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Tonight: Glass Animals

June 16, 2015

I still remember the first time I heard Glass Animals. It was about this time last year on a long road trip down to Bonnaroo. The band’s lead single “Gooey” seemed to an in an endless radio rotation, sandwitched between other recent buzz bands like Joywave and Walk the Moon. It was the type of song initially that seemed fun as a catchy pop song on a road trip, but not as much more than that. However, as the month passed, I still found myself coming back to it, something was sharper and stranger about it than the pop songs that surrounded it. Finally taking the plunge into the debut album, ZABA, I found myself richly rewarded. This was certainly an album that had all the hooks of a big indie pop record, but the more I listened, I found something more sexy and sinister about it. Having more in[...]

Tonight: Benjamin Booker

June 16, 2015

Benjamin Booker is certainly far from the first to mix the power and passion of blues with the vigorous energy and attitude of rock ’n’roll. But few in modern music seem as committed to the rawness and simplicity of their respective influences – which, in this Virginia Beach singer-songwriter’s case, is mostly DIY punk and bluesy garage-rock revival, with a dash of gritty, Joe Cocker-esque soul. And what better place to catch Booker’s intense, lo-fi rock approach than at Buffalo’s Tralf Music Hall tonight? From here he’ll be heading home, south to Virginia and then to Dover, Del. for the Firefly Music Festival. There he’ll be right at home with the likes of Hozier and Gary Clark, Jr., and hopefully find new fans amongst the 80,000 in attendance. For the blues-buff who finds someone like the aforementioned Hozier or the the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach too slick, too pop-oriented, Benjamin[...]

Tonight: The Smashing Pumpkins

June 15, 2015

If there is an artist that could sell out a show at the Riviera Theatre in less than three minutes, it’s Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins. The fact that he could have done the same at Shea’s, which is three times the capacity of the Riviera, is what will make this show special. The just over 1,000 people in attendance tonight will be taken on a musical journey throughout Corgan career, most notably his monumental catalog with the legendary Smashing Pumpkins. Corgan and friends will be treating the audience to an “acoustic-electro” evening, playing reworked, minimalistic versions of solo Corgan and Pumpkins tracks. This is the kickoff for the tour and is set to be a truly special night for all in attendance. There is no listed openers, but then again, they don’t really need any. Doors for the sold-out show are set to open at 8pm.

Tonight: White Lung

June 15, 2015

White Lung is a cool band from Vancouver, British Columbia which reminds me of Nardwuar and gets me wondering what he might show the four piece about its past albums and sounds. Maybe it’s that Canadian Indie Music Award nomination or all that good press from music magazines about 2012’s Sorry (because every song on that release is a jam). White Lung plays gritty punk for fans of RVIVR, The Measure [SA], and Priests. Obliterations, hardcore from Los Angeles, are on tour with White Lung, and local band Utah Jazz (with members from Mayday! and Brown Sugar) have the garage punk niche covered for tonight. Be at Mohawk Place tonight at 8pm with $12 at the door or you might be sorry.

Tonight: Pattern is Movement

June 14, 2015

Philadelphia indie duo, Pattern is Movement, is going on one last run before throwing in the towel this summer. After nearly fifteen years and five studio albums, the band will come to an end this coming Saturday in the pair’s Phily hometown, but not before making a stop in Buffalo this evening at Mohawk Place. The genre shifting duo, which over the years has incorporated elements of math rock, r&b, hip hop, neo-soul, and gospel into its cerebral catalog over the years, dropped its ultimately final album, Pattern is Movement, last year. The self titled swan song should appeal to fans of Dirty Projectors, Gayngs, Volcano Choir, and TV on the Radio. Opening for Pattern is Movement is Buffalo’s experimental drum duo, CCDS (Death Squad). Music kicks off this evening at 8pm with a cover of $10.

Tonight: Northern Spies

June 11, 2015

Lately it seems like some of Rochester’s best and up-and-coming acts have been making frequent stops to Buffalo and the trend continues tonight as ROCH foursome, Northern Spies, will take the stage at Sugar City. The power pop group, which features members of KOPPS and Quarries, recalls acts like Elvis Costello, the Byrds, REM, and Stephen Malkmus. While the band only has a short EP to its name, the late 2014 released Nothing But Static, its spring released Genesee Live session should give a nice indication of what to expect later on from NS. Music begins this 8pm with a cover of $5. Indie rock trio turned quartet, Wolf, and Steak & Cake’s politically minded act, RED HEAT, will round out the bill. And please remember to leave the booze and drugs at home as Sugar City is a substance free space.

Tonight: Arkells

June 11, 2015

The second installment of Thursday at Canalside 2015 keeps it going tonight with a visit from Hamilton, ON’s Arkells along with Robert DeLong and Milo Greene. Local favorites who almost qualify as local, Arkells have been journeying down the QEW to Buffalo for the last few years, gradually building a sizable audience for its potent power pop, currently showcased on most recent album, 2014’s High Noon. Rounding out tonight’s hodgepodge of acts will be Washington state EDM starlet Robert Delong and Los Angeles indie folk rockers Milo Greene. Tonight’s Thursday at Canalside will also be interesting to see how Canalside handles the crowds as amenities like beer, food, and port-a-potties that were lacking at last week’s kick off. Will supply satisfy demand? Will the NO FUN police break up excessive freedom? Will the crazy fun times continue? Find out tonight. Gates open at 5pm.

Tonight: Sleepy Hahas

June 10, 2015

The Sleepy Hahas were going to move to Athens Georgia, but due to unprecedented circumstances of colossal proportions, the now trio has elected to stay in the city it calls home. To celebrate, come out to The Studio at Waiting Room later on and have 1-38 drinks with Sleepy Hahas’ keyboard player, known by most as “Drunk Phil,” before the band ignites the upstairs room with old hits and new tunes from its upcoming album From the Bottom of a Warm Lake. When asked if there was anything people should know about the show, Hahas singer Pat Butler said “to be honest I don’t even know if I’ll still be alive by Thursday night, but if I am, it’ll be a great show. People should come out. We’ve been practicing all of the time and our sound is improving.” The Hahas are joined by local acts The Soft Love, SHEDS,[...]

Tonight: Jooklo Duo

June 9, 2015

Saxophonist Virginia Genta and drummer David Vanzan have been collaborating musically as Jooklo Duo since 2003. Since then, the pair have forged a visceral, impassioned sound that blends elements of free jazz and noise rock, making for chaotic spontaneous performances that continue the tradition of artists like Pharoah Sanders and John Coltrane. Their avant-garde inclinations have also led them to collaborations with Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Sonic Youth, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, and Andrew Barker. Tonight, Jooklo Duo will perform at Buffalo’s 9th Ward at Babeville along with local jazz artists Bacz/Sack Duo, who have been creating improvised music for several years and have recently been collaborating live with drummer Jim Abrason. Music starts at 8pm, admission price has been listed as pay what you can, suggesting $6-10. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/181667019″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Sam Moss

June 6, 2015

Tonight, Sam Moss will become the latest artist to have his musicianship echo off the walls of Buffalo’s storied grain silos. Moss, a singer/songwriter from Boston Massachusetts, has been lauded for his haunting spin on roots music. His ghostly vocals, rhythmic string playing, and intensely personal performance style are sure to make this Silo Sessions, the first to be filmed with a live audience, one you don’t want to miss. Obody and T.J. Borden add to the musical delights. Because this show is the last of a series of fundraisers that benefit the Public Picnic, you have no excuse to miss it! Show will be held in Marine A at Silo City (look for signs when parking on Silo City Row), with performances beginning at 7pm.

Tonight: Queen City Music Lottery #2 Showcase

June 6, 2015

The Queen City Music Lottery is an exciting experiment  that tests some of the myths we hang onto about bands, such as that they are made up of organically formed people who share deep personal bonds. Obviously, we know this isn’t actually the case but on some level, I think we unconsciously subscribe to this. This is why the Lottery sounds so intriguing. What happens if you assemble bands via lottery, what kind of random combinations of people does it create and what kind of music can they make in a short time? As I mentioned, the Queen City Music Lottery is Sugar City’s annual event where bands are assembled by drawing names out of a hat. These bands can be made up of long time musicians or people who have never picked up an instrument in their life, the bands are assembled and given a few months to coalesce.[...]

Tonight: (New England) Patriots

June 5, 2015

Kickstart your weekend with a showcase stacked with weirdo punk rock at Milkie’s tonight. Boston noise rockers, (New England) Patriots, will be taking you, or forcing you, on a sonic adventure in the headlining spot. The band features loud, strange, almost psychedelic sounding vocals, comparable to Ty Segall, along with an insane noise rock edge. Filling the local spots on the bill will be similar sounding local punks Alpha Hopper, the mellowed out Wax Mice, and Toppus Bottomus. The show starts at 9pm and tickets are only $4. At that price, there’s no reason NOT to go. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/142140729″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: The Demos

June 4, 2015

If a crowded Canalside isn’t your scene tonight, then stick to Allen St for a weekend pre-game bill made up of a trio of WNY rock acts. With a Genesee Live session on the way, in addition to a new EP set to drop sometime this summer, now is as good of a time as any to catch Rochester power pop act, The Demos, as the band is set to visit Nietzsche’s later on this evening. The band has been making a habit of visiting Buffalo lately, but with some new material under its belt ready to be road tested, you might as well start digging through your couch for $3 in change now to cover tonight’s door. Joining The Demos this evening will be The Soft Love and The Naturalists, two acts that will be a part of Quiet Country Audio’s Herd Fest showcase in a couple weeks at[...]

Tonight: Matt & Kim

June 4, 2015

It’s that time of year again. As the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer, the Thursday at Canalside series has returned, and kicking off the year is none other than Matt & Kim. While the Brooklyn act might not find its names on any year-end lists, few would argue with the pair’s incredible live shows. Bringing to the stage a catalog of shimmering catchy pop gems and raucuous energy, the duo has become a staple of summer music festivals and concert series. Even those who aren’t fans of the band’s catalog will be able to enjoy Matt & Kim’s series of enthusiastic covers and general sense of fun that few live acts these days can match. The band has played Buffalo more than a few times with the crowd growing on each successive visit, so expect to get down there early tonight (gates open at 5pm). And if that’s[...]

Tonight: Sebadoh

June 4, 2015

Sebadoh is hard to describe. The trio’s career, and subsequent sound, spans over a decade. They are kind of lo-fi, kind of all-American rock and roll, sometimes screamy, and a little experimental. I can only liken listening to their discography to that Dinosaur Jr. cover of “Just Like Heaven:” chaotic. But I am probably projecting; founding member Lou Barlow took a hiatus from Dinosaur Jr. to start Sebadoh in 1989. The lo-fi Cleveland act, Total Babes, which feature members of Cloud Nothings, open the show. The group sounds like it records in your bedroom, which is a good thing. Total Babes are cool, effortless, and clever. This should be a sweet start of summer gig. Sebadoh and Total Babes play at Mohawk Place tonight for $15. Doors open at 7pm.