Latest Posts

Consequences (ex-Real People) Releases Debut EP

April 28, 2016

One listen through We’ll See How The Year Goes and you’ll realize why Consequences is quite a fitting name. You might remember Sworts as the whirling dervish that fronted Buffalo emo-punks Real People (before their untimely demise last year). This time around, Sworts has traded in his dynamic electric guitar work for an acoustic guitar. WSHTYG is a four-song EP that capitalizes on heartbreak, strife, and the mental games that one must navigate while they struggle through their twenties. “Everything Will Work Out” finds Sworts lamenting “I wish I knew then what I know now.” It quickly becomes apparent that WSHTYG is full of introspective lyrics contemplating the true meaning of love, what it means to be in a relationship, and how another person might define who you are. Throughout the EP, Sworts’ voice wavers perfectly, his high range sitting fragile on top of the otherwise barren acoustic tracks. Tracks like “Irreparable Damage” sound reminiscent of late-90s[...]

Maison Hall – “College Sports”

April 28, 2016

Have you ever had a weird relationship? One that wasn’t necessarily permanent but you made the effort to enjoy where you were at regardless? “College Sports” by Brisbane (yes, Australia!) collective Maison Hall tries its very best to encapsulate that fleeting feeling. “College Sports” was recorded in an abandoned masonic hall in rural Australia. The band kept it relatively lo-fi, opting for few overdubs and no click track. Despite these conditions and dusty (but uniquely mysterious) setting, “College Sports” turned out to be quite peppy… Not to mention succinct, clocking in at a mere 1:48. RIYL: Diet Cit or Blueline Medic. You can check out Maison Hall’s latest release, the 10-song It Was Never About Me, via Bandcamp here. Don’t ignore that very reasonable price!

Tonight: Red Francis

April 21, 2016

The Chicago natives in Red Francis will be gracing Buffalo with their presence this evening. Red Francis simply describe themselves as “rock-n-roll” but there’s a more subtle nuance to their jams… Think Kurt Vile with a little retro flavor. Tonight’s show also has a strong opening crew. Slacker rockers Difficult Night are sure to add to the vibes, and newcomers Coral Collapse have been sitting on a bit of buzz lately. Either way, tonight’s show is a solid three-band line up. Doors open at 8:00pm tonight – bring $5 for admission and a few bucks for beer.

Tonight: Bryan Johnson and Family

April 15, 2016

BJ&FAM, boy have we missed you! After a well-deserved winter break, Buffalo’s favorite lake rockers are back to welcome in the warm April weather. This show is the latest in Yace’s string of low cost, high reward programming. Joining Bryan Johnson & co. tonight are upbeat Rochester garage act SKIRTS (whose new EP came out on Dadstache records earlier this year), the dreamy surf-poppers in the aptly named Dreambeaches, and a set from new harmony-heavy act, Feverbox. In a refreshing change of pace, tonight’s show will be happening at the Gypsy Parlor on Grant St. Bring $5 (plus some money for booze) and make sure you’re 21+.

The Tins Premiere New Video for “Love On Strike”

April 5, 2016

The Tins have been quite a force in Buffalo music for several years now, culminating in the release of the fantastic Love on Strike last November. Recently, the trio released a video for the title-track, featuring lots and lots of donut play. This one goes out to all the Paula’s Donuts addicts out there – consider this your trigger warning. “Love on Strike” follows the Tins format of sunny, quasi-psychedelic indie rock. The song is chock full of great harmonies, squiggly synth, and razor sharp hooks. The video was produced by Drew Luster and Mike Muntner of the NYC Comedy Team Garbage Farts. You can check out some of their other work at Garbagefarts.com. We hear they both like donuts quite a lot. Please enjoy the smooth sounds of The Tins below. RIYL Tame Impala, MGMT, or Ducktails.

The Slums Release New Single, “Gospel Pt. II”

March 31, 2016

For such a loud band, the Slums have been uncharacteristically quiet for quite some time (except for maybe that extremely raucous show with fellow noisemakers, PUP). The silence has come to an abrupt end – The Slums have just dropped their first single from their new album, SORRY, entitled “Gospel, Part II” via soundcloud. The song is brash and beautiful, melding singer Steven Floyd’s unmistakable voice with just-barely-discordant guitar work. RIYL The Blood Brothers or Pile with the earnest songwriting of Lemuria. The Slums CD release show for SORRY will be held on April 29th. Pay attention to their social media for more juicy details very soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/256396787″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: SLUGS

March 23, 2016

LA rockers SLUGS make a triumphant return to WNY tonight as they swing through Mohawk Place tonight. Buffalo and Rochester natives might recognize Marissa and James Longstreet, formerly of High Drags fame. With roots in both Rochester and LA, the band specializes in slacker rock vibes a la Exile In Guyville-era Liz Phair, Courtney Barnett, or Colleen Green. Joining SLUGS tonight are the Buffalo punx in Basement Rat, the surf-punks in Slow Cooker, and Rochester indie pop royalty Pleistocene. Doors are at 8pm. Bring $5.

ROMP – Departure From Venus

March 14, 2016

When two individuals meet via Tinder, one would be safe to assume that there is a certain “connection” waiting to be made. That swipe to the right might result in a new partner if you catch my drift. In our age of digital love, what does a Tinder swipe really mean? In the case of Madison Klarer and Lucas Dalakian, Tinder was the vehicle that helped them create a completely professional musical relationship, aptly-named ROMP. Stranger things have happened, right? Either way, ROMP specializes in fun, synth-laden pop rock that’s riding the third-wave of nerd-chic acts a la Front Bottoms and Modern Baseball with a female-fronted touch (think Field Mouse or Tancred). In yet another stellar “aptly-named” decision, ROMP decided to name their first LP Departure From Venus. Themes of alienation, confusion, and twenty-something woes permeate the nine-songs on DFV. Opening track “Backfire” is an archetypal example of ROMP’s specialties – bouncy pop-punk about the awkwardness[...]

Genesee Live Premieres Latest Session feat. Pleistocene

March 3, 2016

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve posted about our buddies over at Genesee Live. The live session series is one of our favorites in the WNY area, specializing in acts from the Rochester-area. For their 31st installment, they’ve  teamed up with everyone’s favorite epoch, Pleistocene. A few years ago we saw front-woman Katie Preston rip a stripped-down solo set for the folks at Genesee Live. This time around the entire quartet is present and their quirky indie rock is operating at maximum jangle. A particular highlight is session opener “Joni,” which boasts a creative song structure, tight transitions, and unique surf-inspired riffs. We’ve posted the entire clip below for your enjoyment, but be sure to scroll through Genesee’s impressive back catalog of sessions here.

Hundred Plus Club Releases Debut EP

February 23, 2016

Local garage rockers Hundred Plus Club have just released their debut three-song EP, full of frantic, dance rock. This fresh-faced act recently recorded with Nick Borgosz at World of Noise Studios (Bryan Johnson & Family, M.A.G.S.). We recommend these guys if you would be interested in hearing what Dave Monks (Tokyo Police Club) would sound like as front man of The Rapture or Interpol. You can check out our personal favorite track from Three Songs, “Reversed,” below.

Muler – Unlikely Soldiers

February 8, 2016

If there’s one thing I have learned thus far in life, it’s that there is no substitute for experience. In terms of being a musician, there’s a certain type of maturity that comes with two and a half decades of playing music together. It’s an unbreakable but tumultuous bond that controls the subtle nuances that take a band from being good to being nuanced. Rochester’s Muler has been a band since 1992 – that’s a lot of life experience. Unlikely Soldiers is Muler’s triumphant second full length since reforming five years ago. The songs are tightly wound, catchy, and earnest, comparable to The Get Up Kids in their Guilt Show-era. In fact, the vibes while listening to Unlikely Soldiers are enough to bring me back about 15 years in time. This is welcome nostalgia; a listen through Unlikely Soldiers feels like 2002 surging through my ears. This batch of 10 songs would sit nicely upon a shelf next[...]

La Fiesta Lafayette Releases New EP

February 2, 2016

Mysterious lo-fi act La Fiesta Lafayette has just released a new three-song EP. Recorded on the cheap in in a run-down apartment with a gas leak, LFL has made efficient use of the surprisingly ideal bathroom acoustics. Capoed guitars and smooth mandolin tones lay the groundwork for LFL’s snarky, but fitting vocal delivery. What results is an impassioned acoustic effort in the same vein as Fevers and Mirrors-era Bright Eyes or Balance Problems. Check out “OpheliaOphelia” below.  

Tomoreaux Release Single from Forthcoming Debut Album

December 21, 2015

Local atmospheric nature rockers Tomoreaux have just released”In Plain Air,” the first single from the trio’s forthcoming debut record At Peace, Overlook. The new track channels the best of Sigur Ros and Local Natives, slowly building presence around a wispy, chiming guitar motif. The song’s apex finds the band experimenting with spacey chants and whispered falsetto, reminiscent of subtle Animal Collective vibes. You can catch Tomoreaux at their CD release next year (on 1/8/16 that is). Show details can be found HERE; while you browse show details, please enjoy the sounds of Tomoreaux below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/238030956″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Anthony Del Plato Releases Two New Singles

December 16, 2015

Our Batavian buddy Anthony Del Plato surprised us with a new two-song, EP last week, which he has affectionately self-titled. The first track, “Call and Answer,” is a wonderful addition to Del Plato’s canon. The song pairs autumn imagery with winter laments and is bolstered by spiraling guitars and Del Plato’s signature layered harmonies. “Numbers” is an ethereal take on a previously released song, reminiscent of Del Plato’s recent foray into electronica with new project, Tape Drive. As if that weren’t enough, Del Plato is on a roll having recently reunited with his Strings & Chords collaborator Bradley Kujawski for a one-off song under the moniker Junction Hill. Their new song, “Suburban Lawn Envy Blues,” is an upbeat number, despite the rainy weather being sung about. The grass is always greener, right guys?

Top 20 Buffalo Tracks: 5 Close Calls

December 14, 2015

It’s that time of year again, where we re-think and dissect every local song that we’ve come across organically or via submission. This is our fourth year counting down our top songs and this year, like every other year, has been difficult to whittle down. Like we always remind people, this list is subjective and not the end-all be all. I am sure there are amazing local songs that aren’t on our radar, but from what we have heard, we as a group have determined as the blog are our favorite songs of 2015. Here are five great songs ALMOST made our top 20. The Slums – “Plain Pine Box”  The Slums always deliver the perfect thrash song but “Plain Pine Box” might be the most perfect yet. “You can call me first and final nail in a plain pine box, I said I’d keep you separate but I guess[...]