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 melodic pop rock tunes of The Malones first caught our attention back in February when their eponymous demo album was chosen as our album of the week. With well crafted hooks and a sound that can be likened to The Strokes or Tokyo Police Club, they've quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting new local acts in recent memory. Their latest split EP with fellow Buffalo rockers Aircraft features the infectious tracks "4 AM" and "Handshake", which show off a gritty, highly danceable sound.

Tonight the band will play The Jungle Gym with local indie rock outfit Del Paxton, whose latest record Worst. Summer. Ever. also received a nod for album of the week earlier this year. The band's riff-heavy, introspective sound is arranged with great attention to detail and makes for the perfect soundtrack to fall. Also on the bill tonight is Brooklyn three-piece Rhino House Band whose jangly, easygoing pop vibe will be sure to set things off right. Doors open at 9pm with the music starting at 10. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.

Celebrate the Vernal Equinox at the Jungle Gym tonight with three excellent bands. The Rice Cakes, hailing from Providence Rhode Island, play melodic indie rock reminiscent of early Aloha and other similar acts floating around during the early 00's. Their most recent single, "Floor Boards," features alternating male and female vocals accompanied by syncopated drumming and math rock-lite guitars. Not to be missed.

Rounding out the bill is the Jungle Gym's top notch house band, Pang. Pang is raucous, quick and anchored by howling vocals and a rush of ideas. Finally, the enigmatic Dream Journal (as in, there was no information online that I could directly attribute to this band) will also be performing.

The Rice Cakes w/Pang and Dream Journal
The Jungle Gym - 357 Breckenridge Street, Buffalo, NY
9pm
Donation to support bands