Since their inception in 2010, local independent culture firm EKL has specialized in visual production, music, and clothing, creating a unique brand designed to cultivate all things creative, aiding clients in the pursuits of their passions. Tonight, Verve dance studio hosts the collective's fourth anniversary party, featuring music from Kinda Like Dreamin', Wza, Goodman Brown, Shuteyes, Hooizzy,...

Last night's Cloud Nothings show at the Buffalo Iron Works was a great experience. The bands played well, the crowd was into it, but it was the synergy between the two that pushed things over the top. I admit I was worried at the beginning. Openers Pleasure Leftists, who will be joining Cloud Nothings for a few dates before coming back through Buffalo next week for your listening pleasure, were...

One of the cooler ideas that has graced Buffalo's music scene this year is Sugar City's Queen City Music Lottery. The concept was simple: willing participants (both musicians and non) threw their names into a hat, and randomly, bands were assembled, regardless of experience and instruments of choice. Upon forming, bands were asked to come up with a name and roughly 15-20 mins of music. Over the...

When one goes to a U2 show you are invariably treated to a sermon (or two) from Bono about people of great importance, usually in far away lands, like Mandela or Aung San Suu Kyi. The last time U2 played Buffalo in 2005 the audience at the HSBC Arena however was treated to a loving and beautiful tribute from Bono to WNY's own Bruce and Mary Moser. It was almost surreal, seeing and hearing the frontman...

If these dance parties are any indication, the 80's must have been a tough time to be a fan of British music, you constantly had to pick a side. The Smiths vs. The Cure, Depeche Mode vs. New Order, Wham vs. Boy George. Ok, I pulled the third one out of my ass but still, tonight's dance party is the second in a series of knock down drag out fights where the only winner is you and your need to dance. Following...

Set to be released on Dadstache Records (Skirts [formerly Meanagers], Routine Involvements, and bc likes you!), Rochester based outfit, Fat Africa, released their teaser single for their upcoming album. "Futility, or..." is a crawling minimalist track which can be be described as Modest Mouse's "Dramamine" covered by the xx. Check it out below. <a href="http://fatafrica.bandcamp.com/track/futility-or">Futility,...

We have a triple threat on our hands tonight. Each act offers a mind-bending exploration of sound, that is, if you choose to let go. Think of them as a triple-layer popsicle--flavors blending and melting together, yet distinguishable by taste and age. First on the roster is Buffalo-born Rhubarb, formed in the late 1990's when trapper keepers were in the limelight and we prepared for epic millennium...

On the eve of the Queen City Music Lottery Showcase, one of the randomly assembled acts, Nail School, has released its first track via bandcamp. Featuring members of JOHNS and Space Wolves, Nail School's "Russian Bride" is a cut of dark, aggressive garage-punk that doesn't sound too unlike some of singer John Toohill's other projects, including the recently debuted Alpha Hopper. You can catch...

Cloud Nothings is one of those groups that become popular simply because there is no other option. Too inspiring to remain hidden, too interesting to blend in with the grey scenery, too good to go unnoticed, the now trio has become one of the most talked about bands in rock'n'roll. They have the "it" factor, as cliche as it is to say. You could sense it in Dylan Baldi's (Cloud Nothings'...

Lone - "2 Is 8" British producer Lone was responsible for one of the most infectious singles of 2013 with "Airglow Fires," a track that features a hip-hop inspired outro, hinting at a possible new avenue for the artist. "2 is 8," the latest single from his upcoming album, Reality Testing, is a mesmerizing blend of hip-hop and house, channeling J-Dilla with it's spry, bouncing feel. The vibe...

Cloud Nothings' face-crunching fourth album is a fearless, assertive follow-up to 2012's Attack on Memory. Oscillating between a chaotic rush of existential howls and throaty but tuneful melodies, Here and Nowhere Else pounds its presence out through furious snare slams and clamorous cymbal crashes. For better or worse, Cloud Nothings are as foggy and nihilistic as their namesake...

Rackmastas, a long time duo born out of the basement of Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, recently released their long awaited LP, Return of the Rack. Spanning 17 tracks, the record has a lot going on, although don't be misled by the long tracklist as a handful of those songs are fun little radio station under writings. The long form tunes cover many genres, including R&B, hip hop, dream...