Latest Posts

The Hamiltones Release New Surf-Punk Concept LP, ‘Dracula Invitational, 1791’

March 14, 2021

The Hamiltones have been kicking around Buffalo for years now, crafting epic, spindly surf-punk that brings to mind The Ventures, The Cramps and Dick Dale. They’re also fiercely individualistic – this time around, they’ve crafted an utterly unique batch of songs, 14 to be exact, self-described as “the score of the most ridiculous, b-movie Dracula film no one has ever seen (and may not even really exist).” Welcome to Dracula Invitational, 1791, a next-level concept album that tells the story about how the Hamiltones were invited to be the house band at the most infamous Dracula party in the world. The whole plot is spelled out in a wax-sealed letter that’s included with every record. The Hamiltones went all out for this, including a huge centerfold illustration depicting the Dracula party drawn by Buffalo-based illustrator Mickey Harmon. Songs like “No, Let’s Eat the Musicians” (which is accompanied by a music video[...]

The Hamiltones – The Shape of Walter

May 20, 2019

Creeping out of the shadows for some fun in the sun are spooky surf rockers, The Hamiltones, with their tubular new instrumental EP, The Shape of Walter. Having risen out of the Buffalo party scene like a Chubbies-clad Dracula from his coffin, this cheerfully eerie trio has crafted a rad 4-track record that perfectly captures their upbeat and gothy surf rock sound. The release features three killer original tunes and a special cover of “Without You” from the Son of Dracula (1974) soundtrack, all courtesy of maestros Richard Reynolds on bass and organ, John Toohill (Science Man, Alpha Hopper, Radiation Risks, Night Slaves) on guitar and Chris Scamurra (Kharlos, Space Wolves) on drums. As soon as you drop the needle on this bad boy you’ll feel like you’re catching a wave with the Munsters on their summer vacation. Each vibrant track stands out with its own identity and is a[...]

The Hamiltones Release Self-Titled, Debut Tape

April 9, 2015

Last Friday evening, another chapter in an ongoing surf rock rivalry was written as the Hamiltones, the foil to fellow Rust Belt surf trio, Aaron & the Burrs, released its debut, self-titled tape. Currently available through More Power Tapes, home to fellow surf acts like Space Wolves and Rochester’s the Televisionaries, the Hamiltones finds members John Toohill (JOHNS, Alpha Hopper), Chris Scamurra (Space Wolves, Kharlos), and Rick Reynolds, estranged brother to Burrs’ member Nicholas Reynolds, continuing what started as a childhood rivalry to what has since evolved into a continuous bout of one-upmanship. The short collection of blisteringly quick surf is sure to light a fire under the debate of which trio reigns (riffs?) supreme. You can download The Hamiltones for free here, and keep an eye out for a possible Burrs’ counter punch in the near future.