As many of you already know this saturday marks the return of the Buffalo Decency Rally; a fest of local punk, hardcore and indie bands. In only it's second year, the Decency Rally has already gained a rep as being one of the biggest and best show's around. I was at last years rally and was blown away by several of the bands, including Everything Falls Apart, Mayday!, Vile Crocodile and others. If you have any plans saturday, cancel em. The Rally is the place to be. This year it's being held at the Dnipro Ukrainian Center on the east side, a pretty spectacular venue. Here's a few bands I'd suggest checking out if you make it down there...

SONOROUS GALE

Sonorous Gale has a truly unique sound; A great mix of sludge, punk, and heavy discordant, yet still melodic, rock. They recently released their album, The Grim and Crooked Ride, available on their bandcamp page for download, and it's fucking awesome. These dudes have been around for a minute and are sure to light up the Rally.

OLD GHOSTS

 One of my favorite newer hardcore bands, period, featuring a who's who of Buffalo hardcore alumni. The Ghosts have a hard-edged, aggressive sound that sometimes reminds of Sick of it All, if SOIA played mid-90's chuggariffic hardcore. Derek is one of the best vocalists in the scene and his lyrics are passionate and inspiring. Expect the pit to drop.

GAS CHAMBER

Everything about Gas Chamber is stark; from their artwork and t-shirts to their live show. Their music likewise strikes a great balance between dark ambience and utter chaos, the product of good, pissed off hardcore. One of the more exciting and unpredictable bands to be playing the fest this year.

WHITE WHALE

If your preferences veer more towards punk rock and you like it fast, White Whale is another band you should check out. Their song "We're Dead" off of A Means to An End Volume 4 (and I think one of their 7inches?) has been stuck in my head for weeks now; catchy as hell, great hooks and aggressive enough to make an old dude want to dance.

LEWD DEWDZ

Simply put, their lewd...and their dudes. The Dewdz are crude, probably drunk and definitely the biggest and best party band of the Rally. Expect bad behavior and fast, loud punk rock.


Check back for a more extensive preview of the show Saturday.