19) Victory for Poland - "Save Yourself From Me"
V4P might be the youngest band on the top 20, but "Save Yourself From Me" shows an astounding amount of songwriting skill from a group of high school age musicians. Featuring a slew of horns, fiddles, and a guest appearance from Brimstone Blondes frontman Matthew Danger Lippman, "Save Yourself From Me" is saturated with all sorts of genres, including psych rock, ska, and even some folk, all with a "can't-quite-put-your-finger-on-it" flavor of  "that could only be from the UK." We buffaBLOGGERS have been mourning the loss of many of our favorite high school aged bands this year but luckily, Victory for Poland is still around. - NAS



18) Strange Acres - "Faith"
Strange Acres’ crawling “Faith” was arguably the most gripping track off of the band’s impressive debut self titled full length. A Harvest Sum super group of sorts, Strange Acres (featuring former members of Sleeping Kings of Iona and current members of Orphans) began as the score to an imaginary film, but the band eventually evolved beyond their original “cinematica” concept. The album's first track, “Faith,” accentuates the sultry songstress Molly Grace’s, chillingly dreary delivery as well as highlights her personal struggle with religion. Fans of chilled out electro (Fever Ray, Portishead), will dig this. - MJM



17) Andy Vaeth  - "Never Make a Sound"
As a member of Johnny Nobody, the Old Sweethearts, On Beta, and the Backpeddlers, Andy Vaeth has been entrenched in the Buffalo music scene for over a decade. For someone involved in so many projects, it was a welcome surprise when he released his solo EP, Sad Synthetic Sounds, via Steak & Cake Records. Vaeth, whose voice has long been one of Buffalo's secret weapons, sounds as fragile as ever on the gorgeous, alt-country tinged "Never Make a Sound." The track is a bare bones tune featuring the singer and his trusty acoustic guitar. Little touches like the layered vocals during the chorus, subtle electronic melody, and the digital drum beat remind you that this is a Steak & Cake release after all, but Vaeth, as always, manages to convey emotions through three and a half minutes better than almost anyone in Buffalo. - MPM



16) Cross Stitch - "Worst Dancer in the Room"
I have a confession. I get a lot of music sent to me via the internet and as a “music journalist” I would be bankrupt if I bought every digital release I liked. I am the guy that types “0” in the pay what you want option on bandcamp. Now that I got that off my chest, I enjoyed Cross Stitch’s debut six-song EP, The Early Years (Drug Party Tapes), so much that I bought it. Cross Stitch is an all-girl feminist punk band that sounds like a punkier Marnie Stern in a basement with Sleater-Kinney undertones. “Worst Dancer in the Room,” is the fifth track on their EP, a slow-to-start crescendo-ing diddy about the fear of being alone. - MJM



15) Space Wolves - "Too Short"
You would think that the lo-fi surf rock that comes from Space Wolves would be happy-go-lucky or at the very least, irreverent. Sometimes it is – some of their best songs are about buying cigarettes on the Res or driving out of state. That’s not quite the case with “Too Short”… not even close actually. After a burst of pipeline guitar, Nick Reynolds and Chris Scamurra launch into an intelligent, albeit self-deprecating song about being, well, just not quite good enough. “Too Short” is about that little voice in all of us that reminds us of all the insecurities  we secretly hope no one else notices.But at the end of the day, this is why buffaBLOG loves Space Wolves so much - we can count on them for both genuine emotion or a song about buying cheap cigarettes. Now that’s a balance I can relate to. - NAS



14) Mallwalkers - "Going Downtown"
If I were to make a video compilation of memories from summer 2013, Mallwalkers’ “Going Downtown” would be the soundtrack provided my memories were summed up in roughly three minutes. For those unaware, Mallwalkers is a super-group of sorts, featuring a few Buffalo’s major players in the rock and roll scene (Biff, Dan Carosa, Stephen Floyd, Tony Flaminio). They could best be described as an 11-piece punchy funk-punk band, complete with a horn section and interpretive dancer. “Going Downtown,” was the first single off the band’s August release, Shake Off The Rust, where singers Carosa and Jaime Rowitsch sing of gathering the masses in downtown Buffalo like punk rock pied pipers. - MJM



13) Lancer - "Elephant in the Corner"
Rarely does an album make me want to cuff my arm around my buddy’s neck and scream lyrics from a band, let alone a local band, in their face. Lancer’s Don is Rich EP is full of such moments, with “Elephant in the Corner” being the most outstanding on an already very strong EP. Lead singer Victor Castillo gravely vocals and delivery of “Elephant in the Corner's” chorus make me excited to see how this band will grow in 2014. Lancer does not make songs, they make pop-punk anthems. - MJM
 

12) Camp Counselors - "Charyou"
Haunting. OK, I got that word out of the way mostly because its the easiest/laziest description one could give to "Charyou," the standout track from Huntress, Cemeteries mastermind Kyle J. Reigle's side project Camp Counselors. "Charyou" leads off with an unnerving, throbbing beat that gives way to Reigle's airy vocals. Out of nowhere, (well specifically the 2:05 mark) "Charyou" transforms into a cut of atmospheric witchhouse. The sense of dread that Reigle loves to deliver lingers over the entire tune, never allowing you to get too comfortable. Fans of The xx, Atoms for Peace, Timber Timbre, and modern Radiohead, this is for you. - MPM



11) Applennium - "Island"
Applennium might be one of Buffalo’s most understated and underrated bands. If you think this is a point worth arguing, you should first listen to the dreamy groove of “Island.” Singer Stacey Stoll’s hushed delivery is flawless, reminiscent of Still Corners or even Karen O if she took a Xanax or something. On top of this, they’ve filled the background of “Island” with distant vocals that range from a haunting moan to a “tribal” howl. I can really appreciate when a band takes the time to fill out the background of a song. So, yes, this song isn’t quite a face-melting barnburner, but it is the perfect song to put on when you want to chill out and melt into your bed. - NAS




Check out songs 10 - 1 here.

Applennium's slowly building catalog carries such a great seasonal quality. The trio's songs seem to be the perfect compliment to whats happening right outside your windows. When I first started listening to their latest single, "Island," last night, the laid back finger plucking seemed to be a nice soundtrack to the fading day, but once Stacey Stoll's vocals and the tense rhythm section kicked in, this track turned into something a bit darker and haunting (especially on that incredible outro), recalling some of the newer material from Bowerbirds. Listen below and keep an eye out for more new material from Applennium (hopefully) this summer.

Nietzche's hosts a packed local bill tonight. Lazlo Hollyfeld has been playing out pretty intermittently these past few years, but are now back with a vengeance. Their set at the Botanical Gardens Night Lights event was a musical and visual match made in heaven. Tonight, per their event page, they promise to dust off some old material that hasn't been played in a while. BuffaBLOG Birthday Party veterans On Beta will be joining them, along with another blog favorite, Applennium. I'm excited to see Applennium return to the stage, as the singles they've been releasing over the past year hint at a promising upcoming release (I hope?). Doors are at 9, and for a paltry $5, you can't afford not to go.

2012 has been an excellent year for the Buffalo music scene. We've seen a rise of legitimately talented rappers, tight indie rock bands, and quality electronic acts all actively releasing some great tunes.

Beginning this Thursday, we will be revealing the first half of our top 20 tracks from Buffalo in 2012, with the second half coming on Friday.  If you can't wait til then though, then tune into the WBNY Local Show tomorrow night at 7pm for the full list

But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.  There was just too much good music released this year to fit into our Top 20, so we wanted to give some credit where credit is due to a few songs that just missed the cut.  Here are some of the close calls to our top 20 tracks from Buffalo in 2012. 



Jack Toft - "Beef on Weck" 

If you've been paying attention to the local scene,  you'd notice that Jack Toft has been on it lately. There has been a burst of creativity on his soundcloud page within the past month. His recent partnership with electro producer TEEN WOLF (of NINJASONIK fame), has invigorated his musical output, strengthening both his lyrics and flows. This highly observant punk rock rapper's track "Beef on Weck" drops nods to Buffalo's culture, women, and landmarks. Buffalo's tourism industry may want to get in contact with this emcee because in the end Jack Toft is Buffalo and Buffalo is Jack Toft. 



Victory For Poland - "A Man Who Suddenly Realizes He is Not Alone"

All Blondes Go To Heaven - "Magdalena, Queen of the World"  

Remember in 2003 when the whole new phase of "emo" came along? Bands such as Brand New and Taking Back Sunday influenced thousands of impressionable fifteen years olds to start their own usually shitty emo band for the next five years until "indie" became cool. Fast forward to today. This genre of emo phase II/pop punk is emerging in Buffalo, and All Blondes Go To Heaven is a good example of how to do it right. All Blondes have mastered the art of shout-singing in unison, pumping out songs about the glory days of high school, and delivering catchy-ass choruses. Their single "Magdalena, Queen of the World" is a testament to the band's potential and ability to write a great pop-punk song. 

Applennium - "Swing-jump"

Applennium is one of those great bands that gets taken for granted in Buffalo.  They don't play live all that often, and release new music even less.  But when they do, they sure make it count.  During the sweltering summer we had this past season, the sort of local super group (lineup includes members of Bearhunter and Fourem) released "Swing-jump," a summer tune if there was one.  Full of sunny melodies and gorgeous harmonies, the tune could easily fit in with Woods at their most restrained or Yo La Tengo at their sunniest of times.  

Go Exploring - "Today" 

Not much is known about Go Exploring except he is a talented one man band with the ability to craft a catchy tune. Go Exploring's "Today" starts a laid back indie pop tune similar to that of The Radio Dept that goes straight disco in the last two minutes. We at buffaBLOG are looking forward to hearing more from Go Exploring and seeing them live as soon as they put together a full band. So yeah, get on that. 

Applennium is somewhat of a super group, with Dave Calos (Bearhunter) pairing up with Chris Groves (Fourem), folk singer Stacey Stoll and drummer Antonio Giuseppe Poletto.  The result is some of the finest songwriting to grace our city's humble indie scene.  The group have released a new song "Swing-jump" and have made it available for free download from their Soundcloud page.  It's a bright, sunny number with some great vocal harmonies.  Temperatures are supposed to cross 100 degrees this weekend, so if you're hitting the beach, let this be your farmer tan soundtrack.

If you are in the mood for a more laid back evening of music, best head down to Mohawk Place tonight for a triple bill, front stage filled show.  Tonight's lineup includes On Guard, the solo outfit of Aye Karou's Ryan McCrackenn.  McCracken's spares folky tunes are fronted by his Jeff Buckly esque crooning.  Sonny Baker, one of Buffalo's hardest working musicians, will also be on hand with solo tunes, and is expected to play a handful of songs from his upcoming Elevator Knees EP.  Rounding out the bill is Applennium whose members include Dave Calos of 90s alt rock lovin Bearhunter, and Chris Groves, a fellow Audio Buffalo podcaster.  The four piece, which features Stacey Stoll on vocals, reminds me of Yo La Tengo at their most autumnal times.  Show begins at 8:00pm and while cover is not mentioned, don't expect to drop more than $5 to get through the doors.
 

Hello, Brian here with some video from The Vault Holiday Show a week ago. I was able to get videos of two great local acts that should have your attention, Voodoo Friends and Applennium. Voodoo Friends will be joining buffaBLOG favorites Love Scenes on New Years Eve at Sp@ce224 Gallery, and Applennium will be at Mohawk Place on January 26th. Be sure to catch those shows!