Tonight the Jungle Gym will play host to a night of firsts, the first show from a collective Buffalo regulars, Alpha Hopper, as well as an introduction to Facility Men. Alpha Hopper is a female-fronted driving punk project complete with shrieks and howls, featuring members of JOHNS, The Fucking Hotlights, and PANG. Fans of Pissed Jeans, METZ, or The Jesus Lizard should definitely cram themselves by the radiator. In addition to Alpha Hopper is Facility Men, a band we wrote about in January, whose sound is Fugazi brash with early Les Savy Fav hooks. Also on the bill are scene vets, Fatal Figures, whose sleazy punk rock will round out an excellent night of fuzzy sounds. If you were a fan of Blowtops, this is some of their members most recent project. Doors are at 9pm and it's free dollars. 

The Hamiltones: supergroup on the rise? No idea, but the surf-rock outfit, made up of John Toohill of JOHNS and Chris Scamurra and Nick Reynolds of Space Wolves, played a head-bopping set two Saturdays ago at the Jungle Gym that, luckily, was recorded for posterity. It's surf with a punk twist: a little louder, a little more aggressive, with more of an edge. They obviously know their surf, enough to blaze through classics like "Church Key" and the theme from Batman with ease. Check out "Church Key" below and see what you think.

(Full disclosure: no clue who the guy in the picture is, but that's the album cover The Hamiltones posted on Bandcamp.)

Sokea Piste are noisy. They are messy. They are from Finland. And tonight they are here. Along with some local support from discordant rockers, JOHNS, Gas Chamber... providing their heavy, bleak soundscapes, Bad People and Resist Control, who are also releasing an LP, this show is for the frozen, the dirty, and the spent. This kind of shindig could only happen at one place and that's the Polish Library. Get there promptly at 8 and stay promptly til close ($7). While you're at it drink some of the fine Polish beers, or don't if you're of the edge variety (All I wanted was a Pepsi???). Tonight's show is presented by Peterwalkee Records and Sugar City.

Tonight, the staff at buffaBLOG comes together to celebrate our 3rd annual holiday party at Duke's and you are all invited. This year, our party falls extremely close to Christmas in hopes to reign in a few Buffalo ex-pats and friends returning home for the holidays, those who normally may not get a chance to come to one of our shows. Throughout the week, we have been previewing our rather impressive lineup, at least I think it is, and in case you missed any of the spotlight posts, you can catch up below:

9) Jack Toft - "Jump Up and Down"
Jack Toft had an amazing 2013. Between his numerous music video appearances, collaborations with up-and-coming emcees, and dropping singles so fast that buffaBLOG just simply could not keep up, Toft found time to partner up with producer TEEN WOLF to make an exceptional full-length album, TEENWOLF AND JACK TOFT. “Jump Up and Down” is arguably the most listener friendly track on the an already very listenable album. The song is abstract rap-pop where Toft hypes the listener to, well, jump and down, while also incorporating his signature delivery of one-liners, Allentown observations, and dated cultural references. Toft's partnership with TEEN WOLF spurred Toft's momentum this year which is on course to translate well into 2014. "Jump Up and Down" makes you want freak out with your buds, jump uppin' down and bust your nuts. - MJM



8) Bryan Johnson & Family - "Mt. Vesuvius"
Bryan Johnson & Family are Buffalo’s resident surf rockers. Despite Johnson's omnipresence in the Buffalo scene, he had yet to release a large batch of recordings of his songs until this year. BJ released “Mt. Vesuvius,” which might be one of the catchiest joints to come out of Buffalo in the history of time (perhaps even since the tragedy at Pompeii). With the surf rock tag, there are hints of Beach Fossils, Surfer Blood, and even a bit of Cloud Nothings. Regardless, BJ&FAM has perfected their surf rock sensibilities. Trust us when we say this is one of the best choruses of the year; 'I feel like, I feel just like Mt. Vesuvius' will be stuck in your head for days. - NAS



7) Failures' Union - "Between"
Indie rock veterans/mainstays Failures’ Union have always been known to deliver and definitely did not go against the grain with the lead single, “Between,” which is from their late 2013 full-length, Tethering. "Between" made its internet debut via music video in late August, resulting in the buffaBLOGGERS spending the tail end of the summer rocking out to heyday '90s indie rock. The video also sparked an internal blog debate as to whether or not Will Sasso makes a celebrity cameo at 1:00, but that's not very important. What is important is that Failures' Union is brash Americana for a blue collar city like Buffalo. They are the rust belt's Hold Steady and with age/experience, Failures' Union continue to become more refined. - MJM 




5) Cinnamon Aluminum - "Girls in Disguise"
Cinnamon Aluminum has always been an unpredictable enigma, both as performance artists and musicians. Sometimes their songs are surface level electronic tracks, while others are best described as upbeat acid/jamtronica fronted by a nun with a strap-on dildo. Regardless of your favorite flavor of Cinnamon Aluminum, it’s undeniable that this band has a gift for commanding attention. Knowing this, we were pleasantly surprised to find “Girls in Disguise,” nestled as track four off of the band’s farewell EP titled Guys, Warlords. Girls. “Girls in Disguise” is enchanting dance-punk track featuring front man Hurricane Relic mumbling/babbling about girls lying/wearing disguises accompanied with Kristachuwan’s smooth jazz saxophone and a !!!-like percussion backing provided by Kid on Purpose. If you told me that "Girls in Disguise," was from the latest batch of DFA signees or a James Murphy production, I would believe it. It's that good. - MJM



4) Marine Biologist - "Allegro"


3) Smart House - "Car Ride"
Things have been a bit quiet on the Smart House front as of late, but earlier this year, the four piece electro pop act captured our attention with their incredible debut single "Car Ride." Led by the Ogadzhanov Brothers, Alek and Staz, Smart House recalls the sunny side of the Cure and just enough Wild Nothing to get you dancing. You can't listen to "Car Ride" and tell me you don't hear a lot of "Pictures of You" in that guitar or even a sans vocals "Boy's Don't Cry" in the song's first half. When we talked about this song at the year's half way point, nostalgia seemed to be the driving factor of our love for "Car Ride." For me, I am reminded of those endless nights as a teen in Amherst with nothing to do and nowhere to go, but everything still ahead of me. Those nights were perfect. I can almost pin it down to the exact second in song, right around that sun peaking through the haze moment at the 1:57 mark, where those feelings emerge. "Car Ride" reminds me of a time in my life when things were so much more simple, before bills and 9-5 jobs, before the thought of marriage and children were running through my mind, a time I still wish I could go back to every now and then. - MPM 



2) JOHNS - "Worm Wall"
When we got hold of the pre-release zip file of JOHNS’ House of Wrongheads, there was an instant excitement that 2013 was going to be a great year for Buffalo music. “Worm Wall” is the first track on House of Wrongheads, and is a droning, dissonant work of beauty with an eerie sense of urgency. From lead singer Johnny Toohill’s ghoulish 'ooo' ing introduction, to the band’s one-chord jam session breaking out at the two minute mark, and ending with drummer Ryan McMullen’s tribal drum outro, this haunted-garage rock five-piece has made one of the best songs we’ve heard in years. - MJM



1) Del Paxton - "Motion Sick"
Well, it’s unanimous. Del Paxton captured our hearts this year with Worst. Summer. Ever., a six song EP of perfect emo-meets-math-rock masterpieces. It was hard to pick only one, but in “Motion Sick,” Del Paxton gradually crescendos out of their soaring, angular indie rock into a blissful, reserved sing-along, complete with jazzy drums and far-off harmonies. This EP perfectly encapsulates where the emo genre was headed before it was bastardized – Del Paxton is able to be introspective without being sad. The blend of emotion, complexity, intelligence, and just the right amount of pop sensibility helps this album appeal to almost anyone you can think of. Emo enthusiasts, fussy musicians, gear nerds… even punks. I think we can all agree on one thing, Del Paxton brought it home this year. This is music that makes you want to fall in love. - NAS 



If you missed songs 20 - 11, you can check them out here.

Editor's note: For our best of 2013 coverage, we once again reach out to some friends of the blog to get an idea of what made the year in music so great for them.  For today's installment in the guest series, Bryan Johnson, singer/guitarist of local rock act Bryan Johnson & Family, submitted his best of list. Bryan Johnson & Family will be playing at the Lovin' Cup in Rochester this evening in support of Fowls vinyl release party.

We should start by saying what defines "best" best - the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality.

This is a definition stolen from a Google search I just did because I wanted to be at least as accurate as the internet. With our definition, we can now push forward into my choices for Best of 2013.

Best Album of 2013: Darwin Deez - Songs for Imaginative People
Even with a Pitchfork rating of 5.0, this album stayed on repeat in my car more than half of the year. Favorite tracks are "Moonlit" and " You Can't Be my Girl."



Best Local Show of 2013: Aircraft CD Release Show
This goes to Aircraft and their Sonic Boom CD Release Show at the "late" VAULT art space. The foursome packed the Vault with ease. There were even paper airplanes everywhere, soaring through the air, strung up to ceiling spinning in the tiny beams of light across the room.

Best Local EP/Album: JOHNS - House Of Wrongheads
JOHNS have a dark rock vibe that separates them from the others in the area. I loved the guitar hooks and layered vocals on this album. Favorite tracks were "No Ones Watching" and "Never Done."



Tell buffaBLOG what some of your favorite shows, artists, albums were for 2013.

JOHNS' House of Wrongheads was one of the first Albums of the Week of 2013. It was a six song collection of dark, convoluted garage rock released on cassette. I admit, I don't have anything in my life that can play a cassette tape anymore. Somehow, I was lucky enough to run into a digital copy of their next four song EP, Temple of False Love. It subsequently became this week's Album of the Week.

There's something "horrific" about JOHNS. I don't quite want to loop them in with the horror punk scene - but they sound something like a cross between the Misfits and The Strokes. EP opener "Anatomy of a Noose" is as simple as they come, pairing distinct, hard-strummed Rickenbacker jangle with spooky layered vocals. "Dead All" is next and follows a similar paradigm - gang-ish vocals over moody, discordant indie rock.

"Side B" kicks off with the surf-rock inspired cover of long time classic "Money." JOHNS' version is one hell of a banger and my personal favorite (it even gives the incredible "Worm Wall" from House of Wrongheads a run for its money). Between the guitar licks, crazed yelling, and frantic drumming, I can't even imagine how awesome this song would be to see live. The EP closes out with "Cemetery," which finds JOHNS at their horror punk-est. The chant of, "We will take your everything" was enough to make me check my back pocket for my wallet.

Admittedly, this was a pretty quick review; but then again, Temple of False Love is a very quick listen, and that's part of what makes it so fun. You can pick it up at their EP release show later this month at the Jungle Gym.

It's that time of year again. The Adam Mickiewicz Polish Library and Dramatic Circle, otherwise known as the Polish Library (612 Fillmore Ave.), will be hosting the fourth Annual Buffalo Decency Rally, showcasing the best in local punk rock, hardcore and indie, on two separate floors. The absolute cream of the crop in terms of creativity, power, heart, and attitude will be on display and I am way psyched. If the past few years are any indication, this will be one memorable and wild night. Plus it's cheap ($5) so you have no reason not to go.

Heres a list of the bands and the set times. Get there at 5:30 sharp to catch all the acts.

SPERM..............................6:00 (Up)

REAL PEOPLE.....................6:30 (Down)

CROSS STITCH...............7:00 (Up)

CAGES...............................7:30 (Down)

V.O.C.................................8:00 (Up)

ACHILLEA...........................8:30 (Down)

RESIST CONTROL................9:00 (Up)

MALLWALKERS....................9:30 (Down)

UTAH JAZZ..........................10:00 (Up)

JOHNS.................................10:30 (Down)

ABLE DANGER......................11:00 (Up)

MAYDAY!.............................11:30 (Down)

DREAM JOURNAL....................12:00 (Up)

SUN BLACK SMOKE...............12:30 (Down)

FLOOD DRINKER...................1:00 (Up)

ANCIENTS OF EARTH.............1:30 (Down)

Buffalo knows how to do mixed media art openings. Those looking for some music to go with their visual art should come to Reimagine Furniture on the corner of Elmwood and Breckenridge tonight. This lovely shop will be hosting the opening reception for their recent display of the work of Maude White and featuring a rare musical performance by one of buffaBLOG's favorite men of mystery, Sean Kader.

Maude White is a rising local star, making a name for herself with delicate and intricate designs cut by hand into paper. Her work is impressive as both a technical achievement as well as for its simple beauty. You can currently see or purchase these works at Reimagine Furniture where I am told they are selling fast. Make sure to stop down and pick up a piece before they sell out!

Meanwhile, Sean Kader is a member of Johns and a remarkable songwriter in his own right, and his pensive and wistful music is a perfect soundtrack for the autumnal evening. Kader rarely performs solo, so this is a great opportunity to hear his work. Sweetening the deal, Kader will be joined by JOHNS ringleader...John Toohill.

Stop down and see Maude's thoroughly maudevolous work and stay for the chance to catch the ever elusive music of Sean Kader. The show begins at 7 with Kader expected to perform around 8:30pm. There is no cost of admission.

Psychic Teens are beyond the realm of self control. Dirgy to the core. They are regular adults. They sound like that time you spotted your creepy metalhead brother at 80's night.

Still not convinced you should go see them tonight at the Flesh Temple? My explanation (and theirs) apparently wasn't enough to captivate you. So you should just listen. Listen downstairs and get lost in whatever kind of madness Psychic Teens produce, because it's indescribable and pretty cool.

Also. Johns. Goldmines. Shitbox Jimmy. $7. 6pm. 1245 Niagara St. There.

Tonight's brand new episode of the WBNY Local Show sees host Mike Moretti welcome one of the blog's favorite recent local acts, the dark garage rockers JOHNS. Calling them new may be a bit of a stretch, as all of the members have been performing in solo projects (Nick Gordon, Sean Kader) and various bands (London Vs. New York, The Fucking Hotlights) for some time, but for the sake of this post, lets stick with them being a new act. The band dropped their stellar EP/tape, House of the Wrongheads, earlier this year and we have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of any new shows.

If you're looking to kick back with a pint after amassing your Record Store Day booty, Sugar City is presenting a free event down at Essex St. Pub that's worth checking out. A plethora of Buffalo based bands, including Failure's Union, UVB-76, Jack Toft, Handsome Jack, Cages, A Relative Term, and more will be showcasing their music videos with a special screening. The screening will also feature music video premieres from JOHNS and Mallwalkers. The event goes from 9-11, so whether you're still reeling from the fisticuffs you got in with someone over that last Space Wolves cassette, or you've smoked enough weed to realize that you just want to drink without talking to people, make this your stop.

I like Pile. Their disaffected, slightly aloof brand of alternative rock is reminscent of a day and age when "alternative" actually meant something. Think Fugazi, the Icarus Line, and maybe a splash of the psychedelic stoner wash that has come to define QOTSA. Forget linear music altogether while you're at it. Straight lines won't get you to where you're going. Pile will.

If you like Boston's favorite sons chances are you'll probably like Fat History Month too, and their jazzed out, "herky jerky melodies". The band shares the same record label and hometown as Pile, as well as sharing the stage with them tonight at Duke's (9pm, $5). Also on the bill are Buffalo's number one garbage rock act JOHNS and Buffalo's best version of the Gin Blossoms, Failures Union. Between the bands you can enjoy DJ sets by Dano, Malik Saint, the Plastic Shaman, and Johnny Drama.

It's rare that you get a bill that kills top to bottom. Be sure you support real music that's actually trying to accomplish something artistically. Go to this show.

If you find yourself at the Aretha Franklin show tonight and you start thinking, "this is great, but where's the grunge?", you may still have time to make it to The Vault for Merchants' EP Release show. Celebrating the release of their debut EP The Red Room on Admirable Traits Records, Merchants are a four piece fuzz bomb of distorted riffs, soulfully scratchy vocals, and moody atmospherics. They'll also be taking the stage at the buffaBLOG 3rd Birthday Party, so tonight is your chance to check them out early. Joining them will be psychedelic garage band Sleepy Hahas and JOHNS, who are fresh off the release of their tape House of Wrongheads. Doors are at 8pm and the $8 cover includes a copy of The Red Room.