

Overall, it’s a good one so stop by and make a night of it. Swing at D.A. Eatz for some birria ramen, wash it down with a brew dog next door at Bottle Rocket, and embrace Seneca St. 2025. $12 and the venue is cashless.

Saturday, April 5th @ 7pm

Millington @ Rec Room

Capital-district brass/emo hybrid band Millington is set to return to Buffalo this weekend. The local scene has been clamoring for the return of the band since their summer 2023 ripper at Nietzsche’s.

Since forming in 2018, the band has made a name for themselves with their ska/pop-punk/skate sound coupled with a very high energy live show. Like many bands we currently cover, the band emerged with a new, invigorated energy once it was safe to play and tour again in 2021. If you are a fan of Keep Flying or CLIFFDIVER, this one’s for you.

Opening the show is throwback pop-punk act Eternal Boy who could easily have made their way on a free VANS Warped Tour compilation add-on at Zumiez in 2004. Starting the night off right are local pop-punkers Hyperview. $26.70, bring change.

Sunday, April 6th @ 7pm

The Suitcase Junket @ 9th Ward

The Suitcase Junket is the moniker for Western Massachusetts based singer/songwriter Matt Lorenz who will fight off the Sunday scaries from everyone’s favorite Delaware Ave. basement. The delicate folk musician is known to captivate audiences with his soulful delivery and stripped-down appeal. Fans of Fleet Foxes, Joe Pug, or Bendigo Fletcher will be into this one. $18 cover.

The post Must See Shows (4/2/25-4/8/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

Coral Moons w/ Johnny & the Man Kids & tuesday nite @ Buffalo Iron Works

Boston-born turned upstate New York transplants, Coral Moons, bring their indie pop goodness to Buffalo this Thursday. Fronted by lead singer and primary songwriter, Carly Kraft, Coral Moons sound is reminiscent of Alvvays, Best Coast, or Melody’s Echo Chamber. Since forming in 2018, the project has continuously toured, filled, and headlined venues and festivals throughout the continental states. Also on bill are legit local indie acts Johnny & the Man Kids and tuesday nite. Looks like there’s nothing at the Keybank Center, so parking should be a breeze. Tickets are $20

Friday, October 4th @ 8pm

The Curls w/ Patchwrok & The Hartwell Hospice House Band @ Milkies

The Curls return to the Buffalo this Friday with some support from the locals listed above. The Chicago-based weirdo art-rock act first came across our radar after their afternoon stint at 2018’s Pitchfork Music Festival. Since then, The Curls have made multiple trips to Buffalo, partnering up with many of the shakers and movers in the Western NY DIY scene. Fans of Mac Demarco, Talking Heads, or Animal Collective would be into this one. $10 bucks at the door gets you a front row seat and access to the recently revamped (and very bussin’) Milkies menu. It’s 2024 and I typed that sentence with zero irony.

Tuesday, October 8th @ 7pm

Tokyo Police Club w/ Born Ruffians @ Town Ballroom

Is this it? Could this possibly be the last Tokyo Police Club tour ever? If I’ve learned anything from LCD Soundsystem, Oasis, or Terry Funk, most likely not. However, this probably will be the last time in a while to catch this Toronto-based indie aughts staple at one of their most frequented local haunts, Town Ballroom, until like 2029. If you’ve never listened to Tokyo Police Club and you are reading about them for the first time, Hello! I hope you are having fun reading a music blog! We write about a lot of cool bands playing in Buffalo and beyond! Please like and subscribe.

Anyways, Tokyo Police Club is a big deal indie act that rose onto the college radio scene in the mid 00s and have consistently stayed on millennials’ playlists since then. The band means the world to their fanbase as the band’s catalog is ~90% bangers. Opening the night are fellow blogosphere favorites, Born Ruffians. Tickets are $35.

The post Must See Shows (10/2/24-10/8/24) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

Supporting M.A.G.S. on stage tonight will be some of our favorites in local up-and-comers Johnny & the Man Kids as well as the grungy-yet-catchy Nylon Otters. Doors open at 7pm, cover is $8.

Written by Mike Rakiecki

The post Tonight: M.A.G.S. first appeared on buffaBLOG.