Latest Posts

Mr. Will Shares Debut EP Motel Pools

November 4, 2015

Look out Rochester, a new force is on the radar. Multi-instrumentalist / producer / all-around music man Mr. Will (born Will Smillie) released his impressive debut EP Motel Pools, a sprawling easy-rider of a record blending elements of indie pop and psyche rock, late last month. It’s one of those records that doesn’t take time to warm up to; the warmth is already there—just pull up a seat and get yourself settled in. From the slow-burning balminess of the title track that opens the EP to the fiery fretwork of “Where Does the Light Go,” Motel Pools, produced by Smillie himself, covers a lot of ground and covers it well. After one spin, the listener is treated to hints of wide-ranging influence including My Morning Jacket, Dr. Dog, Mikal Cronin, and more. The hooks are plentiful, the solos could sear a steak, and the resulting package is cohesive, easy to listen[...]

Fourem Releases New Single, “Newspaper Cape”

November 3, 2015

From the cosmic harp motif that sets off his latest track, “Newspaper Cape,” Buffalo producer Fourem makes his inclinations toward a deeper, pensive sound apparent. Bringing to mind artists like Flying Lotus and Bonobo, the musician born Chris Groves (Applennium) creates an atmospheric build before letting a relaxed groove carry the majority of the track. Merging elements of funk, hip hop, and electronica, Fourem brings in glitchy, experimental sounds among the soulful percussion and bass line to make for an immersive cut that introduces just enough ideas to stay engaging while avoiding becoming overstimulating. With an ability to work with a wide array of compelling sounds, Groves is the kind of artist that can consistently defy listener’s expectations. Listen/download “Newspaper Cape” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/230418645″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Naturalists – Home Honey, I’m Hi

November 2, 2015

If you’ve ever seen The Naturalists live, you might know what I mean when I say their live set feels like a party scene straight out of a cult classic 90’s movie. They’re gritty, loud as heck, there’s a lot of fearless guitar riffs and hair being flipped back and forth. This three piece, grunge-soaked Buffalo band is the perfect lovechild of that golden era of 90’s alt-rock and modern, fuzzy garage rock. Lead singer and guitarist Craig Perno has this unique Raine Maida quality to his voice that is equally piercing as it is haunting. He has a solid grasp of when to kick it into high gear and when to hold back for a mysterious, brooding effect. The rest of the band, consisting of Zach Russell on bass and Perno’s twin brother Travis on drums, exudes the same confidence and dark allure when performing. The camaraderie between these[...]

Howlo & Pleistocene Team Up for Halloween Split

October 28, 2015

Halloween is always a fun time to track new music out of Western New York as bands get into the holiday spirit and share some new spooky flavored tunes. And right on cue, early this week, two of our favorite Rochester acts, Howlo and Pleistocene, teamed up to release a timely split LP, Ghost Walk. The childlike harmonies on Howlo’s menacing opening cut, “All Hallow’s Eve,” make comparisons to Dead Man’s Bones hard to ignore, while later on, the four piece dips into some 90’s nostalgia on its cover of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer theme. Pleistocene’s half is decidedly lo-fi featuring some eerily haunting and rather sweet cooing from Katie Preston. The quartet’s split contributions feature some surfier vibes than its normal catalog as the LP stand out track, “Natura Combo,” sounds like the band has been hanging out with Harmonica Lewinski a bit as of late. The two bands will be playing cuts[...]

Super Defense Releases Debut EP

October 28, 2015

If you were lucky enough to catch Geneseo’s Soft Cough at our Yace showcase earlier this month, you should give Syracuse’s Super Defense a spin. Super Defense is a lo-fi, DIY project showcasing jangly fuzz-pop for fans of Japandroids, Wavves, or Cloud Nothings. This EP also marks the first release from Syracuse-based tape label, Ghoul Tapes, which buffaBLOG will surely be keeping their eye on. Until Ghoul Tapes’ next release, enjoy some Super Defense below. P.S. The albino deer’s name is Fritz.

The Tins Share First Single from Love on Strike EP

October 27, 2015

Yesterday, Brooklyn Vegan premiered “Summer Jazz,” the first single from the Tins’ upcoming new EP Love on Strike. An appetizer to the 2016 kickstarter funded, Robby Takac produced full length, the EP was self recorded at the group’s studio apt in August, while the drums were laid down at Mammoth and mixing came courtesy of Ted Young (Kurt Vile, Hold Stready, Cymbals Eat Guitars). As for “Summer Jazz,” the single is a cut of growing, Tame Impala-esque pop infused with psychedelics and layered harmonies. While Love on Strike won’t be available until 11/13, the Tins will celebrate the record’s release on Saturday, November 7th, at Nietzsche’s. Support will be provided by bands from all over the state: Buffalo’s Humble Braggers, Rochester’s KOPPS, and Brooklyn’s Mdnight Hollow. Further event details can be found here. Listen to “Summer Jazz” below.

Andrew Biggie – Mementos from the Living World

October 26, 2015

The description for Mementos from a Living World by Andrew Biggie states that this EP has made Anselm Kiefer’s children dance. Investigating this fascinating artist (and bold claim), I discovered a quote by Kiefer that resonated with me, “Art really is something very difficult,” he says. “It is difficult to make, and it is sometimes difficult for the viewer to understand … A part of it should always include having to scratch your head.” Drawing from several ever-changing and cyclical sources, many have tried to pin down Kiefer’s art with no avail. This rings true for Andrew Biggie.  Outside of producing solo material, he participates in the spoken word Bourbon and Coffee series and the freak-folk band Helen. Biggie’s album appears on the bandcamp page for “Super Rad Great Times,” which doubles as a blog, showcasing music, writing and art books. Some songs are straightforward. You know what they’re trying to[...]

BØRNS – Dopamine

October 21, 2015

Hey, did you like Foster The People’s Torches? …No? Well boy oh boy, do I not have the album for you. This time around, it’s from Garrett Borns. Birthed in Michigan, and better known as his stage name BØRNS, Mr. Borns has released his full first length album, Dopamine, that has somehow garnered a huge amount of anticipation, thanks to two things. firstly, illuminati recruiter Taylor Swift (she instagrammed a picture of the upcoming album giving it high praise), and secondly, his single “Electric Love,” which has received a ton of play on alt radio stations. So, here’s the reason for the Foster the People comparison. Lead singer’s last name “creatively” shoved into the band name. Oddly huge amount of fame from a catchy single, and only an EP to support, preceding an overly promoted album release. Falsetto vocals. Huge anticipation for an album that’s hailed as “different” in the[...]

Damp Child Releases Debut Album Artism

October 20, 2015

Rochester trio Damp Child create lush, contemplative tracks with a stream-of consciousness-style that places emphasis on texture and atmosphere above conventional structure. Their debut release, Artism, features reverb-laden vocals, abstract guitar tones, and a dream-like quality with at times unintelligible lyrics that add to its melancholic aura. Opening track “Ironically Tumescent” is perhaps the record’s closest moment to resembling pop with its warm, infectious melody and resonant acoustic guitar strums. Other pieces like “Schizophrenia,” “Before I Die,” and “Underwater Dolphin Factory” present a post-rock style, as the band pensively and patiently unfurl their soulful, experimental sounds. “Inspector 11” blends glitchy, otherworldly percussive elements with celestial guitar lines and hypnotic vocals, making for one of Artism‘s more immersive moments. Despite their free-form, sketch like nature, the songs on Damp Child’s debut are full of instances where captivating ideas come together in a way that’s equally disorienting and ruminant. Listen/download Artism below. Artism by Damp Child

Glenwood – Long Days, Lonely Nights

October 19, 2015

Winter is coming. I realize it might sting a little to read that, but just know that you have options. You can pretend it’s not coming, approach the chilly days with an air of nostalgic denial, imagining yourself back at (the now endangered) Canalside concert series under the Thursday sun or swimming at your own risk in the chancy waters of Lake Erie. Or, if you’re like me, you deal with the cold snap and find something to warm yourself up. The acoustic songs found on Long Days, Lonely Nights, the October debut from Rochester folk outfit Glenwood, deliver a certain loneliness—as the title suggests—but at the core of each track are the warm embers of something that once was. Those embers serve as the perfect heat source for the chilly seasonal shift, songs self-proclaimed as “whisky-drinking tunes that are there for you on those rough nights.” The description holds[...]

Torrey Dudley Arrives with “Lost”

October 16, 2015

Torrey Dudley is a 17-year-old Buffalo rapper doing a great job experimenting with his sound. He’s released a variety of different songs including “Hell Bound,” an aggressive street anthem, and the sing-songy, calming “I Wonder.” His latest release “Lost” is a hazy, melancholic track about struggles with substance and worth. The song’s gradual piano line and the subtle echo on Torrey’s voice creates a druggy atmosphere that reinforces the young rapper’s subject matter. Torrey’s wordplay is beyond is years, playing on words and assonance in lines like “better pray to God that you got blessed,” and “feel like I’m moving in circles, making moves with a bunch of squares tryna move in my circle.” The track also closes with a beautiful guitar outro from Landon Barron. Despite the lyrical content of “Lost,” Torrey is sure finding his way as an artist. His melodic voice and ability to create atmospheres are an exciting[...]

Hawker M. James Shares Latest Track, “Here’s A Love Song”

October 16, 2015

Hawker M. James, the solo moniker of Demos’ drummer Mike James, is prepping to drop his new, self-titled cassette, set to be a part of this weekend’s Cassette Store Day batch of special edition releases. And to whet the whistle of Hawker fans, the long time Rochester musician shared the first single from the cassette, “Here’s A Long Song.” Whereas James’ previous track “Pleasure Part” teetered more into a moody and atmospheric Roxy Music territory, the catchy “Here’s A Long Song” is led off by some glammy riffs and toe tapping percussion. Fans of Guided by Voices and The Soundtrack of Our Lives should dig the new single. Copies of the limited edition tape, which will be self released on James’ Bête Noire label, can be purchased at Rochester area record shops Record Archive, Lakeshore Record Exchange, and The Bop Shop starting tomorrow, while the digital version of Hawker M. James will hit the webs sometime this[...]

Neon Indian – VEGA INTL. Night School

October 13, 2015

After what seemed like a relatively boring end of summer in terms of new releases, we’ve got a bunch of goodies coming out from indie icons. Seasoned veterans (Wavves) and 22 year future bedroom stars (Alex G) have both put out new stuff this month, but we’re going to talk about something in between: Neon Indian’s VEGA INTL. Night School. Okay, this album is just good. Neon Indian has always sounded like a classic arcade video game turned sentient and shoved into a studio. VEGA INTL. Night School follows suit in this regard, just in a more hi-fi, more dance oriented way. It’s like Tron: Legacy. Sorry, let me clear that up. Not everyone liked that movie. Actually, most people hated it. I liked it, because it sucked. It’s gonna be a cult classic in a few years just because it was so bad. That’s not even remotely close to the[...]

Jawbone Releases Follow Up Record, 2

October 13, 2015

Jawbone, a dream team act of sorts featuring some of Steak and Cake’s regular players – Elias Van Son (Beekeeper), Ben Randall (the Etchings), Brandon Schlia (Red Heat, Rackmastas), and former Batavia native turned LA transplant Adam Steinbrenner – have re-teamed to release their follow up record to last year’s contribution to the label’s 2014 improv trilogy.  Recorded over a three hour writing/recording session at the S&C homebase of Curly’s, 2 is an impressive and very well flowing album, one that is especially remarkable given the record’s short turn around time. The lyrics were scavenged from old, unused poems written by Van Son, while the layered harmonies are provided by the Beekeeper front man, Schlia, Steinbrenner, and fellow S&C mainstay, Jaz Frazier. Creepy Clues-y keyboards, rugged early Saddle Creek instrumentation, and Paul Banks meets Aaron Weiss (mewithoutYOU) vocals, make 2 an album that you need to download immediately and cherish on your mobile devices. Check[...]

Jack Topht and TEENWOLF Release Timely Collab

October 13, 2015

#FeeltheBern fever has apparently hit Allentown’s most prolific wordsmith, Jack Topht. In honor of tonight’s Democratic debate, rap collaborators Topht and DJ TEENWOLF have teamed up yet again after working on various projects together over the past few years. This time around, the two have joined forces to drop the well timed track “bernie sanders terry p shit.” Much like in the past, Topht gains great inspiration from the political landscape (see “Free Gay Abortions,” “Liberal Elite,” “Go Back to Russia”), and continues to make witty observations in his signature comical style, while maintaining his status of most-amount-of-Buffalo-culture-dropper per track with references to Cafe Taza, Tim Horton’s, and First Niagara. No word on whether Sanders will enter the debate podium to the Topht/TEENWOLF jam, so just in case, listen below.