Latest Posts

Ghostpool & Hand Out – NYLA

February 28, 2019

A good ol’ fashioned split goes a long way; both bands get the out-of-town rub. In this case, Buffalo’s Ghostpool have teamed up with New Orleans pop-punkers Hand Out for NYLA, a four-song offering that highlights two brand new songs from each band. Hometown reps Ghostpool kick things off with “Bug,” a mid-tempo banger with the strongest of the emo elements across this EP. Both bands straddle that hard-to-define pop-punk/emo line, but “Bug’s” strong dynamic range gives it a true emotional edge. It pairs forlorn lyrics with guitars that switch from reverb-ed and forlorn to fuzzed-out. Lyrically, Ghostpool laments about being existentially annoying – a babbling nobody with a racing mind, eternally buzzing in someone else’s ear like a god damn bug. It’s a touching and sincere sentiment, even if it’s executed with huge guitars and gravel-voiced, pop-punk brattiness. “Feels Bad” (maybe a reference to the ever-memed “feelsbadman”) is another song[...]

Canceler – GASP

February 20, 2019

We buffaBLOGGERS pride ourselves on being “in-the-know,” so its always a pleasant surprise when we stumble upon something new and unique. This was precisely the case with Syracuse’s Canceler and their latest EP, GASP. Combining elements of post-punk, emo, and indie rock, GASP is a raw and sincere blast of emotion from a mysterious three-piece that we’d love to know more about. EP opener “Helium” is an apt introduction to Canceler. It opens with one of the most subtle moments on the EP, but quickly evolves. The band uses bursts of frantic drumming, sing/scream harmonies to emphasize depressive lyrics about being tired of life’s ups and downs and the simple exhaustion of yearning for better days. The band juxtaposes lyrics about “being tired” and “feeling like magic,” which paints such a uniquely peculiar picture – one that’s poignant and heartfelt. One of GASP‘s most notable features is the mix. I invite the[...]

Tonight: American Nosebleed

February 8, 2019

If you’re looking to inject a bit of hardcore punk energy into your life tonight, you should make a trip out to Lockhouse Distillery to catch Buffalo four-piece American Nosebleed. A super-group of talented Buffalo musicians, American Nosebleed specializes in fast and angry guitar driven songs a la Refused or fellow Buffalo legends Every Time I Die. They’re joined tonight by buzzing pop-punkers Kill the Clock, and the emotional punk rock of Worse Things. Tonight’s show is at Lockhouse Distillery & Bar in Buffalo’s historic Cobblestone District. Doors are at 8:30pm with a $10 cover. A friendly reminder that Lockhouse is a 21+ venue. Nudnik by American Nosebleed

Ian McCuen – Seasons Fleeting

January 14, 2019

Ian McCuen is a self-proclaimed “purveyor of sorrow,” and now may be a better time than ever to introduce his latest offering. For the depressed and the downtrodden, his somber, three-song EP, Seasons Fleeting, is here to queue in the bleak January blues. What better accompaniment to the false optimism of new year resolutions and the passing of the insincere holiday cheer than McCuen’s acoustic-guitar driven laments about the recently passed “most wonderful time of the year.” Title-track “Seasons Fleeting” is a sleigh-bell tinged ditty about the paradoxical nature of the holidays. Opening line “the tree is covered in twinkling lights” is imagery that directly opposes McCuen’s choice of album cover – a garbage can in a dingy kitchen, wrapped in cheap Christmas lights. Through vibes reminiscent of Bon Iver and Elliot Smith, McCuen gently strums his acoustic guitar and delicately shakes his sleigh bells to describe his hatred of the fleeting seasons. Christmas time[...]

Tonight: Super American

December 28, 2018

Genre-defying (but poppy af) duo Super American are wrapping up 2018 with a great show at a great venue. Their latest album Tequila Sunrise is a fun amalgamation of pop, indie, emo, and the 1990s, finding catharsis through the songwriting lens of giants like Third Eye Blind, Oasis, and Blink 182. Joining them tonight are the fellow pop punk/emo greats in Post Prom and West Ferry. Tonight’s show is at Lockhouse Distillery & Bar, in Buffalo’s beautiful cobblestone district. Doors are at 8:30 with a $10 cover. A friendly reminder that Lockhouse Distillery & Bar is a 21+ venue. Tequila Sunrise by Super American

Too Soon Jokes – “Santy Don’t Visit the Funeral Homes, Little Buddy”

December 8, 2018

There just simply aren’t enough tongue-in-cheek holiday songs out there. Too Soon Jokes is here to remedy that with the sharp indie rock of “Santy Don’t Visit the Funeral Homes, Little Buddy.” They want you to look the other way when it comes to cold, depression, bills, and knotty Christmas lights… Instead, get that warm, Christmas feeling with their unique brand of guitar-driven, nostalgia-inducing holiday cheer. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has enough fans – give Too Soon Jokes some support instead by checking them out here. Santy Don’t Visit the Funeral Homes, Little Buddy by Too Soon Jokes

Stray Fossa – “Commotion”

December 8, 2018

Fans of shoegaze or swirly chorus tones will dig Stray Fossa‘s 3rd single, the warbly “Commotion.” Full of dreamy bridge sections, layered vocals, and a powerful drum track (fun fact: drums were recorded in one take on a fateful, lonely evening), this one certainly embodies Stray Fossa’s ethos. Give this one a shot if you’re into Slowdive, Beach House, or the latest Title Fight album. Like what you hear? Give Stray Fossa some support via Bandcamp. Commotion by Stray Fossa

Ruby Bones – “Hook Line Sinker”

December 8, 2018

“Hook Line Sinker” is a classic, punchy indie rock jam from New Jersey-based trio Ruby Bones. After charting on Billboard with their last release (nice!), the trio wanted to put something more lighthearted and fun… They wound up releasing something nostalgic, full of thoughts about fading youth and romanticizing the past. Give this one a listen below, especially if you’re a fan of passionate, fun-loving punk like Cloud Nothings or The Thermals.

Dream Reporter – “Everything Means Something to Me”

December 4, 2018

London solo act Dream Reporter is certainly a captivating presence, especially on her newest single, “Everything Means Something to Me.” Punctuated with plodding basslines, delay-ridden guitars, and haunting synths, Dream Reporter’s ethereal vocal presence lays eerily on top of the mix. Overall, it’s a strikingly beautiful song, worthy of a few minutes of your time – check it out below. Dream Reporter is on Spotify too – be sure to add her to your playlist.

A Place To Wash My Hands – “Insufficient Funds”

December 4, 2018

A Place To Wash My Hands is a mysterious act, but we couldn’t help but enjoy their latest effort about doing nothing, “Insufficient Funds.” A simple indie ditty about literally doing nothing, APTWMH fills it with sparse percussion, male/female harmonies, and a generally sunny disposition. Listen to this lighthearted one if you need a quick pick-me-up. A Place To Wash My Hands is on Bandcamp too… you know what to do.

Private Agenda – “Instinct”

December 4, 2018

Bedroom-pop duo Private Agenda has been pumping out simmering, stuttering synth ditties for lovers – case in point, our new obsession “Instinct.” Drums ebb and flow throughout this mid-tempo, mid-intensity gem, full of funky synth squiggles and moody electric piano chords. We suggest you put this one on if you want to get in the mood… Or if you’re simply just trying to chill face. Like what you hear? Buy it here.

Drens – “Yellow Teeth”

November 29, 2018

German surf-punkers Drens are here with a TBT to the early 19th century. “Yellow Teeth” is full of pistolero riffs and plinky, surf guitar rock, and tells the story of torture, fortune, fortitude, and being a lone-wolf desperado in the middle of your nowhere town. Beyond that, we dig their modern take on the dusty old west via their infinite surf-punk energy and peppy aesthetic. Listen for yourself below. Drens is EVERYWHERE. Check out your listening options at this link.

River Meets Sea – “Won’t You Stay”

November 29, 2018

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a cosmic music video to get lost in, and “Won’t You Stay” is certainly in that territory. River Meets Sea is the band responsible, and in this five-plus minute jam, they contemplate mortality and existence over top their spectral brand of folksy indie rock. There are plenty of jangling guitars, thumping bass, and drum flourishes for everyone throughout this sprawling, spectral song – see for yourself via the embed below. River Meets Sea has you covered, there are lots of ways to listen to this jam. Check them all out here.

H Y D E S – “Golden Days (featuring CUESTA LOEB)”

November 29, 2018

The last time we featured Cuesta Loeb, we were waxing poetic about the calming properties of her ethereal single, “Festival 2017.” This time around, we’re jazzed on her latest collaboration with H Y D E S, the piano-laden “Golden Days.” Pairing H Y D E S’ penchant for emotional electronica and Cuesta Loeb‘s lilting presence, we think there’s something here for everyone to enjoy (especially the monster hook of the chorus). Check it out below. Keep up with H Y D E S here and Cuesta Loeb here.

Spooky Cigarette – “In Due Time”

November 29, 2018

Spooky Cigarette got together over a love of synths and new wave music. Their latest jam is “In Due Time,” a song about “the exasperation, the wishing for a change, all the while knowing that change takes time.” We’re certainly smitten by the squiggly organ and upbeat punk/doo-wop jank, but the juxtaposition of classic and modern together is the real game changer here. Have a listen for yourself via the widget below. If you like what you hear, add “In Due Time” to your Spotify playlist.