Latest Posts

Yung Lean – “Ghosttown”

September 19, 2014

On the heels of news that debut album Unknown Memory has leaked (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), Lean has blessed his emotional disciples with “Ghosttown,” the album’s second single. With a seriously good feature from GOOD Music’s Travis Scott, “Ghosttown” is likely Lean’s greatest achievement in music. By collaborating with his signee, Yung Lean is literally one degree of separation from Kanye West. Think about that. Will Yung Lean appear on a Kanye album in the future? Probably not, but I’m just happy to be able to ask that question. This track is seriously excellent. Lean attacks it in his usual autotuned droning sing, and it’s as surprisingly refreshing as ever. Travi$ Scott is currently dominating the autotune singing game, something that he probably learned from Ye. “Ghosttown” is a true collaboration between the artists, somewhat surprising due to the disparity in their fame. After exchanging verses, the two serenade each other as the track[...]

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – “Poison Touch”

September 18, 2014

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have reached that “can’t do wrong” status with me. Their fuzzy and sometimes reverb heavy take at indie pop is near perfection in my eyes, and it may not be better exemplified than on their latest track, the shimmering and peppy, “Poison Touch.” Set to be included in the expanded edition of 2014’s Days of Abandon, the song once again features Jen Goma of A Sunny Day in Glasgow on lead vocals. “Poison Touch” stands up well next to Days of Abandon‘s best track, “Kelly,” also featuring Goma after former member Peggy Wang moved on from the band. The expanded edition of Days of Abandon will be released next week on September 23rd. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/168036509″ params=”color=ff5500″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Overhand Sam Releases Debut EP

September 18, 2014

We’re a little late to the game on this one. Rochester multi-instrumentalist (and Maybird member) “Overhand” Sam Snyder released Debut EP back in July, a deliciously fresh take on contemporary blues rock that gives off a faint Besnyo vibe. The four-track banger contains a few previously released songs, including single “For Better / For Worse” and an excellent full-band version of the formerly acoustic “Feel So Bad.” Stand-out track, “Just Don’t Know,” pairs a light, ghostly piano riff with a soaring guitar lead comparable to the sounds of Fuse.tv-era band Snow Patrol. However, OHS’ studio effort comes off as more than your typical blues-tinged alt rock, blending lush, piano-peppered instrumentation (highlighted by Snyder’s quality guitar leads) with a wispy vocal style and elements of blues, folk, and even R&B. It’s refreshing how much ground the four tracks are able to cover. Check out the NYC-mobster vibes of “For Better /[...]

Fashion Expo 1990 Releases New Album, waiting for memphis

September 18, 2014

Earlier this year, the debut release from Fashion Expo 1990, a relatively unknown electronic/house alias of Difficult Night’s Miles Kirsch, was named our Album of the Week here at buffaBLOG. That record was filled with nostalgic vibes from various dance music scenes of the 90’s and featured impressive keyboard melodies and highly dexterous rhythms along with interesting sample selection. Earlier this month, the project released its second album, the six track waiting for memphis, via bandcamp. Like the self-titled debut, the record consists of previously recorded material, this one dating back to 2006. Standout tracks include “98% hustling,” with it’s archaic samples and breezy melodies and “c.h.a.r.m.,” which features soulful piano chords and classic house vocal sampling. Once again, the keys throughout the album are virtuosic and give many of the tracks an urgent feel to balance out the ethereal, blissed out element found in the artists’ production. Listen/download waiting for memphis below.

Local Rapper ChaunSAY Mackin’ Drops Second Project with Chisom Uzosike

September 17, 2014

On the Buffalo Brave LP, ChaunSAY Mackin’ and Chisom Ozosike’s second take on a hip hop duo, the Buffalo rapper and Maryland producer (who previously released The Buffalo Bill EP together) are a fantastic combination of modern bar-rap and smooth soul sample beats. Opening track, “The Encore,” kicks off with a blast of horns that sound like they came right off a Village People record. The beat flips around for a while before it settles on a guitar strum and a funky bassline, working off of the same sample as this BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher. Throw little “Numbers on the Board-esque” celebratory “Yeah” vocal and a high pitched female note, and you got yourself a hell of a beat over which Mackin’ dances entertaining lines all over. Second track “Reputation” plays off of the same sample as Kanye’s “Bound 2,”  a seemingly daunting task considering the recognition of the latter. Chisom[...]

Daniel Robinson Drops Latest Single, “Head Trauma”

September 17, 2014

Buffalo born electronic musician, Daniel Robinson, has just released his latest single, titled “Head Trauma.” The song, which is currently available for sale/download on iTunes, is tense cut of industrial synth pop gives off an NIN meets Postal Service feel. Robinson has popped up on a couple Dreamland showcases lately so keep an eye out for when he is back in town from recording in Toronto here and there. Listen to “Head Trauma” below, and while you are at it, head over to Robinson’s new website and browse around.

Handsome Jack Releases Music Video For “Right On”

September 17, 2014

Following the release of their new single “Echoes,” Buffalo retro rockers, Handsome Jack, have continued to tease their forthcoming record, Do What Comes Naturally, with a new music video for the song “Right On.” The Go Pro (?) filmed clip for the soulful, slow burner finds the band performing the single while making some late night stops around the city. If you like what you hear, make sure to join Handsome Jack at Mohawk Place on October 24th to celebrate the release of Do What Comes Naturally, or if you are impatient like me, head down to Nietzsche’s this Saturday to catch the boys open for Buffalo Killers. New songs will sure to be tackled. Watch the video for “Right On” below.

Sea Oleena – “Island Cottage”

September 16, 2014

It’s rare that a song I’m blindly listening to can be so capture that I just stare at a motionless video but, Sea Oleena’s “Island Cottage” does just that. The song is a little dated, close to a year and a half old, but luckily music has no expiration date. It is beautifully somber, encompassing, and gorgeous. Fans of Beach House, Youth Lagoon, or even Iron and Wine would dig it. Check out “Island Cottage” below.

Aaron & the Burrs Drop New Single, “Release the Bats”

September 16, 2014

It appears that the September Polar Vortex is upon us, slowly surrounding us like Union Soldiers at Wounded Knee, minus an aristocratic narcissist with a wicked mustache. As the weather gets colder and greyer, it’s hard not to focus on the inevitable coming winter. However, it’s not all bad. Maybe the news of new music from the instrumental surfer post-punk outfit, Aaron & the Burrs, will raise your spirits or at least your body temperature. The trio is comprised of Nicholas Reynolds (guitar), Eric Bifaro (bass), and Carson Cain (drums) and have been playing together for close to two years in various West Side basements “Release the Bats” takes you to a place where terms like Polar Vortex only exist in dystopian novels penned by Eastern European writers with names you always mispronounce. When I listen to Aaron & the Burrs, I imagine I am on a tropical beach sipping finely aged rum[...]

Wild Bear Releases Debut Single, “Glass Ceilings”

September 15, 2014

“Glass Ceilings,” the debut track from mysterious new local act Wild Bear, is a tempting morsel that fuses chilled out minimalist electronica with soulful spoken word vocals reminiscent of Bill Withers and Grizzly Bear. Throw in some inspirational pro feminist lyrics and you’ve got something that makes you want more. Follow Wild Bear on Twitter here and stay tuned here for the latest developments from this enigmatic new band. Update: Wild Bear’s full 3-song EP is now streaming on the act’s bandcamp page.

Joseph Michael Wesolowski – The Spine and Telephone Wire

September 15, 2014

Diving into Joseph Michael Wesolowski’s The Spine and Telephone Wire was a curious affair for me. Running just under 16 minutes, the 4 track EP should seem short, but after one listen-through, the melancholic folk songs provoke an aching familiarity that makes it feel like I’ve been listening for years. Spine is more than just a 4 track display of musical competence—it’s a beautiful moodscape that is as inviting as it is dismal. “’Cause I lie inside a chalkboard, teacher scratching nails on my walls / and I’m staring at the floorboards, running bravely through these halls” starts Wesolowski on EP opener “Grange.” His lyrics are clever and contemplative throughout the record and are often times given the spotlight, as most of the instrumentation throughout Spine (usually an acoustic guitar coupled with waves of ambient noise in the background) sits slightly behind his soft howl in the mix. His singing[...]

The Slums Release Highly Anticipated EP

September 12, 2014

Is it an EP if it’s three songs? A question that often keeps me up late at night. Anyways, we have been anticipating the release from Buffalo-based four-piece, The Slums, since we caught wind of their formation earlier this year. Comprised of past members of The Malones, Scales, Strangers, The Boy and His Machine, and recorded with Paul Besch at Quiet Country Audio, the debut already commanded respect long before the release of any material. On surface level, it seems as though The Slums pick right up where The Malones left things with the first track on the EP, “The Devil,” which could have easily been track seven on the band’s widely popular 2013 release. Where The Slums really start to make it’s identity is with the second and third tracks, “Hot Skins” and “Sore Eyes,” which introduce lead singer Steven Floyd’s growling manic and throatily desperate vocals, a sound[...]

Anthony Del Plato Releases New Song

September 11, 2014

If you’re even the casual buffaBLOG reader, you know that we sort of have a thing for Anthony Del Plato. Between his phenomenal debut EP, 8 Old Vines, his apocalyptic themed follow-up, we sill still be here tomorrow, and most recently his project with Crows and Jays’ Brad Kujawski, titled Strings and Chords, Del Plato has received 100% positive praise from the buffaBLOG HQ. His latest single, “Numbers,” is no different. The song’s formula is much like previous Del Plato works, with solemn Minus the Bear-like vocals, lyrics that read like a coded diary entry, and a cohesiveness that many strive for, but few achieve. Check out “Numbers” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167175955″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Difficult Night Drops New Track

September 11, 2014

Slacky folk-rockers Difficult Night have just updated their Soundcloud page with a spankin’ new number. The new track, titled “Turn My Back,” doesn’t stray far from the band’s signature sound, sitting somewhere between the practiced bagginess of a Pavement jam and the lo-fi indie jangle of All-Time Quarterback. Singer/guitarist Shane Meyer lays his customary spoken-word singing style over a foundation of rhythmic piano octaves and a twinkly guitar riff, resulting in a sound that is decidedly Difficult Night with a fun new flavor. Oh, and towards the end of the song there is a bomb guitar solo that could pierce a concrete slab. But don’t just take my word for it, press the play button below and give the fresh track a listen for yourself. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/166436608″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rochester’s princess//princess Releases New EP

September 10, 2014

Call it punk, call it lo-fi, or call it tweemo, Rochester’s princess//princess’ new EP is full of it. Upon reaching my goal, I am completely underwhelmed. is a set of six raucous bedroom-esque recordings full of bouncy guitar and, at times, some surprisingly dark lyrics. My personal favorite was the brooding “BFF <3 (metacaricature),” full of minor chords and lyrical curses like, “I won’t be there when you’re drowning in the ocean. I’ll be drenched in suntan lotion.” A close second was the album’s second, albeit upbeat metacaricature, “The Girls School (another metacaricature).” They’ve offered it up for free – follow the link to bandcamp below.