Latest Posts

Top 20 Buffalo Tracks: 10-1

December 17, 2015

It’s that time of year again, where we re-think and dissect every local song that we’ve come across organically or via submission. This is our fourth year counting down our top songs and this year, like every other year, has been difficult to whittle down. Like we always remind people, this list is subjective and not the end-all be all. Earlier this week we posted our five close calls and our first half of the top 20.  I am sure there are amazing local songs that aren’t on our radar, but from what we have heard, we as a group have determined below are the blog’s favorite songs of 2015. 10. Tiny Rhymes – “Arrows” Tiny Rhymes‘ ”Arrows” is an incredibly cherishable tune. It approaches the listener with a coy but welcoming softness, making it feel like a delicate gem that only you are privy to. Atop prime musicianship, singer Sharon Mok’s[...]

Mink – After Hours

June 8, 2015

Though many Buffalo show goers (myself included) may have been heartbroken having to say goodbye to Mink, the band’s posthumous EP, After Hours, could not be a better send off into the graveyard of local bands that were put to rest entirely too soon. Mink has a knack for easing you into a tune then turning you completely upside down. Just when you think you have the layout of a song figured out, they take you on an entirely different route. Between the impressively riffy guitar work from Brandon Schlia and the equally technical drum parts of Ken Culton, a raucous blend is created — one that pleases you and riles you up at the same time. Singer Jaz Frazier’s vocals are perfectly in sync with every change the music experiences. They are smooth and docile when needed, and piercing and powerful when there is an abrupt upsurge in attitude.[...]

Day 8: Mink

December 21, 2014

I don’t know what we would do without this Steak and Cake sampler. It has been a God-send  in a Christmas music season where we are usually our inbox is full of on-the-fly covers and originals of yuletide staples. This year, not so much. Luckily the many musicians who came together on this project are all legit. Day 8 of our series comes from Mink with “bells will be ringing” which is a cover of the 1960 Charles Brown classic. Thanks wikipedia. Mink shares this cover with another band that Buffalo loves, Bon Jovi. Throw some hot cocoa in a mug and listen below.  

Tonight: Roz & the Rice Cakes

December 4, 2014

Tonight, the Hive plays host to Providence, RI’s instrument swapping, experimental pop trio, Roz & the Ricecakes. The three-some was recently featured in the debut installment of 1809 Studios new live session series recorded in Macedon, NY, right outside of Rochester. Check out the clip here. Masterminded by local label Steak & Cake Records, the bill also features a trio of blog favs, Newish Star, Mink, and Aircraft, all for the ridiculously low price of $5. Out of deference to the neighbors (to whom you should be cool if you’re going), the show starts at promptly 7pm.

Tonight: Francie Moon

September 9, 2014

You’re an idiot! Well, maybe not. Well you are if you don’t make it to the Hoyt House tonight. What’s the Hoyt House? Oh I don’t know, just one of the best destinations for house shows in the Queen City. The West Side is doing it right between Black Dots Record Boutique, the Glitterbox and the Hoyt House, so why should you ever leave? Tonight, the Hoyt will not disappoint as the main attraction, Francie Moon, will be bringing her New Jersey distorted blues along with her. Her raspy, sultry voice will seduce you and convince you to do things, things that you may not want to remember tomorrow. Also on the bill will be Mink, the surfer punk rock outfit from former members of Inquiring Mind and Tony Rocky Horror. Rounding out the bill will be Crusasis from Brooklyn and one of Buffalo’s favorites, John Toohill, performing a solo[...]

Tonight: Swimsuit Addition

July 14, 2014

Like they probably say in all those journalism classes I didn’t take: lead with the big news. Punk time is dead, be on time to the Glitterbox, and catch Chicago’s Swimsuit Addition tonight, supported by Newish Star, Mink and newbies Dildon’t. Doors open at 6pm, music starts at 7pm and will assuredly be over by 10 pm (shove that in the face of whiny friends/traitors who complain they can’t see a show on a school night). Swimsuit Addition makes me want to do this, but with full knowledge that if I stopped dancing they’d feed me to their pet spiders. Surfy, poppy and maybe rotten to the core: it’s telling that one of their tags on Bandcamp is “hellokittywithitseyegougedout.” Newish Star I love, and not simply because last time I caught them, they set the local record for most uses of the term “school shooting” on stage. It’s because they write[...]

Mink Releases Debut EP, Point Break

June 27, 2014

From the brains behind Inquiring Mind comes Mink, a new three piece band featuring members of the former said band and Tony Rocky Horror. The trio’s debut EP, Point Break, a surf rock nod to the great(?) Patrick Swayze/Keanu Reeves vehicle, is a fun, yet tense collection of attitude filled vocals and playful bass lines. With a growing surf rock scene on Buffalo’s West Side (Aaron and the Burrs, the Hamiltones), Mink will be in good company. Surf’s up.