Showing posts with label the malones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the malones. Show all posts
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buffaBLOG's Best of 2013: Staff Picks - Favorite Albums Part 2



Steve Gordon

 Connan Mockasin - Caramel
New Zealand's Connan Mockasin is what would happen if you made circa-1997 Radiohead drop acid with Syd Barrett and Ariel Pink. Bizarre and haunted, jazzy and demented, lo-fi bedroom space rock. Fill that bedroom with some baby-making, and you have his 2013 album, Caramel; all the aforementioned artists, with a little bit of Brothers Johnson on top. “Lysergic Sex Funk” is how a friend once described it, and I can't beat that. “I'm the Man, That Will Find You” is a standout track.

Travis Kowalski

Mayor Hawthorne - Where Does This Door Go
Where Does This Door Go is an album deeply focused on delivering modernized retro-soul vibes and contemporary hip-hop party jams that are predominantly inspired from Mayer Hawthorne’s previous DJ career. What makes this album stand out this year is how with three albums now under his belt, he still continues to progressively evolve as an artist by using heavier experimental instrumentals while also staying true to his disc jockey roots with his omnipresent neo-soul beats. Above all the other tracks on this album, his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “Crime” emerged to be among one of my favorites this year. The great thing about this song is that it doesn’t over complicate itself and brings out an infectious chorus with slick pop/hip-hop rhythms to give it that cool edge. 



Jaz Frazier

 The Malones - The Malones
If there is any one album that I abused, it’s easily the Malones’ self-titled album. This album got me through my day, through my night, and through mornings when I was pushing through an unforgiving hangover. It certainly helped that the shows these guys [Steven Floyd, Elliott Douglas, and Brandon Schlia] performances were EXPLOSIVE. If during their set you were too winded to shout the lyrics anymore or too achy to troll the floor, the crowd would carry you, in addition to an energetic Douglas hopping into the audience making them all go ballistic. The live performances were transmitted so well into their recorded work, making this my most-loved album of the year.

Jessica Brant

 Lorde - Pure Heroine
This saucy songstress from down under struck a chord with me--and everyone else--when "Royals," a nod to, and dodge from, all things ostentatious hit the radio waves. She left the world asking, "Who on God's earth is this beautiful soul with golden brown tendrils, doe-like eyes and the voice of an ethereal fairy?" And then we all found out it was a 17-year-old high school kid singing us to shame. Each listen is like opening a scrapbook from high school days past, complete with sloppy prom pictures, gushy love letters, and torn-up concert tickets...Oh, to be seventeen again. Most notably described as the reigning queen of "confessional bedroom pop," Lorde compiles an impressive track list filled with silky harmonies and free-spirited hip hop and electronic beats. Feel the power in her gloriously arranged "Glory and Gore," and the bubbly dance rhythms of "Tennis Court." This girl can brag all she wants; she is the true queen bee, taking pop where it needs to be. Lorde is now, and Lorde is the future.


Michael Torsell

Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
This really was Vampire Weekend's year. While I am still changing my mind over my best track of the year (I picked Vampire Weekend but now I think that honor belongs to "Play by Play" by Autre Ne Veut), I have been pretty sure about this choice despite my best attempts at second guessing myself. Modern Vampires of the City is an accomplished modern pop album with no weaknesses. It is a rare flawless feat of clever songwriting and memorable lyrics and it is my album of the year. 



Mac McGuire

 Local Natives - Hummingbird
Man this was difficult. Last year, all I did was bitch that there were so few good albums released. This year, all I did was bitch that there was TOO MUCH good music to pick from. I bitch a lot. My selection for album of the year could have been one of many albums: Okkervil River's nostalgic shout out to the 80s in The Silver Gymnasium, Yo La Tengo's best album in years in Fade, The Men slowly becoming The Band on New Moon, or probably a half dozen others. You get the idea. 2013 was a damn good year in music.

 So why Local Natives' Hummingbird? I don't even like the band that much. Their debut album, Gorilla Manor, was alright. Fun, sunny harmonies. Some nice percussion and jagged guitar work. But at the end of the day, I thought I heard it all before. I never thought that band had this album in them. The production skills of Aaron Dessner (The National) hang heavy as tight compositions and layers of emotion are found on every track. Plus, the band has the luxury of having two of the best singers in music today, Kelcey Ayer and Taylor Rice, as co-frontmen, and Hummingbird gives each the chance to shine on their own, from Ayer's devastating ode to his passed mother on "Columbia" and the stirring "Heavy Feet" to Rice's uplifting "Ceilings." Throw in some of the best drum work this side of the Walkmen, and you not only have my most pleasant surprise of 2013, but also my favorite album.



If you missed Part 1, click here.
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buffaBLOG's Favorite Buffalo Tracks of 2013: 10 - 1


Well, here we are, our top 10 Buffalo songs of 2013. I took some time last night and re-listened to every song that we included on our countdown of Buffalo's best, and at the end of the night, I realized Buffalo is in a pretty good place right now when it comes to music. We have a great variety of bands all making entertaining and even, at times, genuinely thought-provoking music. A friend and I were talking the other day about how it is easy to knock local music. Statements like: "it's good...for Buffalo," are so casually tossed around because giving ourselves credit is sometimes really hard. The Super Bowl losses, lack of jobs, the weather, frequently color our opinions and are just projected onto our music scene. We end up thinking that if one thing is going to suck, then it's all going to suck.

 Growing up here has made me an eternal pessimist, but you can feel the city changing for the better, and I think our music scene is a perfect example of that. Why can't there be great bands in Buffalo? What is so different about this city than any other? Creativity flows just as fast as Blue Light you know. This was a great year for Buffalo music and I am proud to be part of it in some way or another. I hope you enjoy our top ten list as much as I do. It was a lot of fun to make. See everyone in 2014.
- Mac McGuire, Editor-in-Chief

10) The Malones - "Clenched Fist"
Even if you only casually follow buffaBLOG, you probably know that The Malones were probably one of the bands we covered most this year, and for good reason. With a sound that mixes the best aspects of The Strokes and Hot Hot Heat, these veterans of the scene (including Steak & Cake records mastermind Brandon Schlia) released their debut EP this year, and it was excellent. We decided on “Clenched Fist” for our top 20. The song doesn’t even breach the two minute mark, but when singer Steven Floyd yelps that his “ears are tape recorders and his mouth is a microphone,” you can’t help but get riled up. Oh, and I won’t forget to mention the band's secret weapon - Elliott Douglas’ delicious Steak & Cake bass lines. - NAS



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 

6) Forealists - "Livin' It Up"
For a city that seems to be dominated by punk bands and the latest wave of emo rock, the emergence of the party pop group, Forealists, this past summer was just the right amount of fun for the fairly pessimistic city. The funk/R&B/soul, hell even a little boy band, flavored outfit's debut single, "Livin' It Up," surfaced this past August with quite a bit of local buzz. The relatively simple music video, which mixes in performance cuts and the band 'cruisin round town' in a convertible on a pleasant summer day, became equally addicting. Who the hell is that guy in the mask by the way? No matter. "Livin' It Up" is a blast because it doesn't take itself too seriously. Sunny synths, great harmonies, and some of the best bass work in town make it hard for even the most anti-pop of people (that would include yours truly) to hate one of the more surprise hits to come out of Buffalo this year. - MPM



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"
I noted earlier in this post that what I loved most about Forealists' "Livin' It Up" is that the song didn't take itself to seriously. It was a fun tune about, well, having fun. Now, take what I just said and throw that out when it comes to Marine Biologist. This post-rock four piece is dead serious and wants you to know it. Take the opening track to their devastatingly good EP New Works. Formally under the rather long working name of "WE'VE SEEN ALL OF THIS BEFORE. NOTHING IN THE WORLD IS NEW. IT'S ALL BEEN DONE," "Allegro" is a stirring call to arms with a slow building intro of muted riffs and big drums. Front man Aaron Folmsbee spends the first minute of vocals reminding us how fucking boring life can be: 'We've seen all of this before. Nothing in the world is new.' Hell yes we have! "Allegro," thematically, recalls the stuck-in-the-suburbs dread of Arcade Fire's Funeral or what many post-grads must be thinking after that first job honeymoon fizzles. Think the heavy emotions of the Antlers backed by post-rock heavy weights Mogwai or Explosions in the Sky, and you have yourself Marine Biologist. - MPM



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.
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Tonight: All of Them Witches, The Malones, and The Etchings



Tonight shall be a night to remember. We have a musical trifecta, All of Them Witches, The Malones, and The Etchings, conjoining at Goodbar tonight. Needless to say, I will be in the front making a scene in excitement. But one thing that will not be exciting is the knowledge that this will be the last Malones show that Buffalo or otherwise shall see...indefinitely. How does that make you feel?

It makes me sad. However, we have an awesome line-up with the mathy All of Them Witches and the indie/pop/alt-rock of The Etchings. Come out; the music starts at 11PM and it's only $3! The show is also 21 and up, so bring dem IDs.




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Tonight: The Malones and Del Paxton


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.



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Buffalo Band Abroad: The Malones AND Aircraft - Episode IX


The Malones and Aircraft played their last away show at Rochester's Bug Jar last night. They would say they were surprised that the crowd was meager if they hadn't mostly been playing to eachother and the other featured bands for most of their tour. But they can definitely say they've seen some excellent bands, namely, the Heard of Detroit and Rhino House Band of Brooklyn, and they have learned lessons that only touring can teach.

But for now, the boys are home and excited to be able to shit in the solitude of their own home and (to everyone's excitement) the last show of tour will be at the Waiting Room tonight! The doors open at 8PM and music starts at 9PM. Also playing tonight will be Marine Biologist and the Tell Tale Signs.

The show will be a warm welcome back for the guys from the two-week long road trip, thanks to adoring Buffalonian friends and fans. If you were missing those raucous Malones shows and Aircraft's spacey, beachy grooves, come out tonight and show them all how much you missed them. And for God's sake, buy some merch, people!

Of the Malones, we have Elliott on the bass, and Brandon on drums, above.

Of Aircraft, Tyler is on guitar and keyboard and vocals, and Ian's on drums.








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Tonight: The Malones and Aircraft


Tonight, our conquering heroes return from tour when The Malones and Aircraft triumphantly play The Waiting Room with The Telltale Signs and Marine Biologist. I don't know about you, but I've rather enjoyed Jaz Frazier's serialized saga chronicling their tour of the Northeast. These lads from Buffalo, carrying our local music scene's hopes and dreams wherever they roamed in that (heh heh) trusty van, alongside tonight's show has been circled on my radar for some time. Aircraft and The Malones are two of Buffalo's finest bands, bands that represent the promise and joy that can be found throughout the local scene and its best and brightest. Seeing them together on the same bill, after a mighty adventure, is a can't miss show. Doors open at 9 PM and tickets are $8.

Check out the tasteful, melodious, and hefty vibes of The Malones courtesy of Quiet Country Audio.



Cliff Parks
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Buffalo Band Abroad: The Malones - Episode VIII


Shit's really looking up for the touring Malones and Aircraft en route and upon their arrival to New Paltz, NY. From what I gather, it was possibly the best show all tour. The energy was right and so were the ladiez. That's rock and roll. G's above include, listed left to right: Tyler, Brandon, Elliott, Ian, Steven, Justin, and James. And it appears someone took the picture from behind glass...can you see the reflection of some dude with his arms up? Look closer.

Their raucously successful show with shakin' gals and a shouting, but friendly, bar back (strangely named James Warren, just like the bassist of Aircraft) ended with the boys "digesting" the invaluable experiences that have come with their tour. And over a macaroni and cheese pizza, the bands fell over in exhaustion.

In New Paltz, the boys were housed by producer Chris Daly, of Salvation Recording Company. He's worked with familiar bands like Porches of NYC and Summer People of Binghampton, as well as folk/soul weirdo artist Viking Moses. Daly, in all of his wisdom, served as a guru for our budding friends, making them hip to some valuable tips for survival in the music scene. Many thanks to Chris Daly, fa sho.

On the road again, they're making their way to Rochester for their last away show tomorrow night at the Bug Jar, then will be playing for Buffalo once again at the Waiting Room Wednesday, September 4th. Gear up for "Dirty Soap", bitchez! It's probably the last time you'll hear it for a while.

Above is James Warren of Aircraft doin' some stuff on the bass.

And below is Steven fRIgGin Floyd, step dancing for far longer than anyone thought his drunken stamina could handle. 






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Buffalo Band Abroad: The Malones - Episode VII


Unfortunately, another hiccup in the Malones/Aircraft tour manifested itself as a broken down van, in the rush of Manhattan, Friday night. Cops and commuters alike were shaking an angry fist at the obstruction that is their ancient vehicle. The boys were afraid of not being able to make their show at the Legion Bar, and that came to be. Luckily, there was plenty of time left in the night for everyone to get hammered, so spirits were high. 

And yesterday, a show was hosted on the roof of a friend's Brooklyn apartment--they say Becca is her name. Go, Becca! 


Above is Aircraft on the roof, clearly workin' it. Maybe they were playing their newest surf pop groove "Space Euphoria." You should definitely click on that link. 

Now that you're listening to Aircraft...directly following the show, the guys all hightailed it to their show at Bowery Electric for a riveting, "(almost) packed house!" and are now on a mission for pizza in the mad city of New York. So jealous of that right now.

Bittersweet times for the boys of the Malones and Aircraft on this adventurous mini-tour. Nothing else could possibly happen that hasn't already; they've got this baby in the bag.


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Buffalo Band Abroad: The Malones - Episode VI

^BEFORE^

^AFTER^

I'm starting to wonder if these guys are incapable of staying clear of trouble. First, they get sketched out in the ghetto, then they're robbed, and now the entire touring crew (The Malones and Aircraft) can say their dicks and rights were molested by state troopers, and all because of this obvious musicians' van. I mean, look at it. If "potsmokers" aren't riding in that van, a child molester is...I don't think that helps their case, actually-- especially the drummer of Aircraft, Blank Blank*, who was thrown in handcuffs on the side of the highway and hauled to a West Virginian holding center for a pinch of shrub. 

That's right, people. After the boys' van was ripped apart, the only thing these coppers have to show for their suspicions is a crumb of herb. 

What makes things worse is the spectacle of the seven dudes, an open van, and a trailer full of equipment on the side lines that evidently caused a wary oncoming trafficker to (RIGHT BEFORE THEIR EYES) crash into another car, then clip a motorcyclist and send him soaring and skidding across the highway to land in an embankment. Luckily, the dude was cool and fine, but Blank was still arrested and "thrown" in "jail."

After all of that, Blank was released without any sort of monetary exchange. Although soon after, he discovered his wallet was missing, as well as his knife and camera. Some state troopers out in bumfuck WV are probably taking selfies in their patrol car with a pocket knife to send to LIVE SEX Tatiana, courtesy of Blank Blank's Mastercard.

Oh, and there isn't even a souvenir mugshot to boast. The whole thing was a spook arrest, because SOME PIGS had to stick their greasy knobs in a bowlful of citizen's fear. And again: our tax dollars at work. And a couple of smashed cars and an airborne motorcyclist later...behind the music, right here. Stay tuned for more shenanigans because Aircraft and The Malones attract that shit like ugly on an ape.

*Name "blanked" for job security purposes.



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Buffalo Band Abroad: The Malones - Episode V


This oh-so-fateful day started with shits, giggles, and funtime poolside. The Malones are all pictured here (Elliott is somewhat obscured by Brandon's head) looking cool, and Steven looking a fool until...the Chameleon happened. 

Aircraft had just finished their set, when the Malones rolled up to the stage, only to find that STEVEN FLOYD'S BABY WAS GONE! Where did she go?! One stranger suggested a route where he thought he saw a dude with a guitar case wander. A scrambling collective of men ran here and there-- dark alleyways and unlit streets claimed by certain gangs-- in an attempt to catch an invisible burglar...to no avail.

Steven's guitar was lost to Cincinnati last night. May we all bow our heads in silence.

A Kickstarter account will be soon created to help raise money for a replacement guitar, in the event she cannot be found in any of the surrounding pawn shops. Unfortunately, the tour will be over before Kickstarter can supplement an immediate guitar, but if you want to see Steven and all of his former glory, throw in five bucks for the cause and Malones bassist, Elliott Dougie, will send personal backflip videos or other amazing feats to the donators. He's like a prodigy, yo. 

Free Floyd!

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Buffalo Band Abroad: The Malones - Episode IV


It's been five days since the Malones and Aircraft departed our dear Buffalo, and as one can see, they're lonely already. I can't imagine they all slept this way, in their cutoffs and sneakers; but they were so hyped about the mirror over their hotel bed, they couldn't resist. Clockwise, starting from the left is Brandon (TM), Justin (AC), Elliott (TM), Ian (AC), Steven (TM), Tyler (AC), and James (AC). And if deductive reasoning escaped you, (AC) is for Aircraft and (TM) is for The Malones. Der.

That's one fine pile of man-candy, ladies...and gents. Come and get it! Boys, you can fend for yourselves.

Aircraft whipped up a nice pie of awesomeness the night of the Detroit Lager House show. They look pretty far out in this photo taken from behind- SHABOOIE!


Currently, the boys are safely resting in the generous home of a friend in Cincinnati, so they are well protected from the sketchiness of inner-city riff-raff. Their show at the Chameleon is tonight, so be sure to wish the bands broken legs, arms, necks- whatever makes you feel comfortable.




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Buffalo Band Abroad: The Malones - Episode III


Detroit, MI, is the newest location of our Buffalo boys, The Malones. After their run-in with a girl gang in Cleveland (see Episode II), this Robocop rendition at PJ's Lager House was a sight for sore eyes. The band rocked the pants off of Detroit. Brandon Schlia says, "We just walked off stage, and it was siiiiiiick." I think there were seven i's. Maybe there were more. He was quite excited.

Whoddathunk The Malones would be so translatable? We fuckin' did! Point two for Buffalo!

If the crew can make it out of Detroit, they will be making their way through Cincinnati for a gig at The Chameleon. Rumor has it there are wild packs of dogs that attack the residents of Detroit. There is one confirmed report and another denied report. I want to believe it's true, just because that's like some The Ghost and the Darkness, Stephen King, SyFy shit right there. And also, an allusion to Modest Mouse's "Wild Packs of Family Dogs."

In what Brandon calls a city that "looks like the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse [with] a lot of windowless masterpieces of architecture", I half expect Batman to come swooping through to The Malones' rescue. I feel like a pack of stray dogs might could take on Batman, but old money almost always wins.

TO BE CONTINUED...




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Buffalo Band Abroad: The Malones - Episode II


With a face like that, it's clear to see why some gangster-ass pre-teen girls would want to threateningly play and hide-and-seek around The Malones and Aircraft's travel trailer.

This just in: a very drunk bunch of white boys are assessing the city of Cleveland and a group of girls that could potentially bring trouble into the parking lot of an apartment complex where the band has parked the van and trailer. A theme for their stay in Ohio is that Cleveland is the home town of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. We all know they go hoooaarrdd. Shit, Flesh-n-Bones spent ten years in prison for some crazy AK-47 action. Our friends are in peril and Malones' front-man Steven Floyd is disillusioned and posing like Betty damned Page.

Will the boys make it through the night? Will they need to stand up or back down?? Will the young girls bring out their homeboys and make a mockery of their manhood?! More on the gang and their misadventures to come.


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Buffalo Band Abroad: The Malones - Episode I


So, the Malones, our beloved Buffalonian band, is on the road. On August 23rd, they departed on their tour and their first stop was Cleveland, OH, with nothing but music equipment and sleeping accessories in their van...for the most part.

On this night, they played (of course) with Aircraft, their fellow touristas. Above is a photo of Aircraft setting up and the young, renowned bassist of the Malones, Elliott Douglas, walking/strutting/cat-walking with a smile.

At this point, Aircraft is about to go on and our buds, the Malones, are gearing up for their first performance in Cleveland. A performance well-received by the audience. Point one for Buffalo.

A now-beat band suffers collectively, as they search for the refuge of slumber. The bars unforgivably close at 2AM, though random fireworks shows are warranted in town, and looked something like this.


Killed it in Cleveland. And many more shows to go. Here's the tour schedule for The Malones and Aircraft via Absolute Punk.


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Tonight: buffaBLOG Summer Party


After lengthy planning and a week of previews of participating musicians, the day of the Summer Party has arrived. Our blog parties have always been my favorite part of running buffaBLOG. They are opportunities to introduce someone to their new favorite local act, catch up with old friends, and for our writers to enjoy something other than my pestering text messages. I don't expect tonight at Duke's to be any different. Whether you have been following all week or are new to this and missed any of our party artist spotlights, take a minute to look over tonight's bill and read up on the acts below:

 Go Exploring
Jack Topht
The Demos
The Malones
I Can See Mountains
Spooky Business

 Music begins tonight at 10pm SHARP and runs til close so there is no need to go anywhere else to get your music fix this evening. We have you covered. $5 at the door and you are good to go.


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buffaBLOG Summer Party Artist Spotlight: The Malones


We snapped this photo of The Malones a second after we revealed they had been hand picked to play this Saturday at the buffaBLOG Summer Party. Chosen by the sheer force of popular demand. You can sort of tease all this out from the expressions on their faces. Expressions that tell the classic story of finish-line relief achieved after years of being the underdog, the moment when the suffering has transpired and eternal bliss has finally soaked in.

 Alright, so this isn't entirely true, it's more like two truths and a lie, or better yet two truths and like, seven lies but nonetheless The Malones are actually taking the stage this Saturday and we did hand select them and they are riding that wave of eternal bliss. Here are some more true facts - their eponymous EP was featured as our album of the week, their crafty songs are highly ear receptive displays of bass, drums, guitar, and vocals (if you want a comparison you could loosely toss around names like The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, and Arctic Monkeys), they were formed last year and already they have become among the cream of the crop as far as home-town talent goes. Oh yeah, we can hardly wait for the fall, when they're said to be releasing a debut LP.  All the more reason for you to come watch them this Saturday at Duke's beginning at 10pm.

Jeannette Chin

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Absolute Punk Debuts QCA Session feat. The Malones


Remorseless Buffalo rockers The Malones, kicked a pair of music videos out of their nest to see how much of their audience's spare time they can gobble up without a second thought given to the catastrophic loss of productivity this would cause at local businesses this week.

It’s up to you guys to make sure these videos can walk and hunt on their own without the careful, incubating presence of a mother’s love. So unless you like watching falcons snatch up baby rabbits on YouTube, keep the predators at bay and watch the video for "Dirty Soap." After your 400th viewing, remember to grab a glass of water before you dive back in, and if you absolutely can’t pull yourself away from the computer, your employer probably deserves an hour or two of notice before you call in sick with Malones Fever.

Be sure to catch these guys at the buffaBLOG Summer Party on August 10th, and do yourself a favor by popping open a new tab to check out the video for "Lie Straight" on Absolute Punk. They did get the premiere, after all.



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Getting Lost and Arriving Late: A Summer Threshold Spent Observing Buffalo’s Local Music Scene and Beyond.



Summer is in full swing in Buffalo and for many of us, that means coming out of hibernation after a long winter, spending time outside, and adapting to the overwhelming amount of stuff to do in the area. Ghost town no more, local and touring bands playing the Buffalo scene provide entertainment on most nights of the week. Suddenly, you find yourself deciding between several great events. I’m indecisive, so I like to avoid that unpleasant moment when you have to make a choice; fortunately, Buffalo is small enough to bounce around town from venue to bar, catching some of everything and staying out late!

This article serves as a recent retrospective of roughly two summer weeks of music; bands that I saw and some that I missed in our developing, booming local arts scene.

July, 6th Hanford Bay Beach Party. 
A fellow buffaBLOG compatriot hosts an annual 4th of July music event at a house in Hanford Bay (past Angola). This year, eight local bands traveled south from the city to play on a stage facing the beach and Lake Erie. I set out late after work. The sun is setting as my friend Dave and I leave our apartment. “Whatever happens tonight, I AM going swimming,” I say. I am riding shotgun and following directions I have scribbled down on a note pad. The closer we get, however, the darker it gets, and soon we’re lost on narrow rural winding roads. Neither one of us equipped with a smart phone, we call and text for help and eventually we get close enough to park in a neighbor’s yard from which we’re able to find our way by foot. As it turns out, Google has not figured out a working route to this location and so the circling, dead ends and turn-arounds were inevitable. We walk down to the beach on a public access path to catch the last half set of local band Early Attic. People are sitting, backs to the water in folding chairs on the sand. A minivan sized bonfire rages to the side while neighboring kids shoot off a consistent stream of roman candles and those squeaky, annoying rocket things. 

 Early Attic’s electronic indie rock sound is clear and balanced. They sound better than I’ve ever heard them, which is surprising considering the great lake behind me could swallow the noise vibrations in a heartbeat. About fifteen minutes later, experimental-instrumental electronic group Armageddon Party sets up. Their psychedelic grooves echo loudly across Hanford Bay. The DIY fireworks, bonfire, and warm breeze coming off the lake complete the aesthetic and sensory experience, and I relax into the sand. “Where are we again?” I think to myself, only a couple hours prior I was sweaty behind a counter, serving people food and drink, among electric lights and storefronts. With my eyes, I follow the coast in a line where the water meets the beach. In the distance I can vaguely see the subtle light pollution of downtown Buffalo, and I follow it back to where I am standing, appreciating the visible distance of our short trip and reminding myself that I am not somewhere else entirely. I never did swim.

(Hanford Bay. Photo by Brien Hall)
(Photo by Brien Hall)

(Early Attic. Photo by Brien Hall)
July, 7th Toronto Urban Roots Festival. 
It is the morning after the beach excursion and I am sluggish to leave the comfort of my bed. It is a late start and I battle with the disappointment that at this point I will likely miss some of the bands that turned me on to this festival in the first place, namely Kurt Vile and Yo LaTengo. My inability to function at a reasonable hour is discouraging, but there is more music to catch and so I focus on what I will be able to see, pack some things and head the opposite direction of last night’s festivities toward the Peace Bridge. Dave and I are in good spirits after being accepted into Canada by the nicest border cop I have ever encountered, (he asked how we were doing) and only 150 kilometers of easy driving ahead. We cruise well under the speed limit to ensure my car isn’t crippled by the drive. A first listen of the new Daft Punk record, Random Access Memories, becomes the soundtrack to our journey. It’s variety and sonic weirdness compliment the scenery as dark clouds move into view and cast shadows over the modern industrial cityscape of Toronto. I am reminded of the dystopian nightmare filmed in the opening scene of the film Blade Runner (although none of the high-rises are expelling flames). 

 After taking the wrong exit off the QEW, we make a few loops, circling the general area where we, with our limited knowledge of the city, think that the concert is taking place. After resigning that we actually have a horrible sense of direction, we bother a kind couple at a Tim Horton’s and we are back on track. The festival grounds are located near Fort York, almost completely surrounded by a few massive condominium complexes. Once we get in, the atmosphere is friendly. It had been raining on and off all day and the grass is muddy and flooded in parts. A boy and a girl run along the outer fence, back and forth through a puddle, kicking their feet up and splashing around. The set up is comfortable. There are two stages on opposite sides of the park on which bands set up and play alternating back and forth with each set. Local food trucks and refreshment stands are available at the center of the event. There are a lot of people, but it doesn’t feel overly crowded. 

(The way I remember our drive into Toronto)

The last day of a four-day event, we’re just in time to catch Neko Case. We move our bodies a few feet to the front of the stage, wading through ankle deep runoff. After a few songs into the set, the sky lets loose and a downpour ensues, lasting the remainder of the set and gradually coming down with more volume and force until it eventually tapers off. Neko Case sings beautifully, without even one note off pitch to my ears. She plays mostly songs off her new album, but mixes it up with a few familiar tunes, songs that first turned me on to her soulful, indie-folk gospel. 

 After that, a now very wet crowd shuffles over to the other stage to watch Belle and Sebastian close out the night. Belle and Sebastian put on a fantastic performance. The most exciting part, however, is how front man Stuart Murdoch involves members of the audience. Audience participation varies from groups of people enticed to climb on the stage and dance through a song, to a one on one scrabble game between Murdoch and a female audience member. At one point, Murdoch walks off the stage and into the crowd where someone applies makeup to his face while he sings. Another female is given a microphone to sing a small vocal part with the band. While I was disappointed that I didn’t arrive in time to see the incredible line up of other bands, these two performances easily made the trip worthwhile. 

(Neko Case at T.U.R.F. Photo by Jeff Ross)
(Above: Dave benefits from the kindness of fellow festival-goers in the form of a borrowed rain coat
Below: Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian walks into the crowd performing
"Lord Anthony," and a seemingly disgruntled fan flips the bird)

July, 9th The Jungle Gym. 
The Jungle Gym is the name of a house venue located on Buffalo’s west side. I make my way through a house I have never visited through the kitchen and out a back door. It is between sets and most attendees are getting some air. I recognize some people. There is Brandon Schlia, founder of local recording label Steak and Cake, and drummer of The Malones, along with a few other writers including bufaBLOG’s chief, Mac McGuire. I am impressed by the number of people that have come to see live music on a Tuesday night. 

 Soon, I’m back inside packed tightly next to adjacent humans awaiting Aircraft’s set. I am a little claustrophobic and having some trouble breathing in the dank musk of the underground venue. The music is loud and the energy is high. The usual space between crowd and performer that divides the experience is gone and it feels like we are all gathered to hang out together. Aircraft performs not on a pedestal to be watched and admired from a far, but with the audience on the same ground, barely a foot of separation. This intimacy relies on a certain kind of mutual respect. The togetherness is felt as Aircraft plays “Rising While I Fall.” This song begins with an initial sparse arrangement joined by a catchy vocal melody of OH’s. The crowd sings along in between Justin Smith’s lead interjections. Its like a drunken scene from a neighborhood pub where intoxicated stragglers launch into a traditional folk tune before stumbling out. This kind of group sing along is rare. It seems that most concert watchers would rather stand perfectly still while they contemplate the vibrations they are feeling from a removed state. In this cramped space, however, there is no room for the kind of self-conscious abstinence observed at many indie shows. 

 I stay for the final set by somewhat recently-formed band The Malones. As they set up I tell the lead singer Steven Floyd that I admire the vibrato and timbre of his vocal. For a moment I think about my comment and hope that is does not make him self-conscious before they play. It does not and The Malones deliver an exceptionally tight set to the 50 or so attendees now crammed shoulder-to-shoulder like a single organism, focused on the music, life-supported by breathing in one another’s exhalations. Sounds gross, but the feeling is one of comfort and belonging.


(The Malones rock out at The Jungle Gym. Photo courtesy of The Malones)

July, 11th The Ninth Ward and Duke’s Bohemian Grove Bar. 
The plan is to meet fellow buffaBLOGGER Carly Cassano at Duke’s for local garage-rockers The Telltale Signs. At the last minute I am prompted to relocate to The 9th Ward. I arrive just in time to see Massachusetts based band GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! The two-piece consists of Ken Topham on drums and Joe Andreoli on guitar. They play technical, instrumental jams occasionally mixing in some guttural expressions. Topham sets up sideways and is surrounded on three sides by an elaborate drum kit. Extra cymbals are propped up high on the stands and mounted upside down so they stick out like weird mushroom antennae, or some musical contraption you’d expect to see in a Dr. Seuss animation. Andreoli plays guitar that he loops and builds on top of. Each angular riff compliments the last as the parts intermingle and weave together, new rhythms filling in where another part lets up. The two members face one another and seem to make faces, often smiling and laughing. They feed off of each other’s energy and their charisma extends outward to the audience creating a fun shared environment. Dancing to this kind of sound manifests in bizarre jerky movements, twists and bodily contortions. 

 The show lets out and we head to Duke’s to catch The Telltale Signs. We arrive to discover that they have already played due to some last minute cancellations and another band no where to be found or heard from. Despite this plan falling through, it is still early and there is another band about to go on from Brooklyn, NY called IceBalloons. With an unhealthy amount of cheap beer circulating through our bloodstream we have transitioned from apprehensive shuffle to all out interpretive dance as we experience Ice Balloon’s sound for the first time. Among colorful lighting and fog machine overcast, Ice Balloons front man takes the stage wearing a homemade fly mask from which the unmistakable flicker a human tongue periodically emerges. His t-shirt shows a picture of Ronald McDonald’s face combined with the printed phrase, “Eat shit and die.” His overall persona is like a wannabe Batman villain imagined by David Cronenberg. The resulting stage presence is surreal. Their sound is loud. The vocals buried and distorted. The drums accent without respite, driving and heavy handed. 

(GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! Older live performance)

(Fly mask wearing front man of Brooklyn band Ice Balloons at DBGB's)

Driven by the sudden warm weather and the fresh energy collectively felt by a town finally emerging from over six months of cold and dark, these past couple of weeks have been a blur of staying out well into the morning and having the benefit of very little sleep. There is striking diversity dispersed among these bands and venues.  I have walked down beaches, celebrated festivals, invaded private residences, and frequented bars. Each place offers a different aesthetic, but what they do have in common is an emphasis on providing an experience of original music. Being involved in the local music community for the past four years I have noticed a change. It is hard to describe in concrete terms, but it is more of a feeling, a quiet optimism, and a slow, exponential evolution that is not yet fully formed. The shape it will take in the weeks, months and years to come will depend on the continued inspiration and hard work of fellow concertgoers, sound creators, and venue operators. 

 It is a critical time for the Buffalo music scene. It is in a state of transition and growth. Opportunity exists, but is reluctant to emerge. Progress has not and will not develop autonomously. It has to be extracted in pieces by creative individuals with fresh ideas. Bold moves and calculated risks will see this city to wonderful places. People have moved away, empty businesses and whole residential areas haunt many neighborhoods. However, with a nihilistic twist of ideology, our city is actually in a good place and saturated with possibility. We have inherited a partially blank canvas from which we can create and determine our future. 



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