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Tonight: Down

August 10, 2015

Phil Anselmo is a busy, busy man. In addition to running his record label, Housecore Records, and playing in about 20 different bands (seriously), Phil still has the time to tour the world with his main squeeze, Down. Those that remember Phil as the enigmatic frontman for metal legends Pantera often find that same wild spirit festering in Down, albeit a southern-fried, sludgey version. Full of low-end, slow speed chugging, coupled with the sleaziest stoner riffs, Down are the kings of that New Orleans influenced, down-south sound. Tonight (7pm, $26) the kings make their crawling passage through Buffalo, celebrating 20 years of foggy memories and impossibly slow riffage. Town Ballroom holds the key.

Tonight: Kevin Greenspon

August 8, 2015

Tonight, Squeaky Wheel hosts what promises to be an engaging performance by composer and video artist, Kevin Greenspon. Greenspon will be performing To Leave a Mark, a collection of electronic music that mixes spacious melody with spurts of noise and distortion and is intercut with fast cut video montages promising to coax “the viewer into a state of self-reflection.” Touring regularly for years, Greenspon also finds the time to run the record label, Bridgetown Records, which releases music by his “like-minded peers from the deep reaches of the underground.”  Opening for Greenspon is Frankie NP and Nick Gordon: two Buffalo artists who have performed for years under a number of guises and monikers, each instantiation of their work showing equal talent and inventiveness. This is not a performance to be missed. Music begins tonight at 8pm. The first come, first seated event is$5 for non-members, free for Squeaky Wheel members.

Tonight: The Church

August 8, 2015

It is easy to forget that there was a time when independent, or “indie” music as it’s most commonly referred to, actually meant something. In 2015, every website, bandcamp, and band has the “indie” label affixed to its name. You could argue that any band that picks up an instrument and plays original songs is an independent band, in the sense that they are acting independently of whatever else surrounds them, but that would be missing the point. “Independent,” as it was originally conceived, represented music treading new grounds. The term became popular in the 80’s, when groups realized they didn’t have to follow the same old commercial mold. One such band provided one of the finest offerings of this new approach. The Church were an alternative rock band that sprinkled in neo-psychedelic tendencies with haunting riffs, and combined it with progressive flair. Much like their contemporaries Echo and the[...]

Tonight: The Receiver

August 8, 2015

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[...]

Today: Vaggie Fest

August 8, 2015

The sixth annual Vaggie Fest takes place today at the Adam Mickiewicz Library. Originally a riff on Veggie Fest, the all day festival is a celebration of women in punk from in and around the WNY  area. Groups from Pittsburgh, Montreal, Toronto, Rochester, and Buff will be on hand to shred. Canada is represented by VCR, weirdo Toronto wailers, on tour with eclectic group Tonka and Puma while Montreal offers up queercore hardcore (the best kind) band Pretty Boys. Seismic Thrust brings a different kind of Philly flavor with their jangly alt country,and PBGH neighbors Cruces dish out blues vocals with stoner doom instrumentals. Fellow Steel City act Brazilian Wax will bring some riot grrl flavor for a new generation. Chimes sounds like the NY/NJ indie scene they’re from with their psychedelic slacker jams while the familiar fuzzy garage sounds of Rochester friends Green Dreams will supplement the know em love[...]

Tonight: Beams

August 6, 2015

After tackling Detroit last night, Ontario alt-folk collective Beams will continue its first tour through the states this evening at Mohawk Place. Armed with a 1-2 punch female harmony and a singing saw, the group recently recorded its most recent EP, The Gutters & The Glass, with Tortoise and Sea & Cake member John McEntire, who has previously worked with Yo La Tengo, Stereolab, and Broken Social Scene. Beams reminds us of a rootsy version of Arcade Fire with touches of Neko Case sprinkled in for good measure. The band also has a pretty great and unexpected cover of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” which was previously covered by Chromatics on their 2007 record Night Drive. Check it out below. On hand for opening support tonight will be the crust buskers of Pine Fever and the folk group of Observers. Music begins this evening at 8pm with a measly cover of only[...]

Tonight: Cop Circles

August 6, 2015

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: Incubus & Deftones

August 2, 2015

These days, the so-called nu metal movement of the late 90s and early Aughts – spawning such atrocities as Papa Roach, Kid Rock and Linkin Park, to name a few – is typically dismissed with the contempt and scorn it so rightfully deserves. But, as is the case with most fad sub-genres, it also spawned a handful of artists who are actually worth your time and money. Chief among these nu-metal diamonds in the rough was the Sacramento art-metal quintet the Deftones. While their contemporaries have mostly fallen by the wayside, finally succumbing to years critical panning and godawful records, the Deftones have remained popular and even acclaimed, buoyed largely by their varied influences, adventurous experimentation and flair for juxtaposing beautiful, serene moments with vicious screaming and chainsaw riffage. You could make the same case for the alt/funk rockers Incubus, who while best known for their 2000 rock ballad “Drive,”[...]

Tonight: Blueprint

July 31, 2015

World-class lyricist Blueprint is headed into the Studio at the Waiting Room to perform tonight. The Rhymesayers MC is a frequent collaborator with some of independent hip hop’s best, like producer RJD2 and rapper Illogic, as well as his high-profile labelmates Atmosphere and Aesop Rock. As expected with a Rhymesayers signee, Blueprint can rap his face off, and often does so on genre-bending production. Blueprint’s latest album King No Crown is a fusion of the soul samples and experimental sounds that have brought his projects acclaim in the past. Joining Blueprint in the show is the North Carolina veteran rapper Supastition. Best known for his 2013 single “Yada Yada” Supa’s career extends from his time as a NC battle rapper in the late 90s to his current role as an artist and social activist. Tickets are going for $10-$12, and doors are opening up at 7 pm.

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

July 30, 2015

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[...]

Tonight: Bourbon and Coffee

July 30, 2015

Freak-beat poetry unit Bourbon and Coffee is taking on the task of tackling Neutral Milk Hotel’s seminal album In the Aeroplane Over the Sea in full tonight at Dreamland. Those who attended the now defunct Inventory Mondays at Hardware a couple years back may remember B&C leader Ian Be performing the occasional selection off of the album on his ukulele in what appears to be some sneaky foreshadowing to this evening’s event. Joining the group will be Tins’ drummer Dave Muntner and Space Cubs herself, Suzanne Bonifacio. In addition, B&C will be their own opening act, delivering a set of original material before diving into the Neutral Milk Hotel masterwork. Music begins tonight at 6pm while the first strum of “King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One” should ring sometime around 7pm.

Tonight: Mischief Brew

July 29, 2015

In 2009, I was listening to a lot of folk punk. I remember emailing Mischief Brew to see if they wanted to play a show at my college. It never came to fruition, but they still have a spot in my heart. This evening at Sugar City, the group, touring from the Philadelphia area, is back, set to pump out the kind of goofy folk punk you can sing along to. Tonight’s support begins with Pine Fever, a band of Buffalo buskers for fans of Defiance, Ohio that compliment Mischief Brew nicely. Also from Philly, Dark Thoughts offer Ramones style, snotty punk rock and roll. Rounding out the night is Aaron and the Burrs, two thirds comprised of members of the band Blobs. I love contemporary surf rock and this band puts their own spin on it, taking it back to pure instrumental. There is something for everyone tonight at Sugar City. Doors[...]

Tonight: Grace Potter

July 28, 2015

Known for her upbeat blend of soulful retro-rock, Grace Potter makes her way back to the Western New York region at Artpark this evening. The St. Lawrence grad has continued her solo career for yet another tour, emerging from the rock roots of her backing band, the Nocturnals. Potter will release her much-anticipated album Midnight on August 14th, which the audience can hope to get a glimpse of tonight at the show, along with popular hits like “Alive Tonight” and “Stars.” Accompanying Potter tonight is neo-country turned  grunge rocker Jessica Lea Mayfield. Only general admission tickets remain for $17 at the door. Gates open at 4:45pm today and the show will start at 6:30pm.

Tonight: Lord Huron

July 28, 2015

Following performances from the likes of Neutral Milk Hotel, The Tallest Man On Earth, and Strand of Oaks (among others) over the past few months, Buffalo’s summer folk streak continues full-steam tonight at the Town Ballroom. West coast indie-folk unit Lord Huron will make a stop in Buffalo just before their Strange Trails tour takes them across the border. Michigan-bred but Los Angeles-based, Lord Huron’s crisp and handsome indie-folk is comparable to contemporaries The Lone Bellow or Horse Feathers (also from L.A.), both of which already having made stops in the Nickel City this year (#folkstreak2015). Tonight’s show supports LH’s latest full-length, the excellent Strange Trails, which was released earlier this year via Dead Oceans; I would put my money on hearing a lot of those songs tonight. Side note: if you haven’t already, check out Lord Huron’s collection of captivating music videos, each of them setting a pretty high standard[...]

Tonight: Strand of Oaks

July 25, 2015

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[...]