36 Local Bands You Need To See Immediately
Back in November, Buffalo Rising put out their list of seven bands you might not know about but should. We think that’s cute and all, but there are way more bands you need to get out of your house and see RIGHT NOW. Here is our list (in no particular order):
1. Over & Out
Over & Out’s “Grim Folk” is unlike anything else you’ll find locally. This five-piece band incorporates a violinist and includes elements of emo, punk, folk, and Irish music, giving them a sound all their own. In 2019, they released a full-length album titled “Fear Love Anxiety” and an EP called “It’s Fine… I’m Just Tired.”
For Fans of: Bright Eyes, Flogging Molly
2. The Scarecrow Show
Western New York’s most energetic rock band, The Scarecrow Show combines manic energy with impeccable musicianship. They blend elements of progressive rock, metal, and punk into a sound that’s enjoyable for all audiences. They released an EP in 2019 called “The Scarecrow Show.”
For Fans of: Guns ‘n Roses, The Misfits, Rush
3. Carmen & Lizzy
I’ve sat 2 feet away from Carmen O’Keefe and Lizzy Kessler while recording them for a podcast, and I still don’t understand how two people – in this case, cousins – can get their voices to blend so flawlessly. Their music is poignant, atmospheric, and beautiful. In 2019, they released their first full-length album, “Climate.”
For Fans of: Feist, Iron and Wine
4. Ian McCuen
It may be an unfair comparison, but Ian McCuen reminds me of Elliot Smith. His music mixes beautiful guitar playing, quiet fragile vocals and deep, philosophical, and often-sad songwriting. I once told him I’d like to have him play me to sleep sometime. I’m still not sure if I was joking. Ian released two albums in 2019, finishing his three-album cycle, “Songs of Fleeting Permanence,” by releasing Volumes II and III.
For Fans of: Elliot Smith, Iron and Wine
5. Shannon Vanderlaan
Shannon Vanderlaan has my personal favorite voice in Western New York. The Albion-based singer, songwriter, and pianist has a beautiful booming voice that perfectly accentuates her captivating and often-delicately haunting songwriting. Fans of any type of pop music should check out her 2017 release, “Atmosphere.”
For Fans of: Regina Spektor, Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles
6. Aircraft
Aircraft may be one of Buffalo’s best-kept secrets. They make infectious, introspective rock music with elements of psychedelia and surf rock. Their 2013 album “Sonic Boom” is one of my favorite local albums of the last 10 years.
For Fans of: The Beatles, Modest Mouse
7. Astrabula
A solo singer-songwriter, Astrabula makes sad indie/emo music. He writes like Dashboard Confessional and sings like Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria.
For Fans of: Dashboard Confessional, Coheed and Cambria
8. Chuckie Campbell
Chuckie Campbell’s list of accolades is impressive, including Hip-Hop Artist of the Year from All WNY Music Awards, Artvoice’s Best of Buffalo for Hip Hop Act and Original Artist, and winning the Canalside Battle of the Bands. Chuckie writes intelligent hip-hop music with a message of peace, positivity, love, and change.
For Fans of: Nas, Dead Prez
9. Cooler
Cooler creates alternative rock with heavy influence from 90’s alternative rock acts like Weezer. Their emotional rock songs explore themes of love, commitment, and mental health.
For Fans of: Letters to Cleo, Rocking Horse Winner, K’s Choice, Weezer
10. Danimal Cannon
Danimal Cannon is a one-of-his-kind performer. Danimal (aka Dan Behrens) has spent over 20 years of his life studying 8-bit/chiptune music, to the point where he’s done TED Talks on the subject. His live shows consist of him showing off some of the finest guitarwork in West New York while accompanied by two Nintendo Game Boys he programmed into synthesizers. Dan’s music has been featured in dozens of video games, and he has performed all over the world.
For Fans of: Joe Satriani, Super Mario Brothers
11. Passed Out
Passed Out makes smartly written, sad emo rock songs. The band makes great use of dynamics, going from quiet whispers to loud screams. The music is complex and interesting, while the songwriting is, at times, heartbreaking. They’re a solid, hardworking rock band.
For Fans of: Bright Eyes, Superchunk, Cursive
12. THIS
Megan Trainor can claim she’s all about that bass, but THIS truly is. Duo Logan Drost and Hayley Victoria make up THIS, which consists of two basses, Hayley on vocals, and a drum machine, making up their signature sound. Hayley’s sultry vocals and Logan’s dynamic, unique bass playing (think Jimmy Page on bass) makes THIS an act you must see to truly believe. THIS released two EPs in 2018, “Is an EP” and “Second Matters,” and “Pretty Good For a Girl” this year.
For Fans of: Paramore and Led Zeppelin
https://wnymusic.com/band-artist/this/
13. Erica Wolfling
Erica Wolfling (aka Erica the Ice Dragon) is a very interesting artist. Her music has elements of pop, jazz, and experimental. Her voice, a deep alto, is thick and buttery. She reminds me of an old-time jazz singer.
For Fans of: Tori Amos, Regina Spektor
14. Fernway
Formed in 2017, Fernway is one of the best emo bands in Buffalo. Their sound pulls from a wide range of influences and blends elements of pop rock and alternative emo with rudiments of jazz harmonies tucked underneath. They don’t play out often, so catch them when you can.
For Fans of: Manchester Orchestra, Can’t Swim, Young the Giant
15. Ghostpool
Favorites of both the Buffalo and Fredonia music scenes, Ghostpool formed in 2017 and wowed local audiences with their 2018 debut, “There Is a Hole at the Center of Everything.” Their music is a combination of emo/pop-punk and dirty 90’s alternative rock, and their performances are entertaining and energy-packed.
For Fans of: Eve 6, MxPx, Relient K
16. Good Dude
Good Dude is a four-piece synth-driven instrumental band that makes music they like to refer to as “Nerdy Dad Rock.” Consistently writing “way too much” music and playing shows in the Buffalo area for a few years now with no plans of slowing down, the band will release a new EP in 2020.
For Fans of: The Rentals, Grandaddy
17. Handsome Jack
Handsome Jack performs heavily-70’s influenced blues, R&B, and jam rock they call “boogie soul.” I’m not typically a fan of this kind of music, but everything about this band feels snug and familiar. It’s a great warm sound that should appeal to people who listen to any kind of music. Seeing them live is watching them produce the kind of full sound you’d expect from a band with many more members. And just when you thought they’ve done everything to entertain you, they bring out their horn section!
For Fans of: Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Band
18. Hundred Plus Club
Hundred Plus Club is a four-piece indie/alternative band. Influenced by bands like The Killers and The Strokes, they’ve created their own light, modern, original sound. Their songwriting is smart and reflective, with killer lead melodies that will leave their hummable hooks in your head all day.
For Fans of: The Killers, Interpol, The Strokes
19. Johnny and the Man Kids
Johnny and the Man Kids are a hardworking, no-frills rock band. Their trademark sound includes distorted, driving guitars and infectious melodies with 90’s and 2000’s alternative rock influences. They’re a great band to see live for any fan of indie rock.
For Fans of: Better Than Ezra, The Strokes
20. Mike Criscione
Mike Criscione is an interesting performer. His recordings remind me of Richard Marx and have a warm, familiar feel to them that makes them relaxing. Live, things change a bit, as Mike performs by himself. His songs still have the same familiarity and warmth, but Mike gets to show off his crazy guitar skills. He’s easily one of the best guitarists in Buffalo, and watching him loop and be his own backing band is both hypnotic and engaging.
For Fans of: Richard Marx, Marc Cohn, Eric Johnson
21. The Molice
Imported by Robby Takac’s Good Charamel Records, The Molice are an energy-packed mash of party genres. Combining the 70’s punk intensity, the 80’s new wave power pop and the 90’s alternative guitar rock gives them a sound entirely their own. Favorites of the local scene and a great all-age-appropriate band, they’re definitely worth checking out.
For Fans of: Shonen Knife, The Pixies, Fugazi
22. The Eaves
The Eaves are one of the area’s hottest rock bands. Their hallmark sound includes noisy, frantic guitars and vocalist Chris Couche’s deep, rich baritone. The band’s tour-de-force of noise reminds me of The Replacements with a little kick of Leonard Cohen and is well on-display in their fantastic debut, 2018’s “Learning to Live in the Dark.”
For Fans of: The Replacements, The National, REM
23. Muddle
Muddle is an up-and-coming punk band. I constantly find myself comparing Maggie Dewitt’s vocals to a weapon known as The Cricket from “Men in Black”: It doesn’t look big or menacing, but when you fire it, it’ll kick you back 50 feet. Every musician in the band can really play well, though Ethan Childs’ excellent drumming is a highlight. With none of their members over 20 years old, this is a group to keep an eye on.
For Fans of: Hole, The Misfits, Tilt
24. Nicotine Jones
Nicotine Jones (aka Josiah Franco) is a singer/songwriter who blends elements of roots rock, country, folk, and punk. His music is great to sing along with as you’re having a beer and, more than anything, it bleeds authenticity. He’s a must-see for any fan of good songwriting.
For Fans of: Langhorne Slim, Josh Ritter, Flogging Molly
25. Not For Nothing
Not For Nothing has spent a little over a year breaking into the Buffalo music scene, quickly going from opening slots and open mics to packed rooms. Vocalist Jaden Brice’s standout voice, a mature jazz sound with alt-indie nuances, and the band’s catchy melodies and lyrics make them a must-see for anyone interested in local rock.
For Fans of: She and Him, honeyhoney, Rilo Kiley, Peach Pit
https://wnymusic.com/band-artist/not-for-nothing/
26. Omeri Monroe
Singer/songwriter Omeri Monroe has been wowing Buffalo crowds for years. He’s a diverse pop musician with a talented backing band and a cool, mellow groove perfect for a drive on a sunny day. His music mixes reggae and pop with smooth R&B.
For Fans of: John Mayer; Earth, Wind & Fire; D’Angelo
27. On the Cinder
Combining the aggression of skate punk, the technicality of melodic hardcore, and the drunken chant-along-melody of orgcore, On the Cinder keeps pushing themselves to further their musical complexity while finding their voice as a band. Their live shows are exciting, and their songwriting is smart and catchy.
For Fans of: Rancid, Authority Zero, Bad Religion
28. The Burkharts
The British Invasion might be over, but don’t tell The Burkharts. The band, who perform in matching sweater-and-pants sets, plays creamy, dreamy indie pop with a strong influence from George Harrison’s solo work. These guys are always a fun time.
For Fans of: The Beatles and George Harrison
29. Philip Stephen
Philip Stephen is a multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter who’s been performing around the Western New York area for over 15 years. Influenced by artists like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Conor Oberst, he writes thoughtful, spirited, punky folk music.
For Fans of: Conor Oberst, Pinegrove, Bob Dylan, Joe Pug
30. Sidney Jeanne (Siddo.)
Sidney Jeanne is a multi-faceted powerhouse of a local singer/songwriter. At only 21, everything from her soulful voice to her songwriting feels like the well-worn road stories of someone twice her age. She doesn’t play out often and is a rising star – her recent acting debut, “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” will be at the Sundance Film Festival – so catch her while you can.
For Fans of: Janis Joplin, Mal Blum
31. Skoob
Skoob is a poet, freelance artist, and performs as a part of hip-hop group The States and duo The T.W.O. He’s an energetic, charismatic live performer with a slick flow and catchy hooks.
For Fans of: Dru Hill, New Addition, Andre 3000, Tupac
32. Stress Dolls
Stress Dolls (aka Cheslea O’Donnell) is a really interesting project in that, between the studio and live, you get two different things. The good news is that they’re both awesome. Recorded, Stress Dolls is a full band and a very loud one at times. For live shows, Chelsea typically performs by herself. Either way to listen to Stress Dolls is equally satisfying as Chelsea’s dynamic, emotionally packed vocals and strong songwriting shine through without or without backing. Hers are the kind of performances that will really make you feel something. She is not to be missed.
For Fans of: Hole, Dresden Dolls
33. Super-Tugger
Super-Tugger is a high-energy rock band that features long-time veterans of the Buffalo music scene. The band has catchy hooks and raucous live shows that display punk rock influences including The Ramones, Black Flag, and Bad Religion.
For Fans of: The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers
34. The Same Sun
The Same Sun is a high-energy rock band with a traditional punk backbone. They incorporate elements of funk, hip-hop, ska, reggae, and hardcore in their unique songs and deliver fun and intense live performances.
For Fans of: H20, Streetlight Manifesto, Operation Ivy
35. TOOTH
Tooth is a garage-rock trio formed at SUNY Fredonia. Their sound is a collage of spastic funk, indie melodies and hard blues, with experimental elements.
For Fans of: Mac DeMarco, The Black Keys, The Arctic Monkeys
36. Witty Tarbox
One of the hottest bands in Buffalo, Witty Tarbox is coming off of a 2019 that saw them sell out Town Ballroom for the release of their new album, “Origins of Schmitty,” slay the crowd at Night Lights Music Festival, and play to a soldout crowd opening for Aqueous on New Year’s Eve. Their sound blends surf riffs, rhythmic funk, and indie rock melodies and is perfect for sunny-day driving.
For Fans of: Beach Boys, Modest Mouse, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
