Latest Posts

‘Tid The Season Night One at Riverworks (12/13/19)

December 17, 2019

It’s difficult to think of a band that puts on for their city harder than Every Time I Die. Over the years,  ETID’s holiday shows have become bigger and bigger,  and have evolved into a city wide phenomenon that can’t be ignored. The holiday shows have grown into a two day affair at Buffalo Riverworks, featuring 12 out of town bands of varying genres and two 25+ song headlining sets from Every Time I Die.  The first day alone featured All Get Out, Harm’s Way, Terror, The Damned Things, Against Me!, and of course, ETID. Thousands of fans from all over the world flocked to Buffalo over the weekend, saw all that our city has to offer, supported our businesses, and witnessed what is always one of the craziest shows of the year. I’m sure everyone in attendance is already counting down the days until next year. Check out our photos from the first night of[...]

Third Eye Blind at Artpark (7/3/19)

July 8, 2019

Last Wednesday, Third Eye Blind brought their Summer Gods 2019 tour to Artpark in Lewiston.  The heat did not deter the eager crowd, as the outdoor amphitheater seriously filled filled out over the course of the blistering day. Around 6pm, Ra Ra Riot set things into motion with a short, solid set which definitely got the crowd warmed up. Jimmy Eat World then took the stage, playing a career spanning set which heavily focused on their classic 2001 record, Bleed American. It’s safe to say that Jimmy Eat World’s hit filled set was definitely a highlight of the night.  Third Eye Blind also took the same approach. They played tracks from all of their records, including some brand new material, but they mainly focused on their iconic 1997 Self-Titled debut LP.  “Jumper,” “How’s It Gonna Be,” “Semi-Charmed Life,” they wasted no time in playing all the hits and lesser known[...]

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[...]

Basement at Rec Room (05/17/19)

May 21, 2019

This past Friday, UK indie/pop punk outfit, Basement, made their return to Buffalo.  Following their appearance a little over a year ago opening for The Front Bottoms at Riverworks, they now have a new album under their belt, titled Beside Myself.  Though the group’s sound has slightly drifted from their original roots, it seemed to have work out for the better, as their fan base seems more passionate than ever.  Buffalo showed up for the show, the crowd seemed to love every minute of their set, filling out the Rec Room.  Their set list included a handful of new tracks, as well as a bunch of old ragers. Both the old and new kept the crowd moving throughout the entire set, and they treated Buffalo to a great show. The gig was kicked off with a tight set from 90’s inspired grunge/emo four piece Teenage Wrist, as well as a exceptional, immensely loud set from[...]

Ryan Luce at The Tabernacle (5/4/19)

May 7, 2019

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Ryan Luce returned home to Buffalo to commemorate the release of his newest EP, California Gold, at the resplendent altar of The Tabernacle at Sweet_ness 7 Cafe on May 4th, with fellow Brooklynite and California native DM Salsberg as his supporting act. Drawing upon the rich musical tradition of folk, Americana, country, and Laurel Canyon rock, California Gold showcases Luce’s apt lyricism and plaintive voice, ruminating on love, loss, and the hopes and dreams of the small town everyman. With lush accompaniment by Omer Ashano on violin, Matthew Sapp on electic bass, Salsberg on keys and vocals, and Buffalo’s own musical polymath Harry Graser on drums, Luce enchanted the audience with his sweet and shimmering songs, as golden as a California sunset on the Santa Monica Pier. DM Salsberg Ryan Luce

Younger Then at Mr. Goodbar (4/27/19)

April 30, 2019

Buffalo’s Younger Then ended a five-year hot streak with their final show at Mr. Goodbar on Friday, April 27th. Channeling their love of outsized alternative rock––U2, Arkells, Cage The Elephant, Kings of Leon, The Strokes, among others––the band combined richly-textured riffs with propulsive grooves, soaring vocals, and hooks as massive as the Grand Canyon. Playing to a packed house, the band pulled no punches, tearing through their greatest hits and fan favorites from their full-length album, “Bad Life” (Standby Records), and their self-titled debut EP. Though it was certainly bittersweet to commemorate the end of a talented group, the members of Younger Then––singer Zack Dupuis, guitarists Michael Wirth and Austin Dorr, drummer Jeremy Shields, and bassist Matt Dudek––are already planning their next moves, with a series of new projects in the works. Supporting acts included rust-belt rockers The Eaves and Rochester’s power-pop purveyors The Demos. The Eaves The Demos Younger Then

Lesionread at Mohawk Place (3/2/19)

March 5, 2019

Audio-visual manipulator Shawn E. Lewis resurrected his Lesionread project for a night of mind-warping mayhem at Mohawk Place, having shifted his artistic focus to his on-going production/percussion duties for Space Cubs. Kicking off his set with “2019,” a frantic, stream-of-consciousness spoken word released as a video back in January, Lewis swan-dove deep into his psyche while simultaneously excoriating the corrupt institutions of the powers that be. Featuring a crazy light show, video projections, crowd participation, dancing red people, and a cameo appearance by Lesionread alumnus Reggie Clark on bass, Lewis didn’t blur the lines between performance art and live music; rather, he erased those distinctions entirely, creating a truly outrageous, interactive experience that has to be seen to be believed. Lesionread was supported that evening by Dogs in Stereo (lo-fi rock and roll), The Gennies (“Blues for recovering punks”), Reggie Clark’s VR Sunset (psychedelic yacht rock), and VHS Era (dreamy synth-pop). VHS Era[...]

M.A.G.S. at Nietzsche’s (12/22/18)

December 27, 2018

Elliott Douglas, the multi-talented musical force behind M.A.G.S. came home for the holidays for a headlining slot at Buffalo’s Nietzsche’s on December 22nd. Having recently relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his artistic muse, this rare opportunity for M.A.G.S. to play the Queen City was met with a rapturous response, as friends, peers, and fans came out of the woodwork in support of Douglas. A gifted singer-songwriter and a serious multi-instrumentalist, Douglas was joined by his brother Christian on bass and Deadwolf’s Tyler Mendola on drums for a raucous evening of impactful indie-punk classics, including a selection of brand-new songs. Supporting acts that evening included Feverbox, playing in support of their new Political Theater EP, Rochester’s The Demos, keeping the spirit of The Strokes alive and well, and powder-keg punks SMUG, setting the stage for a night of playful mayhem. SMUG The Demos Feverbox M.A.G.S.

Johnny Marr at Town Ballroom (10/20/18)

October 23, 2018

Legendary Smiths guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr made a much-anticipated appearance in Buffalo with a sold-out show at Town Ballroom on October 20, 2018. A dynamic and lively performer, the Britpop icon treated the rapturous crowd with a indelible setlist of masterful jangle-pop, swaggering indie-rock, and choice covers of classic Smiths cuts (“Bigmouth Strikes Again,” “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out,” among others). One of the most inventive and influential guitarists today, Johnny Marr and his band demonstrated the enduring power and emotional resonance of rock and roll. Marr was supported by Vancouver, British Columbia’s Belle Game, whose ethereal crush-pop anthems set the stage for a night of euphoric bliss. Belle Game Johnny Marr

Bully at Mohawk Place (9/21/18)

September 25, 2018

Nashville’s Bully brought down the house at Buffalo’s Mohawk Place on September 21st, touring in support of their ferocious sophomore LP, Losing (Sub Pop). Bully reignited the raw intensity of 90s grunge and indie-alternative with confessional, intimate lyrics indebted to classic emo, with Alicia Bognanno’s sandpaper rasp spitting caustic kiss-offs to anyone with the gall to stand in her way. Along for the ride that evening were fellow Nashvillains JEFF the Brotherhood, whose latest record, Magick Sounds (Dine Alone), deepens and expands upon the band’s downtuned garage-rock sound with elements of drone, psychedelic, and even krautrock. Originally a two-piece, brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall were joined onstage by an expanded lineup featuring members of Daddy Issues, The Dead Weather, and Raconteurs, whose masterful playing created an atmosphere of hypnotic, surreal intensity. Opening the show that night were Buffalo’s own Made Violent, proving that the Queen City is no slouch when it comes to raucous rock[...]

Humble Braggers at Nietzsche’s (9/1/18)

September 5, 2018

Synth-pop fan favorites Humble Braggers celebrated the release of their newest EP, Cycle (Admirable Traits Records), with a spectacular musical showcase at Nietzsche’s on September 1st, 2018. Eschewing guitars in favor of lush synth pads, and with a greater emphasis on dance rhythms, Cycle explores feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt over some of the most jubilant pop hooks the band has crafted yet. With a stunning light show from Shawn E. Lewis, Humble Braggers’ transcendent and impassioned tunes simply exploded onstage. The band were supported by experimental pop purveyors Space Cubs and effervescent jangle-pop quintet Little Summer, with a closing indie-dance set from DJ collective Dance Yrself Clean. Little Summer Space Cubs Humble Braggers

G-Eazy at Darien Lake (08/24/18)

August 28, 2018

Last Friday, Darien Lake was treated to a packed hip hop show filled with both superstars and up and coming artists.  Over the course of the night, the amphitheater filled up to capacity, while P-Lo, YBN Nahmir, Murda Beatz, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Uzi Vert, and G-Eazy all performed high energy sets. There was a little something for everyone, and the crowd seemed head over heels while the artists played their chart topping hits. Check out some photos from the night below, shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. YBN Nahmir Murda Beatz Ty Dolla $ign Lil Uzi Vert G-Eazy  

Alkaline Trio at Town Ballroom (8/11/18)

August 15, 2018

Ahead of the release of their new album due out later this month, Alkaline Trio made their long awaited return to Buffalo on Saturday.  The iconic pop punk act absolutely packed the Town Ballroom, selling out the show months in advance.  They played a whopping 22 song set, spanning their entire back catalog dating back to 1998, and mainly focused on songs from their 2003 record, Crimson and their new record that comes out in a couple weeks, Is This Thing Cursed?.  The energy in the room was insane for their entire set and the band took minimal breaks, making up for lost time since their last stop in Buffalo.  Check out some photos from the awesome show below, including shots of the energetic LA based rock crew, together PANGEA.  All photos shot by blog photographer, Brendan O’Connor. together PANGEA Alkaline Trio

Fleet Foxes at Artpark (07/26/18)

August 3, 2018

Last week, Artpark served as the perfect backdrop for Fleet Foxes show in WNY in quite some time.  The night was kicked off with a short but sweet set by Nilüfer Yanya and her band.  She began her set solo, but eventually brought her band mates out to finish out her half hour set, packed with sweet, soulful tracks.  Her mellow set served as the perfect warm up for the indie folk titans, Fleet Foxes.  During my dig for info on Fleet Foxes last appearance in WNY, I actually wasn’t able to find anything, just to give you an idea of how longs it’s been.  They did make up for lost time though,  performing a huge 20 song set packed with songs from all three of their studio records. Artpark’s scenic backdrop combined with the warm sunset provided the absolute perfect setting for the show.  Check out some photos from the night below, taken by blog photographer,[...]

Father John Misty at Canalside (07/26/18)

July 30, 2018

Three years after his last appearance at the Town Ballroom, Father John Misty made his triumphant return to Buffalo. Since his last appearance in 2015, Mr. Tillman and crew have released two critically acclaimed full length records, 2017’s Pure Comedy, and 2018’s God’s Favorite Customer.  The sizeable crowd in attendance was treated to a handful of tracks from both of those records, as well as a bunch off of his first two full lengths under his Father John Misty moniker. Supported by his tight backing band, Tillman went all in with his infamous showmanship, seemingly to frantically preach to the crowd at points, begging and pleading. Highlights included a stunning performance of “Bored in the USA,” closing out the main set with an insanely grandiose rendition “I Love You, Honeybear,” and kicking off the encore with “Real Love Baby”, equal parts sweet and soaring.  Over the course over his 20[...]