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Tonight: The Internet

September 28, 2015

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

September 26, 2015

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[...]

Tonight: IAMDYNAMITE

September 25, 2015

At some point in time, over the last ten years or so, 80’s music suddenly became cool again. People started getting hip to the fact that retro-style new wave was catchy as all hell and, honestly, just fun, fun music. This led to some great bands, a lot of so-so bands, and a legion of please-stop-now bands. Place IAMDYNAMITE in that first category. With an undeniably catchy sound found somewhere in the midst of the Police, Hall and Oates, and Modern English, IAMDYNAMITE has carved out a unique niche in the 80’s influenced pop world. To simply label them an “80’s retro band” does a great injustice. Pulling influences from a modern assortment of electronic music, current pop and pop-punk they have developed a sound that can only be described as their own. Tonight, IAMDYNAMITE are in town celebrating the release of their new album, Wasa Tusa. You can catch[...]

Tonight: Newish Star

September 24, 2015

After a summer long slew of free shows that featured the likes of Governess, Dreambeaches, Sonny Baker, Kharlos, and more, Queen City Cartel’s bi-monthly showcase in the back room of Hardware is coming to an end (just for the season, though, so don’t be sad). For the final bill of the summer series, QCC welcomes the sharp pop/punk West Side trio, Newish Star. Since debuting in the spring of 2013, the three piece has already amassed a deep catalog, one that included two new releases this year alone, of clever, over-before-you-know-it nuggets. If you missed Newish Star’s nearly washed out set at the once again soaked Music Is Art festival a couple weeks back, tonight’s gig should be considerably more dry. Opening for NS will be the raucous, lo-fi punk pair Space is Haunted. Like all QCC showcases this summer, tonight’s finale is free of charge. Music begins at 10pm.[...]

Tonight: Worriers

September 23, 2015

Straight out of Brooklyn, Worriers have been blazing across the country in true punk glory. Half sprechgesang (a la Hold Steady, use a dictionary!), half spitfire-punk, this band is leading the pack with socially conscious lyrics and songs that feel like a sucker punch to the face. Unsurprisingly, Worrier’s newest release, Imaginary Life, was produced by the legendary Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! fame. Worriers will fit right in at Sugar City this evening. Green Dreams and the Patterns are slotted for support. The show is only $6 and it starts at 7pm.

Tonight: Godflesh

September 22, 2015

As further proof that Buffalo is getting almost every incredible tour this year, metalheads and lovers of all things experimental rejoice as yet another stacked tour package takes the stage at the Tralf Music Hall this evening. Godflesh, absolute pioneers and legends within the industrial metal scene, will be headlining tonight’s show, and for good reason. The band has been active since the late 80’s, and has put out solidly received material ever since, including the 2014 album A World Lit Only By Fire. Opening for Godflesh will be noise legend Prurient. Even though Dominick Fernow has been active within the experimental / noise scene since the late 90’s, his popularity has recently picked up steam after his incredibly well received album Frozen Niagara Falls dropped earlier this year. There are no locals on the show tonight (bummer), and doors are set to open at 7pm with music at 8pm. There are still[...]

Tonight: Alabama Shakes

September 21, 2015

Alabama Shakes, the pride of Athens, Alabama, have taken the world by storm thanks in no small part to the almost otherworldly brilliance of Brittany Howard, and after a terrific summer of shows they’ll be getting our Fall started with a WNY debut tonight at Artpark. Having just stomped the sophomore slump into the dust with this year’s bold Sound & Color, Alabama Shakes have shown both moxy and staying power, and this show is a real treat for local music audiences eager to see what the fuss is all about while the band’s still on the way up. Fresh off an opening stint with Robert Plant And The Sensational Shape Shifters, Troy, New York folk singer/songwriter Sean Rowe will be on hand for support. Doors open at 7pm, and tickets on the lawn are still available for $35.

Tonight: Built to Spill

September 21, 2015

There’s just nothing wrong with Built to Spill. The long running indie band is possibly the best thing to come out of Boise, Idaho besides my penpal and I guess the potato. Town Ballroom will once again host this important act tonight as the group tours for its eighth studio album Untethered Moon, which dropped this past April. As monoliths of indie, BTS still influences many of your modern emo faves. With soothing sounds and lyrics about getting high and first lusts, its easy to understand why they’re still rocking and rolling. Cool Toronto band Crosss will open. Doors are at 7pm and tickets are $25.

Tonight: Atlas Genius

September 19, 2015

Buffalo will play home to one of the most popular up-and-coming bands in indie rock tonight in Atlas Genius. Fresh off the release of their sophomore album, these Australian brothers look to make good on the promise of their first album and it’s huge breakthrough hit, “Trojans.” Mixing melancholy and infectiously hooky pop music, the band will be sure to provide quite the dance party for those making it out to Waiting Room this evening. Atlas Genius only continues to seem to be moving on to bigger and better things, so tonight could be a rare opportunity to catch the rising act at a smaller venue. Also, make sure to get there early for NY post-punkers, Mainland. The band has a sleek breezy indie rock sound and just released the Jim Eno (Spoon) produced EP, Anyway. The group has a very anthemic UK indie rock sound and should make for a wonderful[...]

Tonight: Taking Back Saturday

September 18, 2015

We all wish we could go back to a simpler time. Let that time be the early 2000’s, when the likes of Bert McCracken and Gerard Way reigned supreme and teased half-mullets were the hairstyle of choice. Sure, the emo kids got shat on as much as any hipster does today but let’s face it, we loved emo music and emo music loved us. buffaBLOG is kicking off our “Taking Back Saturday: A Night of Emo Music” series tonight at Milkie’s on Elmwood, with plans to make it a continual event. What other time will it be appropriate to bust out your youth sized At The Drive-In shirt and channel Adam Lazzara’s stage moves? To make things extra nostalgic, there will be guest DJ appearances from Jeff Czum (Cute Is What We AIm For), Anthony Musior (Mandy K), and Nick Sessanna (In Motion). 10pm fun, $5 is all it will[...]

Tonight: MAKJ

September 18, 2015

As the fall slowly approaches, Buffalo nightlife says goodbye to Sky Bar and welcomes back LiFT Nightclub. The fall opening kicks off tonight with MAKJ, presented by Factory Nightlife. Located in downtown Buffalo, LiFT is known for its dynamic lighting, ultramodern sound system and of course, the artists that make the club come alive. LiFT has featured artists like Cosmic Gate, Audien and Tritonal, making it one of Buffalo’s most popular venues for electronic music. Otherwise known as Mackenzie Johnson, MAKJ is now thriving as a producer, mostly known for his electro-house remixes and collabs with artists like Hardwell and Bingo Players,. With three Beatport Top 10 hits, including his work with Hardwell on “Countdown,” and his 2014 smash “Let’s Get F*cked Up” with Lil Jon, he continues to shake the airwaves with his weekly radio show and tracks released on his SoundCloud. Local support will come from Jesse Aaron and Eyes Everywhere. [soundcloud[...]

Radarada

Tonight: Radarada & Death Picnic feat. Short Moscato

September 18, 2015

Radarada, one of Buffalo’s most prolific hip-hop ensembles, promises to get you turned up tonight at Nietzsche’s. They’re playing all the old favorites that most fans know by heart. It’s no secret these guys are a lot of fun on stage and put on a high-energy show that keeps you buzzing for hours afterwards, but I have to say since I first saw them perform last summer, the band has grown significantly more confident and comfortable in their sound. This forward mobility breaths new life into songs I’ve heard before, making them sound more rich and dynamic with each performance. If you miss out on seeing them tonight, catch them tomorrow at the Elmwood Village Associations’ 20 Block Bash (between West Utica and Hodge) from 5pm -10 pm. Also featured in tonight’s showcase is one of Buffalo’s freshest hip-hop outfits, Death Picnic featuring Short Moscato. They offer no lulls in the[...]

Tonight: ronaldraygun

September 18, 2015

ronaldraygun is finishing its Buffalo career tonight at Mohawk Place. The band plays spacey and psychedelic rock n’ roll almost reminiscent of Janice Joplin in attitude and sound, but tinged with punk and grunge moments. The departing group will be joined by enigmatic comedian and artist Clayton Williams. Having played together before, hometown classics and Mohawk royalty Irving Klaws and the raygun crew are no strangers. Their rockabilly meets Tony Hawk Pro Skater-core has been drawing fans to Mohawk for years and will be sure to make the farewell a memorable one. The BiPolaroids will round out the night beginning at 8pm. Cover is $5.

Tonight: Murder By Death

September 16, 2015

If your Wednesday plans involve Netflix and a pizza-induced coma, you’re doing something wrong. Now before you get your jimmies all rustled because I just shit-talked pizza, keep reading. Between this weekend’s MiA festivities, Monday’s of Montreal show, and Mikal Cronin’s visit to Mohawk Place last night, Buffalo has been on somewhat of a hot streak. And that streak continues tonight at Waiting Room with a set from Indiana roots rock outfit Murder By Death. For those unfamiliar, Murder By Death crafts a particularly gothic-tinged vein of Americana; imagine a Decemberists / Deer Tick crossover for a good starting point. The five-piece tour in support of its latest effort, the crowdfunded Big Dark Love, released earlier this year on Bloodshot Records. Tonight’s show features local slots from Sonny Baker (having just released a sizzling full-band EP last month), and The Leones, the fresh folkgaze project of former Crows and Jays frontman[...]

Tonight: Mikal Cronin

September 15, 2015

Over three albums, Mikal Cronin has established himself as an incredibly consistent and solid musician, creating catchy and throughly enjoyable power pop since launching his solo career in 2011. Having previously recorded with Ty Segall, Cronin skews in a sunnier direction that Segall’s sludgey garage rock, favoring lusher instrumentation and more tuneful vocals. Obviously indebted to the heady mix of yearning and soaring melody that characterized Big Star’s  most upbeat songs. Cronin’s most recent album, MCIII, released earlier this Spring fills out the promise of his breakthrough, MCII, with better recording quality and added strings and horns. The album’s latest single, “Made My Mind Up,” playing to all the right anthemic notes. This concert should prove an excellent way to celebrate the last few blissfully nice nights of Summer as it gives to chill of Fall. Doors for tonight’s show open at 7pm with a cover of $14. Arts & Crafts pop artist[...]