Latest Posts

Tonight: Wonk Sesh feat. Lord Nathaniel

August 3, 2014

The latest Wonk Sesh taping will take place tonight over at 362 Baynes. Shot and edited by Lesionread, this co-presented series aims to capture some (usually) electronic, left-of-the-dial touring acts stopping in Buffalo. Tonight’s taping will be headlined by Boston experimental musician Lord Nathaniel. Local electronic acts Barf and Wonk Sesh alumni Copy Manager will also be performing this evening. Music/filming begins tonight at 8pm. Bring $3 to cover the touring act. Check out Lord Nathaniel below before heading down, and check out Copy Manager’s Wonk Sesh as well.

Watch The Tins’ Making Of Video For “Let It Go”

August 1, 2014

Buffalo new wavy pop trio, the Tins, are currently on the road supporting their recent EP, Young Blame. I believe at the time of this writing, they are somewhere up in the Pacific North-West. The EP, and in particular, current single “Let It Go,” have been getting some decent publicity this week, including the #5 spot on USA Today‘s “Week in Music” list. A couple weeks back, the band released a short making of video for “Let It Go.” As it turns out, that big, multi-harmony chorus came courtesy of some local musician friends of the Tins, including members of Aircraft, the Albrights, the CPX, and more, culminating in a mini Buffalo, Band Aid type sing along. Watch the clip below.

Lesionread Shares Latest Track, Preps Next Wonk Sesh

July 31, 2014

Going under the working name of “Jordan,” although technically untitled, the latest track and live staple from electro wunderkind Lesionread (aka Shawn Lewis/Sean Louis), is a nervy, four-on-the-floor jam. Those who have seen the former art student’s show over the last year should be familiar with the song, but if you haven’t, then listen below and enjoy while you can. Lewis is known for removing music from the web at a moment’s notice. In other Lesionread news, the latest installment of our co-presented Wonk Sesh,  a live video series capturing some of the more left-of-the-dial touring bands coming through Buffalo, will be taking place this Sunday, August 7th, at 362 Baynes. Sunday’s taping will feature Boston’s Lord Nathaniel, along with local acts Copy Manager and Barf. Full details can be found here.

JOYWAVE Makes Network TV Debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers

July 31, 2014

After the explosion of their 2013 track “Tongues” and a couple of opening gigs for the Killers, Rochester’s JOYWAVE continued their excellent 2014 last night as the band made their network television debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The electro pop quintet, led by Daniel Armbruster, closed out the show with a head bobbing rendition of said single, sadly without fellow Rochester siren Patricia Petrone of KOPPS providing her infectious scat in person. Armbruster also joined electro cohorts and recent Kefuffle act, Big Data, earlier in the program to play “Dangerous,” a song that you can not escape as of late if you have any alternative music channel or Doritos commercial on. While we are unsure where JOYWAVE will ride this high next, we over at the blog sure wouldn’t mind a proper full length down the road. Until then, we will continue to wear out Koda Vista over in the[...]

Kerfuffle at Canalside (7/26/14)

July 30, 2014

This past Saturday, Buffalo’s infant radio station, Alternative Buffalo 107.7, debuted their inaugural Kerfuffle on a crowd of thousands down at Canalside in spectacular fashion. The one-day music festival had a lot going in its favor that day: nearly rain free weather (Artpark was shaking its head all night), a bill of fresh and relevant acts (something that normally does not go hand in hand with summer music here in the city), and a revitalized waterfront that continues to provide the perfect back drop to many summer nights in Buffalo. Now, for a full review of Kerfuffle, read Ryan Wolf’s review here, but if you prefer a more visual recap, contributing photographer Andy Deluca was on hand capture all of the action and energy on Kerfuffle’s stage. For additional Kerfuffle shots, follow Deluca’s instagram account here. Cage the Elephant Bleachers Bear Hands Big Data Kongos Semi Precious Weapons Photos courtesy[...]

SW/MM/NG – “All I Want”

July 29, 2014

If you were one of the few people who caught Arkansas five piece, SW/MM/NG, last fall at Nietzsche’s, you were treated to one of indie rock’s best up and coming acts. Nearly a year later, the band is prepping the release of their forthcoming debut LP, Feel Not Bad, as its first single debuted yesterday. Titled “All I Want,” pleading, worn down vocals are backed by celestial dream pop guitars and steady percussion, sounding like a spacier version of Real Estate or Beach Fossils. Feel Not Bad will be released on Tuesday, August 26th. Listen to “All I Want” below.

Tonight: Buffalo Vaggie Fest Benefit DJ/Dance Party

July 26, 2014

Planning a festival is not easy. Having just spent the last 6 months stressing over our first annual Herd Fest, I don’t want to think about the next installment for some time. It was a blast, but a breather is needed. Another area music festival that is quickly approaching, very quickly I am sure for the promoters, is the Buffalo Vaggie Fest, a three showcase festival celebrating everything that is woman in music. With showcases being held at Broadway Joe’s and Sugar City, the festival will host female fronted/centric bands from the Western New York area and beyond. Planning a festival also isn’t cheap. Pre-sale bracelets, merch, food, tapes, promo flyers, etc. all cost money so tonight at the newly opened, very female present Hot Mama’s Canteen (12 Military Rd.), a benefit dance party will be going down in hopes to help cushion some of the Vaggie Fest costs. Beginning[...]

Today/Tonight: Kerfuffle

July 26, 2014

Back in mid-April, I remember seeing a lot of tweets from Alt Buffalo and their DJs filled with the hastag #Kerfuffle. Twitter had a minor buzz storm on its hands. To the surprise of some, Kerfuffle turned out to be a one day festival curated by the radio station. And as of yesterday, the damn thing was sold out. It’s not easy to sell out Canalside. That’s a big space. But when you have a hand full of alt-rock buzz acts, coupled with the strong following that Alt Buffalo has built in its first year, I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked. The first annual (I would assume) Kerfuffle bill is highlighted by acts like Cage the Elephant, Bear Hands, and Bleachers. If you are reading this post and have a ticket, I take it you know these acts. Bear Hands, though, is an act that has been on our radar[...]

Nine Acts to Catch at Buffalo Infringement Festival

July 24, 2014

Ready or not, the Buffalo Infringement Festival is back for its tenth year running. For the next 11 days, various venues, galleries, shops, street corners, and wherever else you can fit a performer in the Allentown neighborhood and beyond will be bustling with anything and everything under the performing arts umbrella. Now if you want to pick through the endless madness that is a normal Infringement schedule, be our guest. We have done it for many years and it has left us dizzy nearly every time. The days are dense, full of endless options, and honestly overwhelming. But, if you wanted a little help this year, you have come to the right place.  Here are nine acts we think you should make some time for this year during Infringement 2014 Network/The Get Money Squad The former is a rap crew, led by Quinton Brock, that should help fill the hole[...]

Tonight: Bryan Johnson and Family

July 24, 2014

Thank goodness for Infringement today/tonight because without the festival, tonight’s best bet for music would be heading down to Canalside to catch Extreme. Yes, Extreme. If you do find yourself downtown near the water, and if you are, God bless you soul, then stick around after Extreme closes up shop with whatever power ballad they sing and head over to Buffalo Iron Works for a post-Canalside show featuring Bryan Johnson and Family. One of our original blog favs from way back in our early days, the surf pop trio turned quartet has cranked up the volume over the last year or so, and are finally getting ready to release their long awaited EP later this year. BJ and Fam are set to kick off just after 9pm, or whenever people stumble out of Canalside. Whatever comes first I suppose. Entry for tonight’s show is free.

Small Signals Drops Music Video to “Whiskers” Single

July 23, 2014

Yesterday, Small Signals, aka Rochester-based, multi-instrumentalist Stephen Roessner, released the first single, “Whiskers,” off of his debut EP, The Aimless. Currently operating as the drummer to jangle-rock band, Pleistocene, Roessner heads in a different direction with his Small Signals project, channeling aspects of Rivers Cuomo, Archers of Loaf, and Fugazi on the seven track release. The video to “Whiskers” finds Roessner fighting the urge to cut his very impressive beard until he finds some hairy, kindred spirits to boost his self esteem. If you are feeling uncomfortable about having a beard, you’re more than welcome to come to Buffalo. I’m sure there are a number of girls at the Pink that wouldn’t think your beard is weird. You can stream the entire EP over at Small Signals’ bandcamp page and in the mean time, watch the video for “Whiskers” below.

Buffalo Sex Change Premieres New Single, “Black Circle”

July 22, 2014

Upstart Rochester label, Dadstache Records, has been keeping busy this summer with solid releases from bands like Pony Hand and Fat Africa. Their next release will be the debut full length from post-punk act, Buffalo Sex Change, a Rochester based group (don’t let the name fool you) who has been on our distance radar for a little while as their inclusion on some solid 585 area bills has peaked our interest. The first single from Buffalo Sex Change, which is set to drop on August 5th, debuted today on bandcamp. Titled “Black Circle,” the crawling, reverb drenched track sounds like Okkervil River’s Will Sheff moonlighting with Crystal Stilts, or even Ariel Pink at his less weird of moments. Check it out below.

Know Your Opener: Midlake

July 22, 2014

With free music offered on nearly every night of the week throughout the summer, it’s hard to justify dropping $35 on a show when I can practically hear live music from my balcony on many nights. Having a worthy opener, one that could easily be headlining on another night, certainly helps cushion the cost. That’s what we have facing us tonight as Band of Horses rolls through town with Midlake playing the role of table setter for an eager group of Buffalonians who want more out of their ticket price than simply getting out of the sweaty night and into some AC a few minutes early. I first heard about the Texas group after stumbling across their haunting, Fleetwood Mac-esque single, “Roscoe,” a few years back. Then front man Tim Smith’s tender vocals gave what could have been a cold number a beating heart, becoming one of the best singles[...]

Just Announced: Hooray for Earth

July 21, 2014

With Sugar City’s official grand opening weekend just around the corner on Friday, August 15th, the newly relocated DIY collective is wasting no time in locking in some great shows to lead another great Buffalo summer to its triumphant finish. On Wednesday, August 20th, the new Niagara Street home base will be hosting NYC pysch-tronic act, Hooray for Earth. The band will be on the road promoting their at-the-time newly released album, Racy, set to drop next Tuesday, July 29th. Keep an eye out for tickets prices in the very near future.

Silo Sessions Premieres New Installment Feat. JOHNS

July 21, 2014

Just over a month into the new video blog series, Silo Series, and we have already been treated to some fantastic clips from musicians like Nat Baldwin, Jax Deluca, and Julie Bryne. Today’s latest installment, the sixth in the on going series, featuring an acoustic set from Buffalo garage act, JOHNS, in addition to bonus songs from JOHNS’ members Nick Gordon and Sean Kader. What makes Silo Sessions so special is pairing the unusual space with a variety of musicians, genres, and sounds, and in featuring JOHNS, the musicians have left the normal comfort of West Side basements to perform in one of Buffalo’s most unique venues. Watch the full clip of JOHNS, with Nick Gordon and Sean Kader below. You can also brush up on past sessions here.