Latest Posts

Tonight: Yellow House Tape Release

November 16, 2016

Scumbag Booking presents Yellow House (members consist of those from Skateboard, Love Canal, and Tomoreaux) at Dreamland this evening. Yellow House fronts shoegaze rock that will keep you bouncing off each others’ shoulders. The group is releasing their first album, Songs from Limbo, via cassette tape. The trio is backed by The Slums, Hypoluxo, and the Sonny Baker Band. As expected, The Slums will pound the hell out of your ears and brain. Hypoluxo is a dreamy post-punk group from Brooklyn. Though they keep it lighter than the others on the roster, they float unsteadily enough to stir you up and mesh with the lineup. Sonny Baker is a local favorite who reinvents the work of those like J Mascis. The fuzziness of Flesh It Out will be sure to stoke the fire. The show is at Dreamland and is at 7pm. Your night inside the building will end at 11pm. If you’re a kind soul,[...]

Tonight: Passed Out

August 18, 2016

Tonight in what might be one of the jarringly different billings in recent memory, Passed Out will headline the afterparty for autotune superstar, T-Pain. But more importantly, local aggressive indie rockers, Passed Out will be premiering their debut EP, ‘Infinite Regresssion; a collection of panicked emo anthems that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Desaparecidos album. Lead singer, Andy Pothier has been a noteable mainstay in the local scene for awhile with well-regarded acts like Pine Fever and Deadwolf, so his new venture is well worth checking out. Passed Out recently released single, “Winnipeg,” as a thrilling teaser of what’s to come, with plenty more in store tonight. But they’re not alone, joining them are local singer-songwriter, Sonny Baker, the hardcore punk sounds of Albany’s Throat Culture, Rochester garage rock slackers, Total Yuppies, and the raucous noise punk antics of GLOVE. It’s such a great bill that as T-Pain would say[...]

Tonight: The Naturalists

August 12, 2016

The Naturalists have one of the most distinct sounds out there. In the ten or so months since their 6-song EP release, Home Honey, I’m Hi, the band hasn’t slept on expanding and improving that sound, especially with the addition of a second guitarist (Jimmy Dimartino) and two shiny new singles released earlier today. “Wicked Dreams” and “Grown Up” are undoubtedly branded with The Naturalists’ familiar throwback-grunge  sound. Both tracks are as rambunctious as ever, yet totally refined in tone and melody. Not to mention, the new material is just downright fun to listen to. It’s hard to argue with something so amiable. On “Grown Up” vocalist Craig Perno sings about subject matter most of us can relate to — the innate fears and confusions of growing older (grow up and hold back / no sleep ’til we’re dead / making sense of dreaming dementia / make me a witness,[...]

Tonight: Small Houses

May 12, 2016

Small Houses’ sound is about as humble as the moniker would suggest. I found it difficult to not be receptive of the warm, smoky folk song stylings of the Austin-based solo project birthed by Jeremy Quentin. With each tune, he figuratively sits you down in a porch chair across from him to tell swelling tales of heartache and summers past. Even from a few seconds worth of listening, it’s undeniable that Quentin projects a voice well seasoned beyond his years — it’s almost like a beautifully fine sandpaper, gruff yet gentle enough to maintain some finesse among the lyrics. Obvious or not, Bob Dylan comes to mind as an influencer, or perhaps at least someone who had similar musings and expression. Seeing Small Houses perform in one of Buffalo’s most intimate venues is going to be a real treat, especially with the folk leanings of the rest of the lineup.[...]

Top 20 Buffalo Tracks: 10-1

December 17, 2015

It’s that time of year again, where we re-think and dissect every local song that we’ve come across organically or via submission. This is our fourth year counting down our top songs and this year, like every other year, has been difficult to whittle down. Like we always remind people, this list is subjective and not the end-all be all. Earlier this week we posted our five close calls and our first half of the top 20.  I am sure there are amazing local songs that aren’t on our radar, but from what we have heard, we as a group have determined below are the blog’s favorite songs of 2015. 10. Tiny Rhymes – “Arrows” Tiny Rhymes‘ ”Arrows” is an incredibly cherishable tune. It approaches the listener with a coy but welcoming softness, making it feel like a delicate gem that only you are privy to. Atop prime musicianship, singer Sharon Mok’s[...]

Guest Picks: Sonny Baker

December 3, 2015

For our Best of 2015 coverage, we once again decided to reach out to some friends of the blog to get an idea of what made the year in music so great for them. For the next installment in the guest series, Sonny Baker (Wooden Waves, A Hotel Nourishing, Lazlo Hollyfeld), submitted his year end list. Baker will be performing with his new trio this Friday, December 11th, at Mohawk Place. Make sure to follow all of the blog’s year in review coverage throughout the month of December. The original list I compiled contained 12 shows, 15 albums, and 6 local albums. Here is my attempt at narrowing that list down, a list that contains my favorite musical moments from this year. I’m in no way saying that my opinion matters and/or that these are THE best musical moments. They’re just my favorite. Favorite Shows of 2015 Dave Rawlings Machine @ Babeville – 11/05/15 This[...]

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: Sonny Baker

October 14, 2015

Sonny Baker is set to celebrate the release of his new EP tonight at Mohawk Place. Baker’s Flesh it Out is soulful like, well, Pavement meets Ryan Adams. Baker (member of lots of bands) will perform will perform with his new trio which features members of Lazlo Hollyfeld, Rhubarb, Gravy, and more. I’ve loved Softlines from first listen and they don’t play enough shows. On the other hand, the ever prolific Newish Star just dropped a newish album and will be playing this gig too. Bright Eyes-esque Andy Pothier will also be there. Honestly, I heard him at Herd Fest and thought he was Conor Oberst. Mohawk opens its doors for the gig at 8pm and its $5 to get in.

Tonight: Comfy

October 2, 2015

Yace Booking is having one hell of a weekend. After the “Golf Pop” extravaganza at Dreamland tonight, please head straight to Nietzsche’s for an incredible lineup showcasing Utica buzz-magnets Comfy. Comfy specializes in that special sort of self-deprecating indie rock; think a lo-fi version of Weezer’s Blue Album with all the shredding and ooh-oohs you can stomach. Support tonight comes from Modest Mousy newcomers Passed Out, Sonny Baker’s solo project, and the Geneseo-based Comfy contemporaries in Soft Cough. Doors are at 9pm, music starts at 10pm. Bring $5 and be sure to tip your bartender.

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[...]

Sonny Baker Releases Full Band EP flesh it out

September 1, 2015

As both a supporter of local music and a Buffalonian (these are mostly safe assumptions to make—you are reading buffaBLOG), what comes to mind upon hearing the name Sonny Baker? Wooden Waves? Lazlo Hollyfeld? A Hotel Nourishing? As an Eden native, I could toss Uberfunk into that list, but that’s a story for another day. The truth is, between his multitude of projects and musical cameos in the projects of others, Sonny Baker really is one of the hardest working musicians in Buffalo.  And hot off the late-August release of his latest solo EP, flesh it out, Baker only strengthens his stake to that claim. Though in this case, there is only so much truth in calling his latest sonic outpourings “solo” work. For flesh it out, Baker has assembled an actual trio, featuring Chris Gangarossa on bass and Ryan Campbell on drums. This in itself is a departure—very rarely[...]

Tonight: Sonny Baker w/Dreambeaches

August 13, 2015

Free show alert! One of Buffalo’s most prolific musicians, Sonny Baker, will be performing selections off his upcoming, full band EP Flesh It Out later on this evening at Hardware. Baker just shared the EP’s latest track, titled “(underachiever),” earlier this morning. Check it out below. As if that wasn’t enough, the local dream-surfers in Dreambeaches (Humble Braggers’ Corey Bzibziak) will be rounding out the bill. Queen City Cartel are the people to thank for tonight’s wonderful (did we mention free?) showcase – tonight is round six of their biweekly Thursday series in the back room of Hardware. Like we said, there’s no cover tonight. The show is set to start at 10pm, but make sure you are 21+ before you head out the door. We’ll see you all for some drinks and music tonight at Hardware.

Tonight: Curly’s Grand Re-Opening

July 8, 2015

The West Side’s newest basement venue is set to reopen its doors. Over the last couple months, Curly’s, the home base to Steak and Cake Records, was forced to relocate a handful of shows and go dark due to some residential conflicts, but now that matters have sorted themselves out, the DIY space will celebrate a grand re-opening this evening and smoother sailing for here on out. Tonight’s show will include the debut performance from Sonny Baker’s new trio. The group premiered its first single from the upcoming Flesh It Out EP on Monday, and is set to break in some of the new tunes for the eager audience. This evening will also feature the regrouping Queen City Lotto band Beast Coast, the return of basement super group Hot Tip, and the welcoming of Halifax’s psych pop act Walrus. Doors open at 6pm with a cover of $5. Music kicks[...]

Sonny Baker Premieres First Single from Upcoming Full Band EP

July 7, 2015

Today we have a release from Steak and Cake that is certainly worth noting. Sonny Baker, member of a bazillion other bands (Lazlo Hollyfeld, Wooden Waves, A Hotel Nourshing, etc.), has released the first single from his new project that’s bound to rock your face off. The song is called “You’re a Disaster/I’m a Disaster,” and will be featured on his upcoming, full band EP, Flesh It Out. It’s very reminiscent of old Japandroids: loud, simple, lo-fi, and just plain fun. The single opens up loud and throws dynamics out of the window. Immediately, we have the framework for the song  — a droning rhythm guitar with a short repetitive riff floating on top of it. The first verse comes in hot with slightly distorted vocals. There are a couple of different time changes in the song giving it a tiny bit of a math-y feel, but overall this is[...]

Silo Sessions

June 19, 2015

Today is going to be a busy Saturday. If you’re looking to get the most out of your all-access Herd Fest bracelet, your itinerary will take you to Record Theatre in the afternoon, Black Dots in the evening, and the Buffalo bustle of Allen Street to cap off your fat schedule at a number of Allen’s finest watering holes. And if you tough it out and stay up and at ‘em for the final show of the night, you’ll find yourself at Nietzsche’s for the stacked, jacked and packed Silo Sessions showcase. Thanks to weekly videos of Silo Sessions—one of the local music scene’s newest and most unique upstarts—the cavernous natural reverb of Buffalo’s old grain silos has proven to be a valuable sonic entity in one of the city’s coolest new music spots. Since its inception last year, Silo Sessions has recorded over thirty musical performances in the Silos,[...]