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Tonight: Short Moscato

Tonight over at the Gypsy Parlor, stop on down to celebrate the work of one of the Buffalo hip-hop scene’s finest members in Short Moscato. Whatever|Forever, the new album from the Good Huemans/Death Picnic MC, was just released a few weeks ago, and the record is nothing if not a testament to the city that built it. With it’s hard-edged rap and subtle melancholy, Whatever|Forever tells the story of a rapper, who like the Queen City, appears rough, but is thrillingly alive and brimming with originality. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention Wza’s production, which is almost reminiscent of the work of the late-great Nujabes. Short will be performing the album in full tonight and will be joined by some of the city’s most exciting upcoming artists, including MileHighMusik! and Billie E$$co. It goes without saying that tonight’s show will reflect the album it celebrates, which is to[...]

Tonight: Joywave

The series of great shows making their way to Buffalo this fall continues tonight as local heroes return for another glorious homecoming. It was just a little over a year ago that Rochester’s Joywave were just starting to make small waves outside of the Western New York music scene but little beyond that. Then came their breakthrough single, “Tongues.” The song almost immediately begun rotation on alternative radio around the country, and the band’s sudden popularity even scored their debut album a spot on the Top 40 charts and catapulted them to appearances on late night shows such as Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers. Joywave now returns to the music scene that birthed them with their collection of infectious synthpop jams. If the band’s live show is nearly as high-energy and fun as their record, then tonight’s show show should be nothing short of an absolute blast. But while Joywave might be riding the[...]

Tonight: The Internet

Even with the break-up of Odd Future, it seems that luckily for Buffalo, every member still seems to have an affinity for the Queen City. After shows already from Tyler, the Creator and Mellow Hype in the past year, The Internet arrives to represent a decidedly different side of the former Odd Future family. Initially making a name for herself as the lead producer for most of Odd Future’s acts, Syd tha Kyd finally embarked on her own creative venture with fellow producer Matt Martians to form the neo-soul group. With some of the finest beats the duo have ever produced, the band expertly blends jazz, R&B, and hip-hop in a way that almost sonically resembles the early Bristol sound. The group also acts as a platform to showcase the shockingly beautiful voice of Syd herself, which itself plays as a spell-binding instrument in the group’s sound. The group is[...]

Tonight: Bully

Buffalo is all lined up to host what might be one of the surprise shows of the year tonight in Bully. The Nashville indie rockers are fresh off the heels of their debut album, Feels Like, and while they might not be a major force yet, one listen suggests it’s not far off. The band has been quietly building buzz for awhile and its album brims with nostalgia for 90’s grunge and garage rock. Lead singer Alicia Bognanno spends most of the band’s debut tracks switching between sugary sweet pop vocals and a vicious snarl of a howl that breathes life into every song. Whether the band’s pure raucous energy communicates live is yet to be seen, but if it even comes close, then those at tonight’s show are in for one hell of a night. Don’t miss your chance to catch this band before it becomes near impossible to[...]

EdgeFest 2015 at the Outer Harbor (9/12/15)

In 2011, I went to the notoriously rainy UK festival, Glastonbury. In what was one of the festivals worst years yet, rain poured for five days straight creating flash floods and leaving 12 foot piles of boots littering the fields. It was deemed “The Year of Mud.” Never did I think I would experience anything like it again, but as I stare at the mud caked jeans in my laundry hamper, I think Edgefest 2015 might come close. That being said, if there’s one thing that both festivals have proven, it’s that as bad as weather gets, it’s nothing that a few beers and some good bands can’t solve. Opening the proceedings were the rising hometown heroes of Made Violent. After continuing to grow over the past year, the band even caught the attention of UK indie rocks Wolf Alice, who asked the trio to open their UK tour. It’s hard[...]

Tonight: Swervedriver

Buffalo is in for one hell of a treat as British shoegaze legends Swervedriver take the stage at Waiting Room tonight. Spawned from the same scene as bands like My Bloody Valentine and Ride, Swervedriver were right at the forefront of early 90’s shoegaze that would prove to be one of the most influential movements in modern popular music. Swervedriver’s distinctly more rock (although no less beautiful) sound meant they always hit a little bit harder than their poppy compatriots. However, this is no pure nostalgia trip as the band are currently fresh off of the release of its first album in 17 years, the absolutely stunning I Wasn’t Born To Lose You. Rare is it that a comeback album doesn’t disappoint, but Swervedriver’s return finds the band in almost the exact form (if not better) than it left in 1998. This will be rare opportunity to see a band that truly[...]

KOPPS Drop Latest Single “My Gold”

I had been hearing the buzz for awhile, especially after the group’s much hyped Joywave collaboration “Tongues,” but it wasn’t till seeing KOPPS earlier this year that they made an impression on me, and what an impression they made. Taking the stage before !!!, the Rochester quartet laid down the gauntlet with an impressive arsenal of dance-punk jams that shook the room. Now KOPPS is back with its newest and perhaps most impressive single yet, titled “My Gold.” It’s worth mentioning the production on the track, which was handled by Joywave front man Danial Armbruster, as it might be the breeziest the band has ever sounded. That’s not to say “My Gold” is not a banger though. With it’s propulsive bassline and hard-hitting beats, the track is an absolute belter of a single. Check it out below.

Just Announced: The Wombats

After gracing WNY earlier this summer with an appearance in Rochester, the Liverpudlian indie rock trio will next play Buffalo with a late Autumn visit to Waiting Room on November 25th. The band are hot off the heels of the release of their electropop-infused third album Glitterbug and will be sure to treat fans to a host of new and old NME-approved anthems. Having seen the band myself play an absolute barn-burner of a set at Glastonbury 2013, I can say defintively this will be a show not to be missed. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, August 28th, for $18 in advance, $20 day.

Tonight: Iris Lune

Since it’s debut as a new art space, Dreamland has put a special effort into bringing exciting new and upcoming artists to a receptive Buffalo public. Tonight is no different as as the Brooklyn-based indie rockers, Iris Lune, make their way to Buffalo. Still on the cusp of finally releasing their debut EP, Iris Lune’s exact music identity remains still much a mystery, but the glimpses we’ve gotten thus far are quite promising.  Lead single “Triplets” and live track “Bring Me the Moon” suggest a band with a unique blend of instrumentation, producing work massive in scope on a micro level. Iris Lune’s music has a sweeping majestic quality to it, one remiscent of artists like Bjork and Bat for Lashes. Dreamy but formidable, this band could be one to watch in the coming year. Joining Iris Lune will be a host of local bands, including local grunge rockers, Circular Logic.[...]

Tonight: The Receiver

Tonight is one of the most stacked bills I’ve seen in awhile as four completely terrific take the stage at Nietzsche’s tonight. Kicking off things is local electro-pop artist, Space Cubs. Knowing little to nothing about her, I saw her open for Majical Cloudz a couple years ago at the Tralf and was absolutely blown away. Her fairly expansive music means at times her work sounds reminiscent of everyone from Portishead to Neon Indian. Either way, this songstress creates an utterly enchanting show. Following that is Humble Braggers who are fresh off the release of their supremely impressive Disposable Friends EP. The band’s modern synth-rock sound is immediately infectious and there’s no doubt they’s put on a truly thrilling show. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Hailing from Columbus OH, sibling indie pop duo The Reciever will bring their lush dreamy sounds to Allentown. Fresh off the release of its[...]

Tonight: Cop Circles

If you’re into classic throwback electro sounds, then Dreamland has quite the bill for you tonight. Kicking off the party is Buffalo’s very own UVB-76 and Fashion Expo 1990. And the year in Fashion Expo 1990’s name is no misnomer; this is an artist who’s sound is almost completely influenced by the house sounds of yesteryear when artists like 808 State and The KLF ruled the rave scene. Following that is the electro-funk synth-pop jam of Cop Circles. The Denver-based electronic artist brings a sound that calls on the funk sounds of the 1970’s and the synthesizer music of the 80’s, essentially delivering some Random Access Memories before Daft Punk ever started hanging out with Nile Rogers and Giorgio Morridor. The show is sure to be one of the finest dance parties you’ll find in Buffalo this summer. The doors at Dreamland open at 8pm, and a $5 donation is appreciated.

Tonight: M.A.G.S. w/ the Soft Love

While Elliot Douglas has been part of the Buffalo music scene for quite awhile, but it wasn’t till his formation with Adam Lilley and Andy Wesner as M.A.G.S. that it seemed as if everything came into place. The trio finds itself in a middle ground between garage rock and post-punk but with hooks to rival any major pop act. This is a band that can be absolutely blistering live while still delivering sugary sweet singles. Tonight, the band continues to ride the wave of momentum its been on since the release of the Cellophane EP earlier this year. Joining them will be the Soft Love, the much-buzzed new kids on the block who’s debut single “ALL OF IT” introduced the world to their particular gritty and aggressive blues rock sound. The band has gained a glowing reputation for its live shows at local clubs and this year’s Herd Fest. This stellar[...]

Strand of Oaks at the Tralf Music Hall (7/25/15)

Let me start this review with a gripe of mine. I really do love the Tralf as a venue. It’s a good space, the booking is on point, and the staff there is awesome. That said, they inexplicably decide to put up table seating arrangements for the majority of shows. Oft I would say 75% of the time this just leads to the crowd pushing the tables back and standing in front anyway. Other times, it just completely depletes the energy from the crowd and totally ruins the vibe. I start my review this way though not to complain, but to praise the adaptability of Timothy Showalter. I’ve stated that I thought HEAL, Showalter’s latest release as Strand of Oaks, was one of the purest rock albums I’d heard in a while. So watching he and his band mates take the stage, prepping to rip into the songs from that album, I[...]

Tonight: Strand of Oaks

About this time last summer, I remember hearing a genuine surprise of a record, one that seemingly came out of nowhere but was one of the purest distillations of rock music I’d heard in some time. That record was Strand of Oaks’ HEAL, a deeply personal and at times harrowing record but one so incredibly full of life. I hadn’t known of Tim Showalter’s previous releases but after being blown away by that record, I quickly became a fan. A year later, the Indiana-native makes his way to bring his signature soulful rock sound to Buffalo at the Tralf Music Hall. After a year of much praised festival and late night appearances, the band seem to be as well-tuned a force as they’ll ever be. To say that I’m excited for tonight’s show would be an understatement, this will be one show not to miss. Doors open this evening at[...]

Tonight: The Tallest Man on Earth

Critically-acclaimed folk artist Kristian Matsson returns to Buffalo tonight as The Tallest Man on Earth. The Swedish musician is fresh off the release of his latest record, Dark Bird is Home, so fans can expect a lot of new material and a heaping helping of old favorites while he is on tour for the first time with a full band. The artist has won many comparisons to Bob Dylan, thanks to his uniquely beautiful songwriting style and vocal delivery. For melodic indie folk stylings, there’s no better place to be than Babeville’s Asbury Hall tonight. Tickets are $26 and doors are at 7pm. Hiss Golden Messenger kicks the show off at 8pm. Learn more about the North Carolina country-folk act here.