Latest Posts

Tonight: The Hold Steady

April 8, 2014

One time I heard the Hold Steady described as “Bar Rock for literates,” and to this day, I think that’s the best description I’ve heard of them. Thoughtful lyrics spoken story-like to the tune of hard-driving indie music with classic rock leanings. I suppose that’s an oversimplification, but it’s apt. If you have never heard the Hold Steady, I suggest you check out any of their first four albums (although, in truth, I like Heaven is Whenever just as much as those other releases). The music pulsates and the lyrics have a certain kind of weight that songwriters often strive for, but fail to capture. Perhaps that’s what’s made them so popular over the years. Despite the departure of original member and musical genius Franz Nicolay, the band’s popularity has continued to grow in recent years and the Hold Steady now find themselves on the road supporting their recently released,[...]

Tonight: Screaming Females

April 6, 2014

There’s something ironic about having a band like New Jersey’s Screaming Females playing at Buffalo Iron Works. Something just doesn’t sit right with me. A band who has worked with the likes of Steve Albini playing at a venue that sells four dollar Pabst Blue Ribbons. Not that they have any say in a venue’s drink prices. It just doesn’t seem right is all. The Screaming Females scream Old Milwaukee and rot gut whiskey. They scream dirt, grime, and hepatitis. When you hear vocalist/ guitarist Marissa Paternoster belt out verses lines like, “I’m on a mission to smash the mirror/ Get myself off the scale,” you imagine it being in a dive bar in the deep swallows of the city. A place where you’d imagine to find an overdosed Iggy Pop, circa 1972, not in a bar in the cobblestone district with six dollar draft beers. I hope you made[...]

Tonight: Healing Mary Moser

April 5, 2014

When one goes to a U2 show you are invariably treated to a sermon (or two) from Bono about people of great importance, usually in far away lands, like Mandela or Aung San Suu Kyi. The last time U2 played Buffalo in 2005 the audience at the HSBC Arena however was treated to a loving and beautiful tribute from Bono to WNY’s own Bruce and Mary Moser. It was almost surreal, seeing and hearing the frontman for one of the biggest bands EVER paying heartfelt homage to local folks from our music community from the stage, but if anybody deserved it, it’s the Mosers. Their contributions to Buffalo’s music community is incalculable, and it’s safe to say that the burgeoning scene we’re enjoying today has been built on the foundations they’ve laid by folks following in their footsteps, which is why the benefit being held for Mary Moser tonight at[...]

Rhubarb w/Ocupanther & Brown Sugar

April 4, 2014

We have a triple threat on our hands tonight. Each act offers a mind-bending exploration of sound, that is, if you choose to let go. Think of them as a triple-layer popsicle–flavors blending and melting together, yet distinguishable by taste and age. First on the roster is Buffalo-born Rhubarb, formed in the late 1990’s when trapper keepers were in the limelight and we prepared for epic millennium celebrations around the globe. Perhaps this pivotal timing had something to do with their sound. It’s not the over-saturated and aimless wanderings most ‘psychedelic’ music cares to label itself. Rhubarb clearly takes its roots from a jazz-standpoint, like Medeski, Martin, & Wood, slowly carving out a sensual rhythm and twisting the beat into a delightful daydream, steady on percussive leads. Next in line is Rochester-based Ocupanther, who take their name from a mythical Ocular Panther who gains control of a soul through hypnotic[...]

Tonight: Cloud Nothings

April 4, 2014

Cloud Nothings is one of those groups that become popular simply because there is no other option. Too inspiring to remain hidden, too interesting to blend in with the grey scenery, too good to go unnoticed, the now trio has become one of the most talked about bands in rock’n’roll. They have the “it” factor, as cliche as it is to say. You could sense it in Dylan Baldi’s (Cloud Nothings’ driving force and primary songwriter) earlier works. On their self-titled and Turning On, we were treated to brilliant fragments…. transcendent glimpses, albeit through a lo-fi pop punk medium. On their last release however, Attack on Memory, the group broke out with sonically compelling, tension filled songs that defy categorization; anger, pain and longing ever-present. “I thought I would be more than this” screams Baldi on “Wasted Days,” and we relate because it’s something many of us have thought at one time or[...]

Tonight: Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers

April 3, 2014

Tonight, Buffalo’s incredibly busy spring rumbles on with a visit by Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers to the Buffalo Iron Works in the Cobblestone District. The daughter of The Band’s Levon Helm and singer Libby Titus, and veteran of the Midnight Ramble Band, Amy Helm serves up a potent and soulful brand of Americana music that’s eternally evergreen, delightfully mischievous, and sure to please fans of The Band and the Blue Heron Festival set. Local troublemakers and blog favorites Ten Cent Howl open the show with their country infused bold mayhem. Doors open at 8 PM and tickets are $25.

Tonight: House Concert w/ John Langford & Skull Orchard

April 2, 2014

Get up close and personal with Jon Langford & Skull Orchard tonight at the Boratin-Tanner home in Hamburg. Langford, a versatile folk-punk musician, has performed in the backing band for This American Life and is considered a staple of the Chicago music scene. Local songsters Unwelcome Guests will kick off the event with an acoustic set at 7:30pm. Don’t miss this unique and bound-to-be-great house concert.  

Tonight: buffaBLOG 4th Birthday Party

March 29, 2014

Our birthday has arrived. Well, technically its tomorrow, but we are close enough. This evening at Duke’s, we will celebrate four years of the blog with a great cast of bands from over the WNY area. If you missed any of the spotlights on the acts playing tonight, make a moment to brush up below. Mr. Boneless Harmonica Lewinski Alex Berkley & the Atlanta Falcons Real People Chauncey Tails I suppose there isn’t much more to say. Thanks to everyone who helped us get to year four. Hopefully we will have many more birthdays down the road. Party kicks off tonight at 10pm sharp. Not Buffalo time. Real time. Cover is only $5.

Tonight: The Misfits

March 27, 2014

It’s one of the most iconic logo’s in rock’n’roll. The Misfits‘ skull can be spotted miles away; often greeted with enthusiastic shouts and howls. Whether a punk rocker or casual music fan, everyone recognizes it, even if they aren’t exactly sure what it refers to. Much like KISS, albeit, a darker, faster and more menacing version, The Misfits have turned that logo and their brand into a brand-name. They are now known, because of it, which is strange because I remember them as the underground punk band that all my friends worshipped. This popularity has won them some fans and lost them some fans. One thing is undeniably true about our ghoulish friends. The Misfits are one of the most iconic punk rock groups of all-time and arguably one of the biggest cult bands (i.e. never saw any mainstream success) that has ever walked this planet. And “Astro Zombies” is one of my[...]

Tonight: Prawn

March 26, 2014

This isn’t the first time Top Shelf Records has sent one of their top-tier emo revivalist bands through Buffalo – tonight’s offering is Prawn, whose clean guitars and angsty vocals sound like Joan of Arc if they calmed down a little and tried to put a little structure to their songs. Tonight’s show is at The Lair and starts at 6:00pm. The support for tonight is incredible, featuring Buffalonian support from Del Paxton, Figurehead, and Alleys. Rochester is sending over Barbarossa. $10.

Tonight: Cut Copy w/Jessy Lanza

March 25, 2014

Over the last ten years, Cut Copy has been one of the most consistently solid electro-pop acts out there. On last year’s Free Your Mind, the band inflected their sound with an acid house vibe and the result was excellent. Tonight, they will be returning to Buffalo with the equally great Jessy Lanza. Those who have seen the band before know that their live shows are not to be missed. If you are unfamiliar with the opener, the Hamilton, Ontario based Jessy Lanza released the amazing Pull My Hair Back last year on Hyperdub. This strong debut was produced by the Junior Boys’ Jeremy Greenspan. Lanza’s icey grooves and spacey vocals make her an excellent opener for Cut Copy and this is definitely a show you should get to early. Cut Copy w/Jessy Lanza Town Ballroom $26 Doors at 7pm