The Blog

Buffalo is no stranger to hardcore. The birth of Buffalo-based metallic-hardcore bands in the 90s set the stage for the genre, and Buffalo is still considered a heavy influence on the genre today. Examples of these bands are Buried Alive, Slugfest, Snapcase, and Every Time I Die. What occurred on Friday, October 5 at Riverworks was a beautiful demonstration of those strong Buffalo roots in hardcore with an interesting turn, thanks to a mixed bill. The opener for the show was post-hardcore Los Angeles-based Militarie Gun. Unfortunately, I was unable to catch their opening while fighting to find a parking

Read More Get Drain(ed) and Knocked Loose: A Hardcore Exhibition at Riverworks

I typically don’t go into reviews completely blind. Even if I haven’t heard of the band, I’ll normally take some time to do research and see what it is I’m getting myself into. Having not written a review in a while, I decided to go into The Chameleons’ performance at Town Ballroom on Wednesday, August 14th blind, and I’m so happy that I did because I had my mind BLOWN.  Deluxxe, a local new wave band, opened the night with an exciting seven-song set. The group looked like a metal or punk band at first glance, with tattooed sleeves, shaved

Read More What’s Old is New Again: A Night at Town Ballroom with The Chameleons

Where to begin? This album is a fever dream of excellence I cannot describe in mere words. Between the spectacular production quality, flawless synchronicity of Johnny Manke on drums and Mikayla Manke singing and on keys, this sibling duo has created greatness! The entire album has a captivating, youthful innocence and overcast wonder to it. The first track, The Bridge, has got to be my favorite, by far. From its dynamic vocal melodies to its awe-inspiring lyricism, coupled with Mikayla’s hopscotch along the keys and Johnny’s subtle, high hat backing, it paints a magnificent scene. As if waltzing through a

Read More Spiria – “Where the Pink Blossoms Resonate” Review

After supporting Fall Out Boy in their “So Much For (2Our) Dust” Tour, Hot Mulligan kicked off their “Choose Your Fighter” Tour at Buffalo Riverworks with support from Free Throw, Just Friends, and Charmer. This was Hot Mulligan’s first time in Buffalo since 2021 when they supported New Found Glory’s “Pop Punk’s Still Not Dead” Tour. This time Hot Mulligan was backed with a light show, along with a more passionate and diverse fan base than ever.  This was my first time at Riverworks. The low stage was nice as it brought you into the action no matter where you

Read More Hot Mulligan Steps Into the Ring at Riverworks (April 9th, 2024)

One may not expect Amy’s Place, a top-notch vegan diner along Buffalo’s Main Street in the heart of the University District, to be much of a music venue, but this “hole in the wall” proves to be a perfect destination for local music. The gallery room, situated alongside the diner with table spaces for gaming and creativity, has set at its front window a stage and sound system for performing. The walls are nearly filled with stunning and even jarring artwork, making it a cozy atmosphere. Amy’s Place was the perfect setting for the evening’s entertainment. At this all-ages show,

Read More Amy’s Place Packed to the Brim with Local Music on March 9th, 2024

Ending the leg of their tour opening for Softcult, Glixen played a memorable set at Mohawk Place for a packed house. Hailing from Phoenix, AZ, Glixen (Isleen, lead guitar and vocals; Estabon, rhythm guitar; Sonia, bass guitar; and Kiare, drums) proved to be a powerful and enduring shoegaze band worth a vibrant spotlight. A stunning combination of elements akin to the vocalizations of Cocteau Twins, the dirge of Hum’s guitar stylings, and the heartbeat drums of La Dispute, Glixen provides a truly atmospheric dreamscape of perfectly synchronized noise. Their stunning command of reverb, feedback, and distortion, coupled with a seemingly

Read More REVIEW: Glixen at Mohawk Place (2/23/24)

Soviet Dolls, who originate from Rochester, is a dynamic synth-pop trio that have a unique sound that combines everything you love about 80’s soundtracks and modern pops.  “After the Night”  is the band’s latest effort and showcases the evolution of their synth-driven sound, delivering 6 tracks that take you on an adventure and immerse you into an unforgettable experience. As said by the band and producers, “The album ‘After the Night’ is a testament to the bands growth and commitment to creating art that pushes the boundaries of pop music.” If this is your first experience with ‘Soviet Dolls’, it

Read More Review: “After the Night” by Soviet Dolls

Before I was accepted into the Music Industry program at SUNY Fredonia, I remember hearing about HAIL! Fredonia Records, an entirely student-run record label on campus. This piqued my interest in a big way, and ended up being part of what drew me to the Music Industry program at Fredonia.  Now, in my senior year of college, I have the chance to work with HAIL! Fredonia Records to finish my degree, and I find myself looking back on my first impression of the record label and comparing it to how things really work at the label.  Even when talking to

Read More An Insider’s Look at HAIL! Fredonia Records

Shelby Sigrist reviews a dreamy night of sound at Arpark, featuring Alex G, Alvvays, and Tanukichan.

Real Movement, a cosmic indie rock band, combines deep grooves with intentional but playful songwriting. They land somewhere between P-Funk and Pavement, playing off of their interests in indie rock, jazz, funk, and soul. Real Movement’s newest album, ‘Trash Talk’ was recently released on September 2, 2022. The band says, “This transformation has pushed Real Movement into its most collaborative and most creative period yet.” Singles – Track Review The Worm – The song goes right to work with 46 seconds of funky grooves mixed with very uplifting beats. When the vocals kick in, a soft but intentional voice paints

Read More Review: ‘Trash Talk’ by Real Movement

When I walked into Mohawk Place on January 7th, my former, seventh-grade emo kid came out. I don’t think you ever really grow out of your emo phase, and it was quite nice getting to bond with the rest of the crowd during Emo Night at Mohawk Place. I got there a little early, and the doors weren’t open yet, but there was a crowd of people starting to line up to get their night started. DJ Alexis Valentine kicked off the night by playing the most popular hits from bands such as Bowling for Soup and Paramore. She made

Read More Mohawk Emo Night with Cut Me Up Genny

Mohawk Place on January 6th was THE place to be, I feel bad if you missed out! This show was the most packed and energetic I’ve seen at Mohawk Place thus far. The lineup for the night was awesome, as openers Lynz, Kira Zappy, and Reese Daniels got the crowd warmed up for the main headliner, Sunday Reign.  Reese Daniels really got the crowd going with his incredible piano skills, and a mixture of different vocals, playing covers such as Ahead by a Century by The Tragically Hip. Reese was playful and energetic with the crowd and would laugh whenever

Read More Sunday Reign Mohawk Place

Mohawk Place rang in the new year with a banger of a lineup on December 30th. With plenty of band interaction and an electric energy, it was no surprise that the crowd kept getting bigger by the minute to see the main attraction, Post Prom, perform their newly released EP.  Buffalo Talent on Display The night started off with Tuesday Nite, featuring the elegant vocal harmonies and dreamy instrumentals of singer/guitarists Sara Elizabeth and Courtney Ann. The crowd was treated to some comedy after that as comedian Katarina Valentine took that stage. It is not easy to perform jokes to

Read More Post Prom Crushes their EP Release

As I went into Mohawk Place on January 14th, it was a bittersweet moment knowing it would be my last live review for a while. It was the release of MIMIC’s newest EP and I wanted to make this one count. And, boy, did the bands make it unforgettable. Setting the Stage for a Great Night The openers started things strong. Oh, Summer Days! took the stage with funky and killer grooves. The crowd was just getting into it as the band Ashford encouraged people to move forward. With songs such as Hypocrite, Flying, and First, the crowd was literally

Read More ‘A Thief, Not a Liar’ Debuts at Mohawk Place

Former frontman of The Clash, Joe Strummer, was an inspiration to many. Right after his death in 2002, the Joe Strummer Foundation started in honor of his memory and his ideals. Their objectives fall into three categories: Create Empowerment through Music, The Provision of Space and Instruments, and The Promotion of Music and the Arts. Through these ideals, the foundation honors him through fundraisers, such as the most recent one at Mohawk Place in Buffalo.  The event started with headliner The Travesties, made up of lead vocalist Tyler Bagwell, guitarist Brendan Zehnder, and drummer Marc Smith. Their set list included

Read More Local Musicians Honor Clash Frontman at Annual Joe Strummer Fundraiser

Local Emo Punk band West Ferry is back delivering their familiar sad and sadder sound with their new EP Out of Reach. With its somber lyrics paired with upbeat punk rock rhythms, West Ferry’s gift for juxtaposition can trick a listener into thinking everything in the world is just right… that is until one slows down and pays attention to the actual story being told: tales of giving up, giving in and walking away.  Composed of four Buffalo natives, Shawn McDonell (guitar/vocal), Brent Feuz (bass), Brian Siklinski (guitar), and Joe Vallone (drums), the band has seemingly settled into their niche

Read More Review: “Out of Reach” by West Ferry

Headed by socialist folk Singer/Songwriter MYQ F, Farrow’s debut album, Agitate, continues the legacy of Woody Guthrie’s establishment-challenging politick and Lizzo’s heartfelt rebellion in purely unfettered lyricism. Farrow’s work embraces predecessors like Parliament Funkadelic and Sly Stone, in a beautiful symmetry between P-Funk, Jam, R&B/Soul, and Old-School Folk.  Agitate aims to do everything it’s title claims, with lyrics unafraid to turn every dancefloor into a protest rally, blending a sound from the past all for the purposes of confronting our present. A band comprised of not only of singer/lyricist Michael Farrow, but also André Pilette on bass/production; Tim Webb on

Read More Review: “Agitate” by Farrow

Being in the rock arena today has proved difficult for new bands and older bands alike. Bands are like marriages: some are in it for the long-haul, while others aren’t. Even when trends fade, bands may seem ‘washed up’, but keep at it for the love of music. Even in this day and age, it’s hard to give it your all and become an established rock act. Is the tide slowly turning, though? Punk is starting to uproot the norm. Turnstile, PUP, and others are doing something fresh and record labels are giving them a chance. I talked about all

Read More MOIST Q&A: Kevin Young on the Band’s Lengthy Hiatus, the Pandemic, and New Album

With two major albums under his belt, 2016’s Just Dedicated: The Album and this year’s recently released I Woke Up, rapper Jon George is growing with his confidence with his rhyming skills and gaining exposure all while living in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY. Jon George has been running the hip hop circuit in Buffalo by building a studio in his own house. The rapper takes full advantage of social media, garnering a following of 15.3 K on Twitter alone. His sound is classic, his style is laid back, and he spits fierce so fierce that Buffalo rapper Conway the

Read More Rapper Jon George is Placing Buffalo on The Radar

Canadian rock act The Tea Party have been at it since 1990, now making them one of Canada’s longest lasting rock bands. Following a brief split in 2005, the band reformed in 2011. Dubbed “Moroccan roll” by the music industry, the trio (comprised of lead singer Jeff Martin, bass guitarist and keyboardist Stuart Chatwood, and drummer Jeff Burrows) has infused not only Middle Eastern influences in their music, but blues and industrial undertones as well. The trio incorporates unique instruments such as the sitar, mandolin, hurdy-gurdy, and others that encapsulate their massive sound.  The band’s influence has seen its reach

Read More 5 Questions with The Tea Party: Band of Brothers