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Tonight: 80’s Party for the Food Bank

November 20, 2015

It’s that time of year. As the holidays approach, families and friends are getting together to celebrate the season and each others’ company. But obviously, for many stricken by poverty, this is a difficult season. So while sharing good will with your loved ones, it’s important to remember to help those who need it, and thankfully, the Food Bank of WNY is putting on a fantastic benefit event tonight to do just that. DJs Rick Vallone and Sal Sciandra will be spinning the best in 80’s music for one hell of a dance party, with cuts including the new wave sounds of Talking Heads and Blondie, the pop classics of Madonna and Whitney Houston, and the origins of hip-hop from N.W.A. and Rakim. Handlebar will also be featuring 80’s-inspired drinks specials and be showing the best (or worst) in 80’s movie goodness. So prepare to bust out the leg warmers[...]

Tonight: Sixties Future EP Release Party

November 20, 2015

After stoking serious interest about town with some impressive shows at the Mohawk Place this summer and fall, not to mention at Dreamland opening for Made Violent’s last local show before their UK tour with Wolf Alice and Drenge, Buffalo’s next big band, Sixties Future will be celebrating the release of their highly anticipated debut EP tonight at Nietzsche’s. If that wasn’t enough, the release party also features from newbie emo/grunge locals Cooler, the soaring beach punks of Rochester’s Skirts, and the always excellent Aircraft. For my part, I don’t think I’ll ever forget that first time seeing Sixties Future at Mohawk this past summer, watching these guys unload a pleasing and distinctly Rust Belt tinged brand of American rock with notes of Springsteen and The National, and exchanging incredulous looks with fellow staffers Brendan O’Connor and Ron Walczyk while Mike Moretti stood at the back smiling beatifically like a happy papa.[...]

Tonight: Sidewalking Plays Psychocandy

November 18, 2015

Today marks the 30th anniversary of one of the greatest and most influential pop records of all-time: The Jesus and Mary Chain’s Psychocandy. Arriving on the scene in the mid-80s, quibbling Scottish brothers Jim and William Reid took the beautiful harmonies of 60’s pop bands like The Beach Boys and The Velvet Underground and bathed them in an unholy mess of noise and feedback to craft a unique sound unheard before. Over the course of 14 tracks, the brothers would set a precedent not just for future artists, but for future genres as well. Whether it’s noise rock, dreampop, or shoegaze, all owe a great debt to Psychocandy. And while the band have not been back since their infamous 2012 Canalside show that sent clueless plebs away in droves complaining about the noise and sounds, tonight offers a great experience for the diehards. Buffalo’s one and one elite JAMC cover[...]

Tonight: Andy Pothier

November 17, 2015

Andy Pothier’s music is pure and sobering. It’s the kind of soundtrack you want on hand when you want to feel out all the nooks and crannies of any particular sentiment you may be experiencing. By way of Conor Oberst, Pothier exposes his own vulnerability, but it’s the kind of vulnerability that only gives more virtue to what he’s communicating through his songs. Sharing the Ol’ Wondermoth stage tonight is Tiny Rhymes’ Sharon Mok, whose song stylings are reminiscent of all things mesmeric and delicate — spun sugar, young sapling branches — but they are a folk force to be reckoned with. No doubt, this show will be a cozy and engaging one. The show is $5, which will be donated to the Nickel City Housing Cooperative. Find more information here.

Tonight: H20

November 15, 2015

H20 has got that P.M.A. The legendary NYC hardcore punk band, known for their high energy anthems, pile-on singalongs, and absolutely bananas live shows, have been kicking around for over 20 years, spreading the gospel of “positive mental attitude” wherever they go. Led by outspoken vocalist Toby Morse, it’s no wonder H20 are celebrated in the scene. They’re a true hardcore band in every sense of the word, fueled by strong messages and strong songwriting. That they connect with kids and adults alike is a testament to their fortitude and belief in the power of hardcore music. Tonight, along with Angel Dust, featuring Justice of Trapped Under Ice fame, H20 will be playing at the Studio in the upstairs of Waiting Room (6:30pm, $17). Also on the bill is Give and Buffalo’s own, the Barksdales, who recently released the excellent In Our Hands EP (check it out on bandcamp or[...]

Tonight: Depeche Mode vs New Order Dance Party

November 14, 2015

Mohawk Place has played host to a lot of Bill Page’s dance parties over the years, from the infamous Transmission series to decade themed parties to the classic annual Smiths and Cure throw down. But tonight, Page will team up with Aaron Andrews to pay tribute to two different bands of the 80’s: the original heroes of synth pop, Depeche Mode and New Order. Everything from the groups’ biggest anthems like “Personal Jesus” and “Temptation” to deeper cuts like “Vanishing Point” and “Halo” will get a spin. These “vs” parties have always been one of the most fun nights in Buffalo and again, selections have been spot on. It’s the classic London/Manchester rivalry played out on sonic scale, so tune in tonight to see who comes out victorious. Cover is $5 at the door and music kicks off at Mohawk at 10:30pm.

Tonight: Jonathan Richman

November 14, 2015

Jonathan Richman has been writing and recording for roughly 40 years, and whether it is his prodigious solo output or his legendary work with the Modern Lovers, Richman’s influence and impact are undeniable. Tonight, he will be performing at Nietzche’s. Those who have attended his shows in the past continually note how enjoyable and charming Richman’s performances are so do not pass up tonight’s opportunity. The songwriter will be joined by drummer Tommy Larkins this evening at 9pm. Tickets can still be purchased at the door for $15

Tonight: See Through Dresses

November 13, 2015

Omaha’s See Through Dresses is garnering quite a name for themselves between their growing presence on the blogosphere and ability to pack basement shows to the support beams. If their name sounds familiar, you might have caught them on their pivotal opening spot for the sold-out Cursive show last March Signed to Tiny Engines, the quartet is on a nationwide tour in support of the band’s latest album, End of Days. See Through Dresses is a mix between dreamy indie rock and vulnerable shoegaze (a la Bob Mould), depending on if Mathew Carroll or Sara Bertuldo is singing. The group will be making a stop in Buffalo tonight at Mohawk Place with a pretty light bill (considering For The Music Productions is promoting it) featuring Orations, Area Niftyone, Jennifer Karlis, and Improbable Cause. Put $8 in your pocket before you leave the house. Music begins at 8pm.

Tonight: Pleasure Leftists

November 12, 2015

Pleasure Leftists return to Sugar City tonight with JOHNS and Worst Gift. The Cleveland group is all post punk with a catchy goth vice you can dance to (always important.) Their bandcamp tags them as “deranged,” which is fun, and even better, their label Deranged also put out releases from White Lung and Fucked Up. Worst Gift will bring perfect glam metal from Toronto that calls back to certain Baltimore hardcore. JOHNS, Buffalo’s punk purists, will join. Get to the gig at 7pm with $8.

Tonight: Lettuce

November 11, 2015

There are two kinds of lettuce: one, a boring vegetable, and the other, an influential funk band. Lettuce brings the full course of the meal even though they’re named after what some would call an appetizer. Historically, they came together in 1992 at Berklee School of Music up in Boston, Massachusetts. Not having any gigs to speak of, the gang would consistently ask bands to “let us play,” which sonically translated into “Lettuce” after much repetition. Nowadays, they’re not begging for an audience: they’ve got one. It’s been two years since Fly! came out on Velour Recordings, and with their latest studio album, Crush, they’re picking up where they left off with a twist. Lettuce has always had a “big band” sound due to its larger size: Erick “E.D.” Coomes on bass, Adam Deitch on drums and percussion, Neal Evans on keys, Hammond B-3 organ, and piano, Eric Krasno on[...]

Tonight: Michael Parallax

November 11, 2015

Dreamland’s living room is one of the best and most innately interactive spaces in Buffalo. Beyond ideal for shows that blur if not smash the barriers that traditionally exist separating artist and audience, special experiences are known to jump off underneath that magical chandelier, and this will certainly be true tonight when Orlando’s Michael Parallax returns to Buffalo. A frequent tour mate of Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!, Parallax’s celebratory pop art happening revival meeting freak out is perfect for the venue, so be prepared for some togetherness with your fellow humans after sets from an impressive lineup of local electronic arts including, the always fine Armageddon Party, Hooked On Casiophonics, and Logan Locking. The “suggested” donation is $5 and the show starts at 8pm. WHO WE ARE by Michael Parallax

Tonigh: IJI

November 9, 2015

Seattle, Washington act pop IJI will be talking the stage at Sugar City this evening.  IJI, the project of songwriter Zach Burba, boasts some incredible fun, dance heavy, groovy pop songs that will no doubt inspire the audience to put on their dancing shoes. Locals on the bill include Peter Kirsch, who features a unique lo fi slacker throwback similar to the first Mac Demarco record, as well as Welks Mice. The vibraphone duo boasts an incredibly unique sound that is easier seen than described. Doors open for the show at Sugar City tonight at 7pm.  For only $5, there’s no reason not to go check out some fun music. Who doesn’t want a little fun to close out their dreary Monday?

Tonight: Jonny Two Bags

November 8, 2015

On a rainy Tuesday night I’m talking music with Jonny Two Bags, guitarist for the legendary punk band Social Distortion. He is about to embark on tour in support of his debut album, Salvation Town. Jonny speaks humbly about the recording process, discussing the uncertainty of recording as a solo artist. “I wasn’t even sure what it meant to take my songs, and for the first time in my life, record them myself without the input or compromise that comes from working with other people, or in a band” he tells me. I pick up something in his voice as we speak. It’s the sound of confidence that wasn’t always there. Jonny’s journey to become a solo artist wasn’t easy. Whether it was not being able to find the right players or getting the traction to make it happen, self-doubt played a part in the background. As Jonny tells it, part[...]

Tonight: Moody Cosmos

November 7, 2015

Tonight at Curly’s, we have a banger of a show for you to check out. Sonny Baker, Moody Cosmos, Kimmy, and Dreambeaches will be be convening at the basement venue for a good mix of music with all kinds of influence, from surf to psych to shoegaze. Moody Cosmos is a relatively new psych/krautrock outfit currently residing in Fredonia. It’s the most recent brainchild of Peter Cahlstadt, who also happens to be the creative force behind Fredonia’s Mooses. Sonny Baker is bringing his solo act to the show, along with Kimmy, and also the surf-ey alternative outfit Dreambeaches. This one’s an early one; doors are at 6pm with Sonny Baker going on first. Cover is $3.

Tonight: The Tins

November 7, 2015

Even with the year nearly complete, the Buffalo music scene still has a couple new releases to look forward to before the calendar turns, and one of those is from the Tins. While recording their forthcoming full length with Robby Takac, set to drop in 2016, the pop trio managed to pump out the self recorded EP Love on Strike as a place holder. The EP’s first single, the rising “Summer Jazz,” was already shared couple weeks back via Brooklyn Vegan, and you can expect the band to premiere the rest of the album when they take the stage later on at Nietzsche’s Joining the Tins this evening will be Rochester’s ready-to-break, electro dance rockers KOPPS (who may or may not have a good buddy joining them tonight…), reshuffled Buffalo synth rockers Humble Braggers, and Brooklyn’s hypnotic post-punk outfit, the Midnight Hollow. Doors open at 9pm tonight with a $7 cover. Make[...]