Latest Posts

Leonard Cohen – You Want It Darker

October 27, 2016

Beloved Canadian poet and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen has had a long and illustrious career. The 82-year-old returns with his 14th full-length study album, and possibly a hint at retirement. You Want It Darker is bleak and grim in tone, and exquisite in its execution. Cohen doesn’t shy away from the inevitable: death. The record plays out like he’s preparing himself for it, as he gets his affairs in order. His trademark hushed and low growl is as dark as ever, and truly suits the undercurrent of the music. The arrangements here are carefully constructed, with each production and instrument choice having a precise and integral place. Although it is stylistically eclectic and layered, it is still quite sparse and intimate. The record opens with the title track “You Want It Darker,” a grooving synth-bass driven hymnal that almost sarcastically begs to plunge further into the abyss. Complete with a repeated[...]

Yellow House Debuts Single “Human Error”

October 25, 2016

With the drop of the first track on their upcoming tape, we get a peek into the mind of Yellow House, and man, is it a great sample.  The way the band blends shoegaze and punk leads to something totally unique within the Buffalo music scene, and is simply put, rockin’. The two standout elements of “Human Error” are the vocals and the drums, with a driving, layered, yelled and softly sung vocal melody pairing up perfectly with blasting drums, unrelenting from start to finish.  Things get even more interesting when you check out the lyrics for the track, surpassing the very surface level type lyrics I have come to expect from local bands, these are seriously interesting and require thought to begin to understand. Without a doubt, you need to check out Yellow House.  This is one of my favorite tracks dropped in Buffalo this year without question, and I can’t wait to hear the[...]

The Leones – Ghost in the City

October 25, 2016

Like something out of retro Gotham comes Ghost in the City, a melancholic gaze into the haunted homes of the album. For the most part, this gaze sets its eyes on love despite the album’s eerie, mysterious lyrical settings buttressed by the deep instrumentals. Ghost in the City tells it’s tall tales in Kurt Vile-style: The songs are usually five-and-a-half minutes or more. The men of The Leones, Justin Bachulak and Dustin Lau, used their indigo pallor to create something of wondrous quality. “Where I Want You” begins with brilliant retro synth that seems straight from the late Castlevania projects. A solid folk voice masked in some reverb joins the composition. The song talks of a girl named Anne. All she could do was “fold,” yet the main character (who seems creepy) sought her out for some reason. The guitar augments the final minute or so of the song, adding[...]

Night Talks – “Mr. Bloom”

October 24, 2016

Trippy! Night Talks sent us over the vid for “Mr. Bloom” which features them jamming over some swimmy, psychedelic imagery. Beyond the visuals, Night Talks specializes in alternative rock a la Field Mouse or Paramore with a touch of classic rock like Heart. We like their go-to hooks and classic alt-rock vibe. Night Talks’ debut is due out in 2017. Until then, you can catch them on Soundcloud.

Newmen – “Camping Goods”

October 24, 2016

Newmen is a Frankfurt act creating synthy indie rock tunes – we recommend “Camping Goods.” About “Camping Goods,” the band says, “The song describes the relieving moment of being alone, an escape, and the pointlessness [of the solitude representing] something meaningful.” Well said fellas. These guys remind us of Foster The People and Peter, Bjorn, & John. If you’re interested, you can check out their music video for “Camping Goods” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/282888582″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Garrett Klahn

October 24, 2016

Do you know who Garrett Klahn is? Klahn is known best for his seminal work as the frontman of emo figureheads Texas is the Reason. Klahn has had a long and storied career since (Solea, Atlantic/Pacific, and now his solo venture), and has sharpened his skills from a cathartic 18-year-old punk to a now-nuanced musician. Tonight he’s here as Garret Klahn & The Surrounding Areas with Buffalo emo kingpins Del Paxton and The Good in tow. Tonight’s show is at Mohawk Place. Bring $10 and show up at 8.

The Dig – “Simple Love”

October 23, 2016

The Dig‘s “Simple Love” is quite the jam. The band initially conceived this song as a simple drum and bass session; it has since evolved into something very unique and catchy. The band specifically uses old-fashioned lyrics (think 1950s-style), which is a surprisingly refreshing change of pace. Check them out below. If you “dig” it (pun intended), You can buy The Dig’s stuff here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/285439108″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Potty Mouth – “Smash Hit”

October 23, 2016

Potty Mouth are an all-female power trio crafting radio-ready punk hooks like their newest, “Smash Hit.” Hot off a tour with Against Me! and some supporting dates with CHVRCHES, Potty Mouth are looking like they’re about to get a come-up. “Smash Hit” is everything you could expect from a group of three brash punx – it’s hooky, a little snotty, and a lot of fun. For fans of The Breeders, The Donnas, or The Distillers. Fellow buffaBLOGGER Brendan O’Connor interviewed Potty Mouth not too long ago – check it out here.

I Don’t Speak French – “The Mule”

October 23, 2016

I Don’t Speak French are a group of unpredictable Swedes making rough, funky indie rock.  “The Mule” is their magnum opus, featuring spacy effects, a catchy chorus, and the funkiest bassline this (that?) side of the Atlantic. Fans of Imagine Dragons, Portugal. The Man, or Bastille would be into this band. If you like what you heard, you can listen to their full album here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/285981755″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Magana – “Inches Apart”

October 23, 2016

We dig this song. Magana sent us “Inches Apart” from her debut Golden Tongue. The Brooklynite has a haunting and emotional approach to the singer/songwriter approach that touches on the work of St. Vincent, Sharon Van Etten, and Still Corners. The sparse arrangement is sure to get you feeling chill. Head over to Bandcamp to grab Magana’s discog. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/283856380″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Various Artists – Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith

October 21, 2016

You would be hard pressed to find an artist in the indie realm that hasn’t been affected by Elliott Smith’s music in some way or another. On Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith, a collection of artists takes on the daunting task of interpreting the formidable singer-songwriter’s catalog. For this record, released through American Laundromat, a diverse group of acts is assembled, from Yuck to William Fitzsimmons. The wide range of Smith’s compositions are well represented, with new takes on everything from his most intimate hushed folk to his more symphonic basement pop. It is impossible to put a singular label on Smith’s songs because of how intricately he interweaves genres. The soul-crushing earnestness of his lyricism is undeniably relatable, providing a broad appeal that transcends just “rock” or “folk” music. Historically, his music is so difficult to cover because it is so complex, and so perfect in the[...]

Ah Trees – “Team Sports”

October 20, 2016

Perth psych-poppers Ah Trees sent us “Team Sports” and we think it’s worth writing about. The Aussie act explores a hazy psychedelic sound, supported by frontman Ryan Adair’s moody vocals. Their tight, funk-influenced guitar hooks and groovy bass line mesh well with the disco rhythm that is all-together dark and danceable. Ah Trees is available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/275385400″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

False Heads – “All Eyes”

October 20, 2016

East London trio False Heads have really been making waves… and noise. About the band, Iggy Pop himself said, “These kids make a lot of noise, I like it.” He’s not wrong – “All Eyes” is a standard garage punk banger, combining quiet/loud songwriting with growling guitars and bombastic drums. Fans of The Vines or The Libertines will be pleased. False Heads is on iTunes if you’d like to support. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/282258032″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tyzo Bloom – “Ukiyo”

October 20, 2016

Tyzo Bloom is the moniker for LA-based producer/songwriter Casey Chen. “Ukiyo” is his latest offering, boasting melodic tones, sharp samples, organic drums, and choppy vocals. Whereas most producers fall on an electronica spectrum, Tyzo Bloom sounds as if it has more indie-pop and soul influences. Fans of Mura Masa, Tycho, or Flume will feel right at home. “Ukiyo” is available for free. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/286809898″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DESSERT – “Back Around/Devil”

October 20, 2016

We really recommend the breathtaking video from LA twinklepop trio DESSERT. Truthfully, the description of this video is best left to the band’s own words: “The music was written as the video was shot, aware of each other but not meant for one another. It wasn’t until he passed that they began to bend towards each other. The video is an exploration of the life of our friend the late Emanuel Yarbrough, the great American Sumo wrestler who passed away tragically a year after filming. It’s a testament to his ambition that in the final months of his life he would do something so demanding.” Check out the vid below or peep DESSERT out on iTunes.