Latest Posts

Passion Pit at The Rapids Theatre (5/20/19)

May 23, 2019

Michael Angelakos brought Passion Pit, his beloved indietronica passion project, back to Western New York to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the band’s acclaimed debut, Manners, with a stunningly euphoric show at The Rapids Theatre on May 20th. An exuberant collection of magnificent pop hooks and gossamer synthesizers, Manners unflinchingly chronicled Angelakos’ struggles with mental health, while earnestly pursuing the unabashed joy of human connection. Released the same year indie rock began its breakthrough into the mainstream, Manners still holds up as a gorgeous pop record with a very real human heart underneath the synthetic sheen. For the adoring fans in the crowd, watching Angelakos and his bandmates rekindle this magic onstage was a moment of pure joy and emotional catharsis, with every lyric recited in unison and every grand gesture met with applause. The giant halls of The Rapids Theatre weren’t big enough to contain the love and excitement[...]

Tonight: The Pixies

May 19, 2015

The Pixies are an important band. Let’s just start there. In the 80’s, when alternative acts were rejecting all forms of “mainstream” music, pop or otherwise, the Pixies opened their arms and embraced it, fusing the more melodic aspects of sound with an experimental (yet no less aurally pleasing) style, along with some good natured, pre-irony, ironic humor. In the process, they saved the all-too-serious indie rock scene from itself, stoked Kurt Cobain, influenced a who’s who of musicians and artists, put out some great records, imploded, Breeders, Frank Black, reunited, Indie Cindy (minus Kim)…wow. Their’s is a documentary waiting to happen… Word on the street is that the Pixies are killing it live these days. And that is important for two reasons. First, it is a testament to the fact that the greats, if they’re truly great, never lose it, whatever it is. And second, they’re playing tonight, so[...]

Tonight: Every Time I Die

April 22, 2015

Every Time I Die (ETID for you ETIDIOTS out there) are clear frontrunners in the “Hometown Heroes” category. They’ve toured the world, sold a ton of records, and amassed a legion of fans during their 17-year tenure. What impresses most, however, is their unabashed loyalty to and love of Western New York in spite of all this. They usually play here 3x a year, whether it be as part of a summer festival (singlin’ you out Warped Tour) or for one of their famed Christmas shows. I’ve seen them a great many times here in countless venues over the years, probably more than any other touring band. The other day, I was trying to think of all the places ETID has played in the area, and that is a history lesson on its own. Here’s my count; the Atomic, the Basement Bar, Cruise Inn, 33 Tyler St, the Funeral Home,[...]