Latest Posts

Aaron & the Burrs – A Burr for All Seasons (and Other Tunes)

July 12, 2016

Named after one of the most controversial historical Americans (the Vice President under Thomas Jefferson who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel and allegedly sided with the Confederates after allegedly evading the law in the unexplored Western Frontier), Aaron & the Burrs stage a coup aimed at reclaiming Buffalo a stake in surf rock for listeners to enjoy  when visiting Lake Erie. Released June 23, A Burr for All Seasons (and Other Tunes) marks Aaron & the Burrs’ third LP. At under sixteen minutes, this vocal-less quickie keeps you entertained with its repetitious beach-y vibes. “Reprise,” the starting track, is a sixteen-second saga with a delightful guitar lick. The song explodes into existence with a fast snare drum roll, and before you know it, reverb from various instruments sees you out. “The Winter Solstice” blazes a trail like Dick Dale and the Deltones’ “Miserlou.” There is a mysterious shade accompanying the song.[...]

Blobs Release Latest Tape, Shame

October 8, 2015

Last week, local DIY cassette label More Power Tapes dropped its latest release, Shame, by local group Blobs, just months after sharing its early demo. Simply put, both of these tapes are great examples of punk jammers that don’t take themselves too seriously and are incredibly fun to listen to. On Shame, singer Amelia Martin’s hectic vocals seem to hold a bigger role in the mix in the recording, and with a great effect. Her wailed vocals paired with the crazy riffs lead to feelings of absolute and joyous insanity.  Shame is proof that a little bit of surf influence, a little bit of horns, and just the right amount of accessibility can go a long way. Be sure to check out the official tape release show with the Utah Jazz at the Bird House (ask a punk) this Friday. Shame by Blobs

Tonight: Kharlos

September 10, 2015

Dreamland on Franklin Street is hosting a proper Buffalo blowout that’s not to be missed in honor of the release of the debut cassette from post grunge troublemakers Kharlos. Assembled for the occasion of the release of Don’t Think About Dying At My Party (More Power Tapes) will be [redacted; secret] and buzz band Sixties Future, with a special vinyl DJ set from Queen City Cartel’s Dante Velour, a keg of beer, and a piñata. With Kharlos, a local super group of sorts, and [redacted; secret] about to [redacted] for [redacted] to tour the [redacted] with [redacted], it’s going to be a hell of a party.  Admission is free. Show starts at 7pm.

Blobs Drop Demo Via More Power Tapes

July 22, 2015

Blobs probably has the best band name in punk right now. Born out of the Buffalo scene and two fourths comprised of the now defunct hardcore outfit Bad People, Blobs makes an impressive impact with its 7-track debut demo, recently released over on local tape label, More Power Tapes. The short and sweet demo is pure punk, highlighting Amelia Martin’s vocals. With members in many other bands (Newish Star, Aaron & the Burrs) in addition to this project, the varying influences come together to reach a broader audience, kind of like hardcore punk for fans of Space Wolves. Catch Blobs at Hoyt House on August 2nd and give the EP a listen below.

The Hamiltones Release Self-Titled, Debut Tape

April 9, 2015

Last Friday evening, another chapter in an ongoing surf rock rivalry was written as the Hamiltones, the foil to fellow Rust Belt surf trio, Aaron & the Burrs, released its debut, self-titled tape. Currently available through More Power Tapes, home to fellow surf acts like Space Wolves and Rochester’s the Televisionaries, the Hamiltones finds members John Toohill (JOHNS, Alpha Hopper), Chris Scamurra (Space Wolves, Kharlos), and Rick Reynolds, estranged brother to Burrs’ member Nicholas Reynolds, continuing what started as a childhood rivalry to what has since evolved into a continuous bout of one-upmanship. The short collection of blisteringly quick surf is sure to light a fire under the debate of which trio reigns (riffs?) supreme. You can download The Hamiltones for free here, and keep an eye out for a possible Burrs’ counter punch in the near future.