Latest Posts

Toro Y Moi – “Empty Nesters”

January 22, 2015

After their 2013 album Anything in Return, Chaz Bundick and crew, aka Toro Y Moi, have announced a new record titled, What For?.  The record is set to be released on April 7th, out on Carpark Records.  With the announcement of the new album, the band also dropped the new track, “Empty Nesters.” “Empty Nesters” seems to be a bit of a departure from the sound of the last Toro Y Moi record.  While most tracks on Anything in Return are more beat based and have a more R&B type groove, the new single features a surprisingly psychedelic full band pop sound similar to that of Tame Impala or of Montreal.  With the funky, early 2000’s pop vibe the track gives off, it is sure to keep you tapping your feet.

Joey Bada$$ – B4.DA.$$

January 21, 2015

It was just two and a half years ago when Brooklynite wunderkind Joey Bada$$ got rap’s attention with his debut mixtape 1999. Stylistically an ode to the smooth, jazzy times of golden age hip hop, the mixtape was received fantastically and Joey was praised for conscious, prophetic lyrics about his life in Flatbush as a 17 and 18 year old. It was completely out of the ordinary for a 17 year old to have such a defined, retro identity. With a delightfully monotonous flow heavily influenced by DOOM, Joey’s voice fused effortlessly with the light, low-key beats of the project. Several of the instrumentals came from songs from this Golden Era that Joey sought to emulate, originally crafted by the likes of Lord Finesse and J Dilla. 1999 was also an important project because it showcased the talent of Joey’s friends, grouped together under the name Pro Era. The others proved[...]

Lupe Fiasco – Tetsuo & Youth

January 21, 2015

After announcing his departure from Twitter just earlier this week, the unusual Lupe Fiasco released his fifth studio album, Tetsuo & Youth, yesterday. The explanation for who or what “Tetsuo” remains just as much of a mystery as the man himself. Regardless of Fiasco’s decision to stray from the cultural mainstream, his music has not at all suffered. In fact, his desire for isolation might be what makes this album so effective. Tetsuo & Youth, compact with 16 tracks, makes use of historical knowledge to critique contemporary society, while remaining uncontrived. From reading the track list, and then taking a look at the features (among them are Guy Sebastian, Nikki Jean, and Ab Soul), I expected (and hoped) that this album would provide a fresh perspective in the hip-hop world. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed. Released back in November, the album’s downtempo first single, “Deliver,” resonates harshly. . Despite its catchy[...]

St. Vincent – “Bad Believer”

January 21, 2015

In advance of the release of a deluxe edition of her eponymous 2014 album, St. Vincent aka Annie Clark, just dropped one of it’s four bonus tracks, “Bad Believer.” Soaring, accessible, and a tad victorious, “Bad Believer” makes for a fine coda to an incredibly successful 2014 for Annie, which included a critically acclaimed album and tour (including a memorable stop at Asbury Hall) and an excellent appearance on SNL. The deluxe edition of St. Vincent arrives in stores February 9, and Annie returns to Western New York March 5 for a show at Water Street Music Hall in Rochester.

The Decemberists – What A Beautiful World, What A Terrible World

January 20, 2015

“But we’re not so starry-eyed anymore,” Colin Meloy croons on “Make You Better,” the surprisingly radio-ready lead single off The Decemberists’ seventh studio album, What a Beautiful World, What A Terrible World. Indeed, while the group broke through with its heady, academic – and, yes, geeky – brand of historically-literate prog-folk, this latest record finds the Portland, Ore. quintet embracing a simpler, gentler format. It’s hardly a surprising artistic shift. After finding success in the mid-Aughts with rock-operas about an old Japanese folktale and a woman’s unlikely romance with a forest-dwelling shape-shifter (2006’s The Crane Wife and 2009’s The Hazards of Love, respectively), Meloy conscientiously stripped down the group’s progressive approach and high-minded concepts. The result was the howling, rustic Americana of 2011’s The King Is Dead. But where King was stark, driven by loud beats and hard-edged alt-country textures, Beautiful World is lush and serene, heavy on ballads and slightly[...]

ice bar – ante meridiem

January 19, 2015

There is something to be said about the type of songwriting that doesn’t require a full band to make it work. Making use of just an acoustic guitar and her voice, Rochester singer songwriter Camille Tharp, or ice bar, as she is so endearingly known, has put out ante meridiem, a collection of wonderfully emotional acoustic songs recommended for those who enjoy the likes of Sharon Von Etten or Daughter. Despite their simplicity, each of the EP’s five tracks channel a strong element of genuineness that makes it abundantly clear that a lot more went into ante meridiem than what initially meets the ear. It is that emotional authenticity that makes these songs such heavy-hitters, and with that, I welcome you to our Album of the Week. ante meridiem, in living up to its name, really capitalizes on the mellow vibes of early morning with delicately-plucked acoustic guitar progressions that would[...]

KOPPS Debuts New Single, “Dumb”

January 19, 2015

It’s been a minute since we’ve last heard from Rochester-based electro-pop quartet, KOPPS, although they have been sharing the radio waves (specifically the infectious scat from lead singer Patricia Petrone) with Rochester breakout act, JOYWAVE, with the 2014 breakout single of the 2013 single “Tongues.” If you have been following KOPPS on social media, then you should not be surprised to find a new single debuting this morning. Titled “Dumb,” the track is a brief, 90’s club banger with hushed paranoid backing vocals from co-member Kyle O’Hara. The single is currently streaming via Soundcloud below.

Belle and Sebastian – Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance

January 19, 2015

After a nearly five year hiatus, the Glasgow natives, Belle and Sebastian, reunite with the group’s ninth studio album, Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance. That’s not to say that the members of the band have not been keeping busy though.  In 2014, the lead singer Stuart Murdoch wrote and directed the film God Help The Girl, after making a soundtrack to the film with his musical side project of the same name back in 2009.  The film was way too quirky for my tastes, and I was really worried this new record would have the same effect on me, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was I wrong. Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance is sonically a breath of fresh air for Belle and Sebastian. While staying true to emotional lyrics revolving around personal struggle, the band is able to deliver a new record with some of the danciest[...]

Made Violent Announces Debut EP, Premieres “On My Own” via Consequence of Sound

January 16, 2015

Between playing gigs in NYC and London over the better part of 2014, Buffalo trio Made Violent has been a bit quiet on the home front as of late. As it turns out, the three-some (which includes members of former Buffalo outfit Crush the Everlasting) has been working on its debut, self titled EP, set to drop on February 24th via StarTime International, an imprint of Columbia Records. Earlier today, Consequence of Sound debuted the EP’s first single, the brash “On My Own.” Lyrically, the song is pretty contemptuous, but the Made Violent way is all about fun. The single delivers the urgency while retaining that MV playfulness that makes them so fun to listen to in the first place. If this is your first encounter with Made Violent, think back to that neo Brit-Invasion a few years back that included bands like Kasabian meets the indie stylings of Drink Up Buttercup,[...]

Wolf Drops First Full-Band Single, “Infectious”

January 16, 2015

2015 is going to be a good year for Buffalo music. And I don’t need to be Don Paul to make a claim like that—between all the incredible shows coming up and forthcoming local releases, what other proof is needed? Just yesterday, local indie rock outfit Wolf dropped a fresh single off of their upcoming EP, It’s Electric, due March 21st via Steak and Cake Records. The song is called “Infectious,” and it’s, well, exactly that. The song’s 90’s-tinged summer-rock sensibilities channel a K’s Choice / Wheatus vibe, perfect for those who yearn for those sweet, sweet days of 3D Doritos and JNCO jeans. Singer / guitarist Chelsea O’Donnell sings flavorfully over the song’s bouncy progression and catchy choruses, and the result will have your toes tapping. Steak and Cake renaissance man Brandon Schlia, who recorded and produced the track, brings an understated charm to the jam in the form of subtle[...]

M.A.G.S. Signs to Admirable Traits, Releases “My Love” Single

January 15, 2015

M.A.G.S., an indie-rock trio fronted by former Malones bass player, Elliott Douglas, has signed to the Buffalo/Brooklyn rooted label, Admirable Traits, to release its forthcoming EP, Cellophane. Douglas, who debuted his new project late last year with a quick two-song demo, evolved M.A.G.S. into a full time band after the self-recording of Cellophane, recruiting former Young Suns drummer (and former ex-pat turned born again Buffalonian) Adam Lilley and Andy Wesner of Mosaics to round out the live group. Today, the three-piece released the first single from Cellophane, titled “My Love,” which you can give a spin at the bottom of this post. Admirable Traits has been on a bit of a roll lately, ending the back half of 2014 on fire with quality releases from Brimstone Blondes and Bryan Johnson & Family, and is primed to start the new year strong with the release of Cellophane. M.A.G.S. will be celebrating the[...]

Dean Chatham Brings Wake Forest Experiences to Buffalo

January 14, 2015

College is a fun time for so many more reasons other than partying. In my experience, every decision you make either means nothing or ends up being way more important or influential than you could’ve ever imagined. New Buffalo-based rapper, Dean Chatham, has taken off with this idea of sorts on “Year 2.” Drawing inspiration from his experiences a year and a half into his Wake Forest education, Chatham jumps between his drive to succeed as a student and the inevitable urge to live the college life, especially being that he’s now a rapper. Chatham condemns himself and his classmates at times on the track for their university vices, rapping “My generation livin’ too fast, drop class for shot glass, I’ll be lucky if I pass.” But he knows he’s as scatterbrained and undecided as any 20 year old, going on to say “I’m in college, young and reckless is[...]

Purity Ring – “Begin Again”

January 14, 2015

Montreal electronica duo Purity Ring made a fairly huge splash a few years back with the groove heavy and hypnotic Shrines, and blew local minds when they played the Town Ballroom in 2013. On March 3rd, they’ll be back with the much anticipated sophomore effort, Another Eternity, ideal for the coming spring, and for taking your mind off of the inevitable Garth Brooks in Buffalo mania we’ll all be suffering. Purity Ring have also released the album’s second single, “Begin Again, included for your enjoyment, along with a pleasant flashback to their 2013 show at the Town Ballroom. “Begin Again” “Lofticries,” April 23rd, 2013 at the Town Ballroom.  

Ad Astra Debuts First Single

January 14, 2015

Buffalo-based electro-pop trio, Ad Astra, debuted the project’s first track this past week, to which we were very excited to post about. With past works in the band’s resume including buffaBLOG favorites, Ignorant Owl and FOTISPORN, Ad Astra already sounded promising. The band’s first single, “Pretty Pictures,” features producers Thomas L. Hunt and Wyle Lukow delivering a futuristic synth song with just over a minute and a half growing introduction capped off with Amanda Terranoli’s dreamily gentle LIGHTS-like voclas. With obvious comparisons to Purity Ring,  chilled out Crystal Castles, and even Phantogram, Ad Astra is definitely a band that should be on your radar in 2015. Perhaps they can start playing live with gigs with Passion in Constellation? Listen to “Pretty Pictures” below.

Passive Aggressives Anonymous Drops New EP

January 13, 2015

In yet another installment of buffaBLOG’s ‘we missed a lot of good music over holiday break and now we’re playing catch up’ series of posts, I find myself unabashedly swooning over the satirical croon-rock songs on Passive Aggressives Anonymous’ new EP, Not so long songs of longing. For those of you unfamiliar with the Rochester quartet, think the tongue-in-cheek lyrical prowess of Father John Misty meets the charming sounds of Yo La Tengo. There, somewhere in the middle (and probably off-center a bit), you’ll find Passive Aggressives Anonymous. The five songs on Not so long songs of longing are all full of finely-tuned nuances that one may miss out on upon first listen. Singer John Valenti’s theatrical baritone is easily appreciated over the smoothness of the lounge-like instrumentation, but an attentional listen-through reveals an enjoyable irony in the music’s romantic nature. Take “Grinding” for example: “Let’s spend the night grinding…[...]