10. Harmonica Lewinski – “Rat Race” 

Rochester creepsters Harmonica Lewinski started off the year right with their beachy, 60s-era single “Rat Race,” which showcased the band’s punchbowl of surfy guitar riffs, jungle beats, and signature oddness. For a band that’s been around nearly fifteen years, Harmonica Lewinski still has got “it” and continues to impress us. – Matt Burgerhoff

9. Home Videos – “Underwater Breathing”

Over the summer, Rochester midwest-emos Home Videos delivered on their 12 song album Home Taping is Killing Music. Self-described as “slacker tapehead indie nonsense” the release had elements of both post and math rock, with comparisons to American Football, Explosions in the Sky, and early era Death Cab for Cutie. The standout of the album was the track “Underwater Breathing,” which brought us on second-wave emo journey and made us want to log back into LiveJournal. – Ron Walczyk

8. Luxury Suite – “Sparrows”

Luxury Suite is a 2025 project that popped up on our radar, combining members of two 2010s buffaBLOG favorites, Cottage Jefferson and Sports. Fronted by Ian Proper, the band released a two-song debut at the tail end of the year, however, “Sparrows” highlights the band’s promising future. The single channels Johnny Marr at his most melodic, with a sneer-y, boppy Elvis Costello swagger. – Mike Moretti

7. Boy Jr. – “Zitty Stardust”

Boy Jr. has been growing the project in many ways ever since breaking through on TikTok and other social media sites during COVID lockdowns with their impressive re-genrifying renditions of pop songs. The outlier of their 2025 releases is the triumphant “Zitty Stardust,” which is “a celebration of transformation and genderfluidity,” countering internet trolls and emerging triumphant and proud. Boy Jr. continues to be one of the most innovative and connected acts emerging out of Rochester.  Fans of Gwen Stefani and St. Vincent should take note. – Ron Walczyk

6. Bad Bloom – “Onion”

Fuzzy rockers Bad Bloom have been on our radar for years and are still consistently on the forefront of the Rochester shoegaze scene. 2025 saw the release of the band’s latest EP, pepper, which featured the official release of their track “onion.” The single was reminiscent of its namesake, with “dozens of tiers of guitars and basses layered thick with Smashing Pumpkins-esque intensity,” inviting comparisons to Pity Sex or Gleemer.  – Nick Sessanna

5. Milo – “Whatever”

Milo was a 2025 project that quickly caught out ears with their Rainer Maria and Lemuria comparisons. The band released two singles in the early spring which hit hard with our millennial preference for the college radio sounds of the early 00s. “Whatever” is a song about aging and indifference with a Jenny Lewis-esque delivery, framed by bratty indie nostalgia. – Nick Sessanna

4. Bug Day – “Cockroach Kid” 

“Cockroach Kid” was the clear highlight of Bug Day’s 2025 debut, Six-Legs Inexperience. The song starts out with an angular, riff-driven post-punk sound, conjuring the sound of early Preoccupations. The highlight of the track however is the intense climactic build-up that an Interpol fan would recognize and love. – Ron Walczyk

3. “Bugcatcher” – “How Long”

Bugcatcher has been tinkering away and mastering their sound since the early days of the pandemic, developing an existential slowcore indie-folk sound that we can’t help but love. The project is a collision of Midwest emo introspection and twangy alt-country sadness, all with a minimalistic approach. “How Long” encapsulated the sound with its stylistic comparisons to Pinegrove and Hovvdy, perfecting Bugcatcher’s “lush hush” sound. – Ron Walczyk

2. Jerry Big’s World Famous Band – “The Happening” 

Jerry Big’s World Famous Band impressed us immediately with their explosive garage rock stylings last May and stayed constantly in rotation throughout the rest of the year at the buffaBLOG HQ. The intensity of four song EP, JBWFB, was unmatched, with “The Happening” being the most overtly melodic track from the release. It will have you singing along and has an anthemic quality that we rarely hear. It expertly weaves hooks into an aggressive punk rock sound. – Ron Walczyk

(photo by Steven Coleman)

1. kitchen – “Real Estate Agent”

2026’s Blue Heeler in Ugly Snowlight, Grey on Gray on Gray on White by lo-fi bedroom project, kitchen, blew us away with track after track of earworms along with its cohesiveness on the 20 song mega-release. The eighth song on the release, “Real Estate Agent,” was undeniable, bursting forth as a twangy, emo-coded indie rock stunner that holds its own alongside established contemporaries like Pinegrove or Slaughter Beach, Dog. This is just a slice of the album, but it made us come back to it again and again and again. – Ron Walczyk

The post The Ten Best Songs from Rochester 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.

Passed Out (Release Show) @ Milkies

On Friday Buffalo emotional boys Passed Out will take the stage at Milkie’s on Elmwood for a special double release show. The event celebrates their 10th anniversary as a band and the release of their debut album, I just don’t feel like myself anymore, and their fourth EP, Do you miss anything at all?, both released on local stalwart label Harvest Sum Recordings.

Since forming in 2015, Passed Out has gained a local following with their raw emotion, intense energy, and thoughtful, poetic lyrics. Fans of Desaparecidos, Cloud Nothings or the Appleseed Cast would be into this one.

Joining the celebration will be local scene indie vets Roger Bryan and the Orphans (RBATO) *, pop-punk indiemos west ferry, and newer angular act Fear of Sleep. $10 or Pay What You Can (PWYC) at the door.

Saturday, December 13th @ 12pm

Blissmas @ Buffalo Riverworks

BLISSMAS 2025 is the evolution of annual hardcore invitational ‘Tid the Season, which melted the brains of many of the local hardcore scenesters throughout the 2010s. With the fracturing of Every Time I Die, Better Lovers picked up the baton to continue the holiday tradition with expanding the festival to it’s current iteration which delves into pop-punk and alternative scenes, inviting bands that have been influential in the hardcore scene, along with some up-and-coming buzz bands.

The stacked lineup includes a diverse array of acts with sets from Better Lovers, Glassjaw, Saves The Day, Terror, rap icons Onyx, Haywire, Teen Mortgage, Koyo, and Johnny Booth.  In addition to the extensive array of performances, BLISSMAS will feature live wrestling curated by current Atomic Rule guitarist / former ETID guitarist, “The Butcher” Andy Williams. $76.83 for quite the day.

Sunday, December 14th @ 4pm

Spaced @ Amvets Post 13

Hardcore hometown heroes Spaced are set to deliver an evening of high-octane, “far out hardcore” to celebrate the closing ceremonies of Western NY’s annual hxc Mecca. Known for their explosive live shows, the band will deliver their unique blend of aggressive hardcore, ’90s grunge tones, and psychedelic effects straight to the local stage floor.

Spaced has been a prominent part of the resurgent Buffalo hardcore scene, excelling at creating a fun, fast, and wild atmosphere that encourages the crowd to let loose. Drawing influences from hardcore acts like Turnstile and Gorilla Biscuits, while injecting textural sounds reminiscent of Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, their sound is both a throwback and a fresh statement to the local scene.

This show is all about community and raw energy, ensuring a night of relentless power chords and an electrifying atmosphere that embodies the heart of Buffalo hardcore. Sharing the stage will be pop-punk act Autoignition, the brutal Buried Alive, hardcore band Selfish Act and grindcorers Mental Anguish. $15 and bring a wrapped toy for donation.

The post Must See Shows (12/10/25-12/16/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

Prairie Pavement * @ Milkies

Elmwood Avenue’s best weirdo bar has night of infectious indie rock and jangle-pop as Buffalo’s own Prairie Pavement * headlines a local bill with some up-and-coming acts. Known for their commanding and energetic live performances, Prairie Pavement features multiple talented songwriters who each take turns on leading their songs, creating a diverse and dynamic sound. If you’re a fan of Surf Curse, Dr. Dog, or Car Seat Headrest, then you’ll dig this one.

Prairie Pavement * will be joined by SUNY Fredonia alt-rock newcomers New Venice and raw indie rock act Power Creep *. Doors are $10.

Saturday, December 6th @ 4pm

Triple Hammer Records Showcase @ Mohawk Place

Saturday Night is set to feature a showcase from Buffalo hardcore punk label, Triple Hammer Records, with their holiday expo: Scrooge’s Big Day Out. This all-day event will feature local eclectic vendors setting up shop at 2pm, with sets from a wide range of local musicians featuring some of the best punk, hardcore, and rap artists in the area. The evening is full to the brim with local talents, featuring performances by Do Crime, Neftali, Overgrowth, Piss Guzzler, Robbery Club, Super Flea, and New Fury. There will be DJ sets from DJ Knew’d and Spooky Stephen to keep the party bumping on transitions. Pre-sale tickets are $18.78.

Sunday, December 7th @ 7pm

The Bug Club @ Mohawk Place

Get ready for a night of high-energy, riff-heavy indie rock as the Welsh power trio The Bug Club takes the stage Sunday night in celebration of another Bills win. Known for their punchy guitars, clever lyrics, and infectious garage rock sound, The Bug Club is a band that delivers a spirited and engaging live performance. Signed to the iconic Sub Pop label, the band blends ’70s-inspired rock with a contemporary, lo-fi punk edge. Fans of Modern Lovers, Moldy Peaches or Guided by Voices should plan on this one. Support comes from locals Velvet Bethany and adelaide. Tickets are $28.22.

The post Must See Shows (12/3/25-12/9/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

bar italia @ Nietzsche’s

London’s buzzy indie rock band Bar Italia will take the stage in the heart of Allentown on Friday evening. Known for their lo-fi sound that blends post-punk and shoegaze, the trio has been generating significant global attention as of late, with Rolling Stone recently dubbing them “one of the most dynamic and thrilling U.K. rock bands in years.”

Friday’s  performance is expected to feature tracks from their acclaimed album, Some Like It Hot, a collection of songs praised for turning their quirks into huge choruses and finding elevation in tension. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic live show as the band brings its unique sound across the pond. If you’re a fan of TAGABOW, Geese, or Wednesday, then this one is for you. Tickets are $34.80.

Saturday, November 29th @ 8pm

Thee Isolators @ Revolution Gallery

Buffalo’s own Thee Isolators will showcase their retro garage rock stylings at The Lounge at Revolution Gallery on Saturday. The band is known for their raw and infectious vintage rock and roll sound. Joining the lineup will be fellow Buffalo bands Ancient Chinese Secret and a solo set from Jacob King of TTTT. The night is a celebration of local talent, specifically to the legacy of Kenmore 80s scene icons The Ramrods, which featured members from both Thee Isolators and Ancient Chinese Secret. Tickets are $10.

Tuesday, December 2nd @ 8pm

Yung Gravy @ Electric City

Yung Gravy is set to perform at Electric City on Tuesday, as part of his “Voluptuous Voyage” tour. The show is set to deliver a high-energy night of hip-hop characterized by Gravy’s unique blend of retro beats and witty lyrics. Known for his laid-back swagger and catchy, often humor-laced hooks, Yung Gravy’s music frequently samples soul and oldies from the 1940s onwards, paired with heavy trap drums and his signature baritone voice, creating a one-of-a-kind, party-ready atmosphere that will set you right for Tuesday night. Tickets are $53.27. Do not bring your mom or sister.

The post Must See Shows (11/26/25-12/2/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

Cut Copy @ Electric City

Australian synth-pop outfit Cut Copy bring their high energy new wave stylings to the Theatre District this Thursday. Since forming in the early 2000s, the band has has achieved vast critical acclaim since their breakout 2008 album, In Ghost Colours. Cut Copy is pure indie sleaze adjacent, with the band’s breakout hits “Lights and Music” and “Heats on Fire” nestling comfortably in any sweaty hipster basement dance party for the following decade. Fans of Duran Duran, Friendly Fires, or Hot Chip would be into this one. Record the Bills game and start it when you get home at 10:55pm. Get there early for an opening set from Ora the Molecule. Tickets are $43.99.

Friday, November 21st @ 8pm

Dolly Sods @ Milkies

Early 2020s Buffalo COVID project Dolly Sods reemerges after a multi-year hiatus with a fresh drummer and relaunched vigor. The project was started by former Tomoreaux guitarist / current Jesse & the Spirit architect Jesse Kaufman, and Nate Ward, formerly of Award Show. Dolly Sods will be playing this Saturday with local weirdo crooner, Ex-Pat, with support from Mogra and Budge-It. If you’re a fan of the shoegaze stylings of TAGABOW, Nothing, or Deafheaven, then put your earplugs in and get down to Milkies Saturday. $10 cover. Oh, and Dolly Sods have a new video, so check that out as well. 

Saturday, November 22nd @ 8pm

The FMs @ Milkies

Milkies is set to host another banger on Saturday with a tight local bill featuring indie scene mainstays Hundred Plus Club, freshly-back-from-a-national-national Orange Dog Club, and buzzing SUNY Fredonia project, Paper Tigers. The lineup also features a set from New York City synth-pop act, The FMs who are in the midst of a regional tour at the moment. The band formed back when high school friends Matte Namer and Frankie Rex officially created the project in 2016. The FMs stock steadily rose into the pandemic which was curtailed by the sudden passing of Rex. Namer has continued the legacy and vision of the act, steadfastly advancing the project’s trajectory and keeping with the theme of queer and transgender motifs in their songs. $10 cover.

The post Must See Shows (11/19/25-11/25/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

The Arcadian Wild @ 9th Ward

Nashville indie folk act The Arcadian Wild makes a mid-week stop on their national tour at our favorite basement venue, the 9th Ward. Known for their immersions of indie, chamber pop, and bluegrass, the band is still buzzing from their critically acclaimed 2023 album, Welcome. If you are a fan of Chris Thile / Nickel Creek, The Crane Wives or Tophouse (both bands coming soon to Buffalo), then you will be pleased as punch for this one. $25 cover.

Saturday, November 15th @ 8pm

Lower Pony (Release Show) @ Milkies

Lower Pony has been grinding through Buffalo’s underground slacker scene for a bit now – with some very familiar faces, especially if you’ve has a grasp of the local scene over the past fifteen+ years. The project formed in 2019 as a collaboration between Harvest Sum Records affiliates Dave Calos (Bearhunter, Applennium, Sonny Baker Band) and Ryan Besch (Roger Bryan and the Orphans, Strange Acres). Lower Pony expanded during the pandemic’s creative lulls to add former Wooden Waves co-frontman / current Aye Karou guitarist Ray Fulton to the mix. After a slew of temp drummers, the band has finally settled down with Evil Things / Passed Out’s Andy Pothier to kick things up a notch. With this special blend, the band is finally set to release their new 7″ record, Bluette, at Milkies this Saturday.  Joining the bill will be local punks Personal Style, Uniform Operator, and Headbutt. $10 cover.

Sunday, November 16th @ 7pm

Frame and Mantle @ Amy’s Place / Area 54

Pittsburgh-based indiemo act Frame and Mantle returns to their previous stomping grounds this Sunday for a Bills-less Sunday. The familiar-faced four-piece has done the near impossible for a band, survived as a project for more than ten years. Since forming in 2014, the band has has went through a few lineups and re-settled in a couple cities, however since making Pittsburgh their home, the band has settled and found its place as an emerging indie act in the regional rust belt scene. The band even ripped a session with a previous iteration of buffaBLOG sessions in 2014 (we have a new season coming up by the way).

Touring in support of their summer 2025 album, Well of Light,  the band will be sharing the stage newish post hardcore emos KRIGGY and alt and rollers Oscar’s Cash. $10 cover.

The post Must See Shows (11/12/25-11/18/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

On the Cinder @ Mohawk Place

Buffalo-based punk rock trio On the Cinder joins the re-opening month of programming at beloved, recently re-launched live music staple Mohawk Place. The venue is running on all cylinders after a successful back-to-back Halloween weekend so expect much more programming notes from our side.

On the Cinder has been a project since 2013, formed by three college roommates who have remained friends and collaborators for over twelve years. They operated out of a cherished local DIY spot called The Flower House and hosted/shared the stage with countless touring punk acts throughout the 2010s. Thursday night’s show is no different with the band sharing the stage with Sacramento pop-punkers Addalemon who are in the midst of an east coast tour.

Local support is coming via local indiemos West Ferry and Niagara Falls skate-punks Working Class Stiffs. 7pm doors with a $12 cover.

Friday, November 7th @ 10pm

Les Greene and the Swayzees @ Jack Rabbit

Vintage 60s soul singer Les Greene brings his retro re-workings to Jack Rabbit for undoubtedly a high octane performance on Friday evening. With comparisons to Sam Cooke and Little Richard, the project is high energy and uber engaging and will bring you back to the glory days of Motown. If you are looking to take a chance this week on something outside your periphery, here’s your sign. We promise you will be entertained. $5 cover.

Sunday, November 9th @ 7pm

Kid Tigrrr @ 9th Ward

After the Bills win on Sunday over the Miami Dolphins, you’ll likely need a chilled out dream-pop evening to re-set the adrenaline and stave off the Sunday scaries until 1am. Enter Kid Tigrrr the solo project from former Niights frontwoman Jenna Fournier. Based out of Cleveland, Kid Tigrrr’s sound is ethereal and haunting, a sound that fans of Sylvan Esso, MEW, or Grimes would appreciate

Opening the gig are local shoegazers Elemantra *, who are playing in support of their new release Air Like a Buzzsaw, which came out a few weeks back. $20 cover.

The post Must See Shows (11/5/25-11/11/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

Fruit Bats (solo) @ Asbury Hall

Eric D. Johnson, lead mind behind indie-folk act Fruit Bats, makes a stop at our favorite Delaware Ave church to play some songs in support of the project’s latest album, Baby Man.  The band has been cranking out quality work since its inception in the late 90s, with temporary retirements and various breaks to work on other projects, including label stints at Sub Pop and Merge. Fans of Vetiver, M. Ward, or The Shins would be into Fruit Bats’ gentle, warm, and genre-bending delivery. Tickets are $35.

Saturday, November 1st @ 7pm

Hot Mulligan @ Buffalo Riverworks

Sometimes we make a goof and schedule writing about a show that’s already sold out. So, apologies about this. Pop punk hotshots, Hot Mulligan is coming to Buffalo Riverworks on Saturday and unless you have a ticket, you can’t go (sorry). The band is touring in support of their new full-length The Sound a Body Makes When It’s Still and the capacity at Buffalo Riverworks are excited to see the new album played live.

Also not to be overlooked are opening sets from Albany punk rockers Drug Church, Canadian emos Arm’s Length, and melodic post-hardcore band Anxious. I hope you got a ticket already.

Monday, November 3rd @ 7pm

Sydney Sprague @ Rec Room

Phoenix-based singer/songwriter Sydney Sprague starts the work week off right by bringing her alt-pop stylings to Chippewa St. Sprague made waves iwth her first album maybe I will see you at the end of the world which was positively received on the internet among the indie elite. Songwriting-wise, Sprague’s lyrics are witty and delve into the hyper internet-influenced oversharing and observational story telling. Sprague is not afraid to share it all. Fans of Bad Bad Hats, Snail Mail, and even Avril Lavigne would be into this one.

Nashville folk-pop artist Gabrielle Grace opens along with local alt-rock act Stress Dolls. Tickets are $23.95

The post Must See Shows (10/29/25-11/4/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.

The Sword @ Town Ballroom

Austin, Texas heavy metal act The Sword returns to Buffalo Friday evening for a night of loud smells and gentle head banging. The band has made a name for themselves over the past twenty plus years within the stoner rock scene, a genre that is characterized by a combination of doom metal and psych-rock that is both slow moving and heavily distorted. Fans of Sleep, Weedeater, or The Melvins would be into this one. Opening the night will be doom-woppers Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol and sludgy post-punk outfit Moon Destroys. $36.40 to get in.

Tuesday, October 21st @ 7pm

Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons @ Shea’s

Stardew Valley is one of the most popular indie games of the 2010s, garnering a cult following of comfy gamers who dove headfirst into the game’s immersive atmosphere and farm-building tasks. The soundtrack to the game has been praised ubiquitously for it’s cozyiness, which dabbles in-between orchestral arrangements and upbeat synth-pop bangers. Most notably, the entire soundtrack was concocted by the video game creator and untrained composer, ConcernedApe (Eric Barone) via virtual instrument software, Reason. Shea’s will host a touring orchestral act Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons  who will be recreating the game’s iconic soundtrack. Expect an evening of flashbacks which will take you back to your search for salmon berries, 6:40am chicken petting, stabbing ghosts in caves, and fishing for energy drinks. Tickets look to be about $41.10 before fees.

Tuesday, October 21st @ 7pm

Craig Finn & the Band of Forgiveness @ Asbury Hall

Minneapolis indie rocker Craig Finn has evolved his sound throughout the years to stay constantly relevant, padding his dizzying repertoire with a seemingly endless amount of jams sprinkled by biting, slice of life lyrics. Finn achieved indie scene notoriety in the 1990s with his art punk band Lifter Puller, carrying the buzz over to the 2000s with his literate bar rock act The Hold Steady. Since the 2010s, Finn has been writing and recording under his solo name (with support) and maintaining the fanbase that has loved his narrative-driven, blue collar characters and wallflower observations. $37.60 church fee.

The post Must See Shows (10/15/25-10/21/25) first appeared on buffaBLOG.