Latest Posts

Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color

April 21, 2015

When they exploded on the scene in 2012, Alabama Shakes’ mix of bluesy garage rock, Southern rock and soul (channeled via vocalist Brittany Howard) led most critics to brand them a roots rock group. It was, for the most part, a fitting umbrella genre to peg the eclectic, idiosyncratic quartet under. But with the release of their sophomore record, Sound & Color, forget any notion you might have had about the Shakes playing so-called roots rock. In fact, forget any notion that these Heart of Dixie oddballs could be branded under any singular genre or style. A breathtakingly weird and diverse record, Sound & Color adds R&B, disco, funk, classic rock and even dashes of punk to its established soul and blues rock amalgam. And while genre-blending may be more or less ubiquitous in popular music in our post-millennium world, most acts are far more subtle, seamless and safe in[...]

Well Kept Things Sign to Antique Records, Release First Single

April 21, 2015

The Buffalo pop-punk/emo scene is still smarting from the loss of bands like I Can See Mountains and All Blondes Go To Heaven. If you’ve been unsure of where to get your next fix, Well Kept Things is where you should look next. The quartet specializes in passionate pop-punk, with lyrics falling somewhere between neurosis and a heart-on-your-sleeve confessional. The Buffalo-based four piece has recently inked a deal with Antique Records, and will be releasing its debut EP, Homegrown, in both digital and in 7″ formats on June 16th. Listen to the first single, “Great White North,” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/184229875″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

CRUSHES Release New Single “i miss you”

April 20, 2015

This past week, Rochester birthed duo, CRUSHES, released their first single in over a year, titled “i miss you.” Comprised of long-time Rochester DJ, David Lee Rad, and Buffalo/Rochester floater, DJ Lulu, “i miss you” is an impressive indietronic collaboration by the pair, reminiscent of Chromatics, Ladyhawke or even Cut Copy. Let’s hope this is not just a stand alone track, but a single from a forthcoming EP, or maybe even a full. One can dream. Check out “i miss you” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/200662838″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Joywave – How Do You Feel Now?

April 20, 2015

Since the band’s inception, Joywave has been somewhat of a buoyant hot air balloon, steadily gaining altitude with every move they make. These Rochester natives can more-than-safely say that they’ve stepped beyond the realm of the local music scene, and even the regional music scene. They’ve saturated the alt-rock airwaves, successfully pinned a number one song on the alternative Billboard charts, been name dropped by Tony Hawk on Twitter, and have late night TV performances on both Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel tucked neatly under their belts. The explanation for this rapid emergence is simple. Joywave is a lure that will reel you in one way or another — if the incredibly catchy synth lines don’t get you, the adrenalizing dance beat or the slick mystique of singer Daniel Armbruster’s falsetto will. Their recently released full length album, How Do You Feel Now?, strongly supports this claim. The album opens[...]

The Soft Love Drops Debut Track “ALL OF IT”

April 17, 2015

Over the last couple months, the Soft Love has been making the rounds around Buffalo clubs, with each band mate dipping their toes back into the live scene after a couple prolonged absences. Made up of former members of the Thermidors, Fairweathers, and Son of the Sun, the four piece released its debut single, “ALL OF IT,” early last night. Recorded with go to Buffalo producer Jay Zubricky of GCR, and polished off over at Paul Besch’s Quiet Country Audio in Alden, “ALL OF IT” is a brash rocker that recalls acts like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Oasis, and even a less brooding/more agressive Interpol, certainly meant to be downed with a few shots of fine whiskey, or at least whatever is at arm’s length. The band can be seen live twice this weekend: tonight as part of the Tins’ Kickstarter Benefit Show at Mohawk Place and tomorrow, somewhere within[...]

The Wayouts Record Exclusive Record Store Day 7″ for WAYO FM

April 16, 2015

With all this talk of Record Store Day in Buffalo, there is a pretty cool RSD related project coming out of Rochester for Saturday’s big day. Featuring members of SPORTS, No Glitter, Howlo, Faux Leather Jacket, and Pleistocene, the Wayouts recorded a two track pressing titled Way Out​/​Roses and Rainbows in Ben Morey’s Submarine Records studio. The “supergroup” of sorts fleshed out a new version of the track “Way Out,” originally featured on an episode of the Flinstones back in the 60’s, in addition to a cover of “Roses and Rainbows” by Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night. Pleistocene’s Katie Preston tackles lead vocals on the latter track. Those screaming teenagers you hear in “Roses and Rainbows” are original shrieks recorded from overwhelmed Beatles’ fans outside of one of the Fab Four’s shows. The 7″ is currently available for purchase on the band’s bandcamp page, in addition to a limited number of  physical copies[...]

The Lagoonas – “Color Spectrum”

April 15, 2015

When Admirable Traits Records, a label with roots buried in Buffalo, Brooklyn, and soon to be Nashville, isn’t busy scooping up some of the Queen City’s best up-and-coming acts, the label is busy looking outside of NYS for burgeoning talent. For its latest signing, the AT crew has penned Memphis garage trio, the Lagoonas. “Color Spectrum,” the band’s first single off of its upcoming release, Welcome Home, begins with a piercing guitar line that quickly fades into a lo-fi, grisly fuzz that recalls Ty Segall or early Cloud Nothings. Expect Welcome Home to drop on June 2nd, and in the mean time, listen to “Color Spectrum” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/200596177″ params=”color=5f90c1″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dean Chatham Drops “Walk On, Bye”

April 15, 2015

Buffalo hip hop artist and Black Sol member Dean Chatham seemed polished from the get-go. A few months back, he dropped the Dean’s List EP, an impressive debut project about decision-making and behavior as a dude in a coming-of-age situation at college, featuring contemplative, explorative tracks like “Year II” and “Do the Right Thing,” Chatham brought the smooth jazz-influence to his latest single “Walk On, Bye,” but switched over to another mature theme for his lyrics: a somewhat toxic relationship. Chatham poetically describes the ups and downs of a relationship in which the passion is adherent to the instability of it all. Lurking underneath all the give and take, fights and reconciles, and heated arguments is the understanding that the end-game will work out, something Chatham conveys distinctly on lines like”Write me off nine times? There’ll always be a sequel.” “Walk On, Bye” is an impressive new direction for the burgeoning Buffalo rapper. Chatham[...]

Del Paxton Releases Split on Topshelf Records

April 14, 2015

At long last, Del Paxton‘s split with Gulfer is out on Topshelf Records. Anyone who follows buffaBLOG has surely seen our coverage of Del Paxton (starting when the group clinched the award for #1 local song of 2013 with “Motion Sick”). With only an EP to its name thus far, we’ve been eager to get our hands on some new stuff from the mathy/emo three piece. “Paline” showcases the spiraling guitar that we’ve come to love/expect from Del Paxton. Having been to half a dozen (+) Del Paxton shows, it is a pleasure to finally hear a studio version. In fact, if Death Cab for Cutie had any angst left in them, “Paline” might be the result… I’d like to find the musician who can deny the true joy of bassist Zach Schoedel’s funky riff at the one minute mark. “Bad Batch” starts with one of those impossibly noodly riffs[...]

Tyler, The Creator – Cherry Bomb

April 13, 2015

Say what you will about Tyler, The Creator – his puerile public persona; his real-life destructive stage antics; his stoic, perennially grumpy-sounding delivery – but the dude’s nothing if not eclectic. Much like the sophomore records of fellow Odd Future emcee Earl Sweatshirt, and unlikely OF friend and collab Mac Miller, Tyler unleashes a dizzying, psychedelic smash of sounds on his second album, Cherry Bomb, that’s quite incomparable in rap. It’s no secret the OF Head Honcho has been trying to incorporate jazz influences in his music, and free jazz, neo-soul and funk swirl and percolate on the album’s softer, finer moments. “2 Seater” is a woozy R&B slow burner that could almost bit the bill for a Frank Ocean track, and lead single “Fucking Young” is a lovably campy lovesong backed by a psychedelic soundscape of shimmering strings and ringing synths. But Tyler’s still Tyler, and he counter-balances these prettier[...]

Amateur Radio Club – The Laughing Vulcan and Her Dog

April 13, 2015

Rochester’s got some new digs. Ian Egling, formerly of the band SPORTS, and now performing solo under the moniker Amateur Radio Club, just released his debut late last March. The eight track album, titled The Laughing Vulcan and Her Dog, is heavy on the electro pop stylings and draws influence from the synthy jams of yesteryear; snap judgements conjure Bowie and Depeche Mode. Further critical listens reveal a certain modern charm that, when paired with the unambiguous vintage flair, gives this release a unique sound worth diving into. The Laughing Vulcan and Her Dog is our Album of the Week. Vulcan opens strong with the catchy and intimate “SOMEWHERE SUMMER,” making the most of a cheeky synth line layered with electric piano and bouncy drum beat. The synth solo towards the latter half serves as the sweet icing on an already delicious cake. “On and on, on and on…” sings[...]

Waxahatchee – Ivy Tripp

April 10, 2015

If there’s anything I’ve learned from listening to Waxahatchee’s music, it is that less is more. The acoustic, lo-fi sound that frontwoman Katie Crutchfield brought on her first record, American Weekend, was something very special. Recorded solo by Crutchfield in her bedroom, the lo-fi recording style made the record as a whole seem so humble, yet it managed to be so emotionally piercing. On her first record as Waxahatchee, Crutchfield more so proved herself as an absolutely incredible songwriter, even more so than she did her other projects, P.S Eliot and Swearin’. While both of those bands are great and shine in their own way, it is easy to tell that she really found her footing in Waxahatchee. Following American Weekend, Crutchfield released the band’s second full length, Cerulean Salt. On this record, she introduced a more cleaned up style of recording, prevalent drum sections, and electric guitars, bringing more of[...]

Toro Y Moi – What For?

April 9, 2015

Often characterized as the father of chillwave, Chazwick Bundick, or Toro Y Moi, has released his fourth album, What For? this past Tuesday. With music that’s just as strange as his name, Bundick has pushed all boundaries concerning genre. Since 2008, Bundick has artistically manipulated what we know about music – only to invert it – and the resulting experience has been sublime. Now, he has built somewhat of a cult following, despite each album sounds drastically incomparable to the last. If you’ve heard Causers of This (2010), then you know why Bundick has been credited with beginning the chillwave genre. An intensely dreamy experience, Causers of This is certainly an acquired taste. (I can remember my siblings complaining about how repetitive it was when I played it in the car.) Still, it was weird, and it was memorable – that’s what drew me in. Underneath the Pine (2011) is[...]

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.

Cadaver Country Drops New Track “Not Sleeping (you don’t know)”

April 8, 2015

Yesterday morning, Jacob Verghese, mulit-instrumental of crust folk act Pine Fever, quietly dropped a new song from his on-going solo project, Cadaver Country. Titled “Not Sleeping (you don’t know),” the track finds Verghese once again playing jack of all trades role, handling instrumental duties from banjo to washboard to harmonium. The upbeat toe tapper has a whimsical feel that artists like Andrew Bird and a (potentially) stripped down Dr. Dog do so well. Check out the song below.