7 8 15 24 26 INTERVIEW
CHECK-INS
CHECK OUT
INTERVIEW
ALBUM REVIEW
WITH
WITH
SOME
WITH
WILD THINGS
ALUMNI
NEW MUSIC
OF
BY JESSE
PHILLIPS
WITH LIFE COMES DEATH
KAUFMAN
BY ALYSSA
BY CORY COLEMAN
ARIA BY COLTON KRZANOWICZ
27 28 29 30 31 32 ALBUM REVIEW
ALBUM REVIEW
ALBUM REVIEW
ALBUM REVIEW
ALBUM REVIEW
CLOSING
OF
OF
OF
OF
OF
STATEMENT
CRASHFUSE
JACOB PETER
ELLSWORTH
YESTERDAY VS. TOMORROW
TOUGH OLD BIRD
BY ALYSSA
BY PATRICK
KAUFMAN
BY MIKE THOMAS
BY MICHAEL LUCCARI
BY JESSE KAUFMAN
JAOUEN
BY JESSE
PHILLIPS
graphic design ampddesigns.com facebook.com/ampddesigns alphillips92@gmail.com
WILD THINGS DAVID BRUCE bass
NICHOLAS WILLIAM vocals, synth, guitar
JEFF LAURICELLA guitar
JEFF CRAWFORD drums
Wild Things is an indie-pop band
because they can’t get enough
from Buffalo, NY, comprised of
people to spend to see their band.
former members of the Breathing
Not gonna lie, selling tickets is a
Tree and the Odd Times. Their debut
hassle. Cheaper stuff makes it a
single “Little Ships” has been
lot easier. More expensive tickets
quickly garnering attention across
are obviously harder to sell, but
the WNY scene, landing them an
bands obviously get more of a cut
opening slot with Frank Iero on
when it comes to that. The dollar
February 21 at the Studio/Waiting
shows, bands don’t really get any
Room, and a future show in
money even when they’re sold
Alternative Buffalo’s “You Saw
out. But I’d rather just play all of
Them First” $1.07 series. I recently
those and not get any money
and
than try to get all these people to
Nicholas William to discuss their
come. It’s almost impossible to
debut single, influences, and local
sell 50 tickets on a $12 show
talked
with
David
Bruce
because there are so many other
music ticket prices.
things you can do with $12. What inspired the music of “Little
So those 107 shows are definitely
Ships,” lyrically and thematically?
an interesting solution.
The song started based off of a
Also, when you get your 50 tickets
guitar riff, this little thing that
and you think about your friends
was stuck in my head, and we wrote around that. Thematically, it’s about straying from the path and not following the rules. Being individual. So, what kind of music do you guys listen to? What are your favorite records? We all listen to a lot of the Killers. And more of newer stuff that’s out now. We listen to 107.7 a lot. I definitely hear a lot of that in your music, especially the synth and guitar mixes and the altindie-pop crossover. I think we approached it with writing pop songs that are, you know, catchy. We wanted to mix it with a heavier rock sound. Hopefully you’ll feel it at a live show. Do you have a plan to record an EP, an album, more singles?
We’re preparing for our first show,
passionate about it, especially this
and that’s taking precedence over
project, I think we could really take
studio time right now, especially
it as far as it goes.
because we’re really happy with
Do you have any plans for more
the way “Little Ships” turned out
shows after the 21st?
and the way people responded to
Localized Buffalo brings in local
it. We wanted to give people
bands to play acoustic shows. We
something to hang onto while
have that lined up in March. We’ve
we’re still working some more.
been talking to 107 about doing
But I think after this show our goal
one of those dollar shows at the
will be probably a song a month.
Waiting Room. Those are awesome
Get into the studio and just keep
because anyone can go. It’s a really
releasing them.
good way to hang out with people.
For you is this more of a hobby, or
After February and March, we’ll
do you really want to take this
be focusing more on going to the
thing as far as you can?
studio and recording.
Definitely a bit of everything. I think
Speaking of the dollar shows, how
if it was ever not fun I wouldn’t be
do you feel about $10 local shows
able to think about it more
and how most local shows are
seriously. But since we’re having so
costing as of the last couple years?
much fun with it, and we’re really
A lot of people are discontent
and family that have to go, at some point it becomes the same people. It’s easier to sell a onedollar ticket to those people. Definitely excited to hear what’s coming. If “Little Ships” is any indication, it’s probably going to be pretty big. I see a hit, in my humble opinion. Thank you very much.
DON’T MISS WILD THINGS AND FRANK IERO FEBRAURY 21ST AT THE STUDIO ABOVE THE WAITING ROOM, AND BE SURE TO CHECK OUT “LITTLE SHIPS.”
www.facebook.com/BecomeWild Photograph by Ryan Orzechowski
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OCTOBER 2012
As I constantly discovered incredibly talented local bands and artists that were not receiving the attention they deserved, I wanted to help bring them into the light. I began 716 LOCAL MUSIC with a desire to explore Buffalo’s music scene and encourage its members to do the same. I reached out to two friends for the first issue in October of 2012 and did not expect the feedback it rendered.
SWEET APOLLO OCTOBER 2012 We are very sorry to announce that Sweet Apollo is disbanding indefinitely. For the past few years, our fans have allowed us to produce several records and perform many times throughout Western New York. We truly do not have the words to tell you how thankful we are to have shared those experiences. We will carry the memories with us for the rest of our lives. Our academic pursuits and varying interests have been our undoing; however, we are all still very close friends and by no means is this a bitter departure. Jong and Dom will continue their own project and we hope they will have material within the year. Joe will continue as the bassist for the Gentleman’s Quarrel, and Will will pursue his degree and medical school. Prior to disbanding, we were in the studio working on one of our best compilations to date. It is our hope that within the year we will complete those songs and release them for free download. Again, thank you everyone who gave us a chance. It’s been one hell of a ride and we’ve cherished every moment.
THE CASCOS OCTOBER 2012 The Cascos are going to keep themselves as a summer band from now on. No new material (at the moment) but Garage on Martha lives on as a nice lil statement. Right now LIPS Records is [my] focus with a number of local releases in the works. The label is starting to dub cassettes and do some merch as well. It’s [taking off] with a Local Onlys debut album written—demo’d up and on the way—a brand spankin’ new release coming from Shelley the Cat (slacker pop), a new Wylie Something album, and a number of other wild things. So LIPS Records is starting to really do some work as a legitimate label and Local Onlys is starting to take off in Philadelphia. We’re gonna keep it fun and light, just releasing stuff WE like. —JACOB SMOLINSKI
—WILLIAM LASHOMB 9
RITUAL WALK JANUARY 2013 Ritual Walk dropped off the radar and unofficially disbanded with plans of eventually doing a farewell show. I’m doing a new acoustic project called Yellow Sauce and working with some guys on a blues-hard rock project that should debut in 2015.
CRASHFUSE JANUARY 2013 We’re currently writing and will be back in the studio in late January to record our sophomore release. We are preparing for a run of spring and summer shows.
—LELAN ALLEN
—CHAD HORNBERGER
THE CANT NOVEMBER 2012 The Cant is defunct. I’ve finished most of the writing for a record I’m working on. I want to track it and make the best I possibly can. —ANTHONY WACHOWIAK
THE ODD TIMES OCTOBER 2013 We’ve been signed and the label got our song on Sirius XM which was pretty cool, but lately I’ve been focusing on building my media company. —RUDY SCHIEDER
HOLKAMPANY NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 The release show for our second album Juvenile Gentlemen was our biggest audience ever. Our drummer departed, and John Vaughan and I have gone off to school where we’ve played shows as a duo. We are still looking for a new drummer to get the band in full swing again. —JORIAN HOLKA
“I WANT TO DO FOR SOME KID WHAT THE BANDS I LISTEN TO DID FOR ME.” —SEAN MORAN MELLONCORE AUGUST 2013
“GOD, THIS IS AWESOME.” —MIKE SOBIERAJ BRING ME YOUR VULTURES JANUARY 2014
2012
SWEET APOLLO OCTOBER 2012
BEN ALESSI NOVEMBER 2012
THE BREATHING TREE DECEMBER 2012
THE CASCOS OCTOBER 2012
THE CANT NOVEMBER 2012
DANIEL ROBINSON DECEMBER 2012
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THE BREATHING TREE DECEMBER 2012 The last time we were together as a group was on stage for our reunion show in the early summer. That to us was the last push we had left, something that felt right in a good way to put it to rest. There were so many factors that led to the eventual mutual decision of disbanding, but something very good was born out of the ashes of the Breathing Tree: Wild Things, a project that I’ve always wanted to be a part of and am just now seeing come to light. —NICHOLAS WILLIAM
EMILE HAWTHORNE MAY 2013 I’m playing guitar with Humble Braggers, writing and recording in Hokan & Friends of the Sun, and putting together a project that requires band members. I’m [want to] start a label or record store within the next five years or so, and its mission will be grounded in sustainable and responsible resource use.
A FAILED APOLOGY SEPTEMBER 2013 We released our second EP, This Past Year, in October and it’s been well received. We played our first basement show and a show at the Studio. We’re starting to write new music. I’ll be taking some time off shows, but the rest of these jabronies will likely still play a shows with a replacement guitarist.
—BRYAN ZELLS
—KEVIN SMEADER
“IF SO MUCH AS ONE PERSON LIKES OUR ALBUM, THEN EVERYTHING WILL HAVE BEEN WORTH IT.” —WILLIAM LASHOMB SWEET APOLLO OCTOBER 2012
BRECKENWOOD JUNE 2013 Garrett is doing vocals and keys, Cam and I are doing the same thing, and we have Stephen Adolf on lead and Tony Knox on rhythm guitar. We finished recording our EP and its on Amazon, iTunes, and Soundcloud. We’re going on tour next month with Time & Distance. We’re also headlining the Forvm Stage at Burtfest and then going on tour again. We really plan on pushing the new EP as hard as we can, and hopefully we can get a booking agent and a label’s attention. —WILL FOLCKEMER
GO EXPLORING SEPTEMBER 2013 I am working on Go Exploring and a few side projects. I’m trying to start a band so I can expand. I moved to LA and am now working for a production company and composing for TV shows, and I’ve been working with a record label based out of Australia that I’ll release some stuff on as soon as I can. —MATT SCIEME
JUSTIN SHUTTLEWORTH JULY 2013 I’ve been playing out in NYC mostly and I just released my new single “She’s Alright.” It’s free on SoundCloud.
THE CREATOR, THE ARCHITECT JUNE 2013 We are buckling down and taking the writing portion seriously as to not let shows and preparation get in the way.
—JUSTIN SHUTTLEWORTH
—JOE MAC
2013
CURRENTS JANUARY 2013
THE TRADITIONAL FEBRUARY 2013
HEARTS LIKE RIOTS MARCH 2013
THE ODD TIMES APRIL 2013
EMILE HAWTHORNE MAY 2013
RITUAL WALK JANUARY 2013
FIASCO JONES FEBRUARY 2013
HOKAN & FRIENDS OF THE SUN MARCH 2013
CRASHFUSE APRIL 2013
CEDAR KITES MAY 2013
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“WHETHER IT’S TO MOBILIZE PEOPLE TO TAKE TO THE STREETS OR TO JUST FEEL A
SAVANNAH KING / SAVANNAH AND THE KINGS SEPTEMBER 2013 I’ve had some changes with a brand new band: myself on vocals and acoustic, Loren Metzger on drums, Scott Gergelis on upright bass, and Mark Bamann on electric. We’re Savannah and the Kings. We’re in the studio recording our first full band record, my fourth release. I’ve also been touring with 10,000 Maniacs!
DAN AND LEANNE / RUSTIC RADIO JANUARY 2014 We just finished our first EP. It’s in the mixing and mastering phase, aiming for a Spring release. We’re playing at a couple shows in early 2015.
—SAVANNAH KING
—RUSTIC RADIO
SENSE OF LOVE OR BEAUTY, I WANT TO DO ALL THOSE THINGS WITH MY MUSIC.” —BRYAN ZELLS EMILE HAWTHORNE MAY 2013
HUMBLE BRAGGERS JULY 2013 We finalized our live lineup with Bryan and Jake and started playing shows in Buffalo, Erie, and Rochester. We also released our second EP, Say. In 2015 we’ll be releasing a 5-song EP with our best songs to date, and you’ll be seeing some merchandise available at our upcoming shows. We’ve been fortunate to have met creative and talented musicians in the past year that we’ll hopefully collaborate with in 2015. —TOM BURTLESS
SORRY! / SAVING CAROLINA JANUARY 2014 We’ve completey revamped the band, changing the name to Saving Carolina. We play southern rock and are going to Nashville to record our next songs and try to get signed. —ANDREW GROVES
WOLF JANUARY 2014 I now have a bass player and a drummer. We’re releasing a single in, hopefully with a video, and an EP in March.
HOKAN & FRIENDS OF THE SUN MARCH 2013 I was cast in a reality TV show, and my segment will focus on Buffalo and the struggles and process of being a local musician. A new manager affiliated with the network is putting us down to Miami to record a full length to be distributed nationwide.
—CHELSEA O’DONNELL
—HOKAN CROMWELL
BRECKENWOOD JUNE 2013
VENONA JUNE 2013
DARLING HARBOR JULY 2013
HUMBLE BRAGGERS JULY 2013
THE CREATOR, THE ARCHITECT JUNE 2013
WORLD OF NOISE RECORDING STUDIO AUGUST 2013
JUSTIN SHUTTLEWORTH JULY 2013
MELLONCORE AUGUST 2013
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WORLD OF NOISE AUGUST 2013
SAVANNAH KING, HONEY SPINE JEN PALMER, SEPTEMBER 2013 ERIN SYDNEY WALSH SEPTEMBER 2013 GO EXPLORING SEPTEMBER 2013 A FAILED APOLOGY HOLKAMPANY SEPTEMBER 2013 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013
WORLD OF NOISE RECORDING STUDIO AUGUST 2013 Things are going very well right now. Lots of new clients, a few of the acts are getting signed, and I’m working with a major label artist right now. I think I have a lot more to look forward to in the future! —NICK BORGOSZ
THE TRADITIONAL FEBRUARY 2013 We spent a ton of time the road, wrote and recorded a new record, signed a deal with Anchor Eighty Four Records, and have been constantly focusing on touring and writing. Our record, How To Live Without Blood, comes out on January 13. Can’t wait for everyone to hear the new stuff! Shows have been great. We’ve spent a lot of time on the road these past two years and they just keep getting better and better. We put together video series, “Traditional Tuesdays,” with New Noise Magazine. Each week a different member of the band said a few words about the record, life on the road, and being in this band, and we coupled it with some live shots and tour footage for promotion of the new record. It’s been cool to see reactions to it. We are playing a show January 24 at the Studio at Waiting Room to release the record. —ANTHONY MUSIOR
MOOSES JANUARY 2014 We released an album and got great recognition from Buffablog and other sites, and we’ve been enjoying the comfort of Fredonia basements and bars. We’ve been fooling around with different writing and recording approaches to create our first full-length, which we’re hoping will be a lot less poppy but still accessible to people. We’re ready to get releases to the public by summer.
“WE TRY TO COME OUT SWINGING.” —RYAN BENNETT THE TRADITIONAL FEBRUARY 2013
—PETER CAHLSTADT
2014
SHELTERED BY SKIES JANUARY 2014
MOOSES JANUARY 2014
BRING ME YOUR VULTURES JANUARY 2014
LIKE A PARROT JANUARY 2014 SORRY JANUARY 2014
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“EVERYBODY LIKES TO BE A PART OF THINGS THAT ARE BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES.” —JARED MATESIC THE BREATHING TREE DECEMBER 2012
82 BANDS 36 INTERVIEWS 16 ALBUM REVIEWS 13 SPECIAL FEATURES 12 WRITERS 1 DESIGNER 1 CITY
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JANUARY 2015
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CRAZIES JIMMY SKRZECZKOWSKI SINGS VOCALS JORDAN KUCHARSKI PLAYS GUITAR DAN BONASERA PLAYS BASS WILL PIHL PLAYS DRUMS
FROM FREDONIA, NY
PLAY HARDCORE / PUNK
ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/CRAZIESOFFICIAL
PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISTINE FURSY 16
Crazies started in 2010 when Skrzeczkowski and Kucharski began jamming Misfits covers together. The band endured multiple lineup changes in its infant stage. Crazies became fully fleshed out in the winter of 2012 with the addition of Pihl on drums. Since, the band has steadily developed its catchy brand of hardcore-punk and an intense stage show. After a short hiatus in 2013, the band came back with a vengeance and has been working hard to establish a local and regional fan base. Crazies released the Batcave EP in April 2014 and is now in the process of recording a six-song EP, the Splatterpunk EP, due out in early 2015. Combining the intensity of hardcore punk and thrash with the melodic, catchy nature and horror-based lyrics of horror punk, Crazies are striving to bring something new and unique to the table.
PORT KOHLER ANDREW PHILLIPS PLAYS GUITAR, PLAYS BASS, SINGS VOCALS CHRIS MCALLISTER PLAYS DRUMS, SINGS VOCALS FRANK MISKULY PLAYS BASS
FROM HAMBURG, NY
PLAY FOLK ROCK / ALTERNATIVE
ONLINE AT SOUNDCLOUD.COM/CHRISFROMPORTKOHLER
Port Kohler is a trio from the Buffalo Southtowns combining the musical talents of Andrew Phillips (lead guitarist and vocalist), Chris McAllister (percussionist and backup vocalist), and Frank Miskuly (bassist). With influences from City and Colour to the Doobie Brothers to Paul Desmond, the group creates a relaxed groove but maintains a slight edginess. All talents culminated to the making of the first released single, “Roots,” which combines a light atmosphere with a sweet guitar melody to begin, but builds into a rather strong statement towards its close. The lyrics allude to a lost soul in a crowded place. The group looks forward to the release of its next two singles, “Antique” and “The Great American Poet,” which will be staples on their first offical LP early this summer.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREW PHILLIPS 17
SCENERY WITH SOLACE ANTHONY GRANATA SINGS VOCALS JOSH RAMEN PLAYS GUITAR ALEX MISKELL PLAYS GUITAR TREVOR ELMORE PLAYS BASS, SINGS VOCALS, DOES PROGRAMMING DYLAN ROCHE PLAYS DRUMS
FROM BUFFALO, NY
PLAY METALCORE
ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/SCENERYWITHSOLACE
PHOTOGRAPH BY MITCH RITER 18
Scenery With Solace was formed in early 2011 by high school friends who shared a passion for heavy music. Over the first two years, the band built a following by releasing singles and opening for bands such as Issues, Sworn In, and Counterparts. The band recorded its debut EP with Nick Borgosz at World Of Noise and released it in September 2014. Known for music that is technical while still remaining heavy, SWS plans on expanding upon its sound and adding in more aspects that will set it apart. SWS is keeping busy writing material for a fulllength release and working on a new and improved live set for 2015. The EP Human Ignorance is available now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play.
HUMAN IGNORANCE AVAILABLE NOW ON ITUNES, SPOTIFY, AND GOOGLE PLAY.
ALBERT THE FISH HELEN LOWRY SINGS VOCALS JABARI NOEL PLAYS GUITAR JESS LABELLA PLAYS BASS RILEY VOIGT PLAYS DRUMS
FROM FREDONIA, NY
PLAY ALTERNATIVE ROCK
Albert the Fish: a talented group of college students ready to make its mark on the world. The group was formed almost three years ago and all of the members attend Fredonia University. With Jabari Noel as songwriter and guitarist, Jess LaBella on bass, Riley Voigt on drums and the lovely Helen Lowry as lead vocalist and songwriter, it has established a unique alternative rock sound. Although classically trained, Lowry’s edgy alto voice is perfect for the genre and sound of the group. The name Albert the Fish came to be when Lowry and Noel owned a fish named Albert, after the serial killer, Albert Fish, infamous in the early 1900s. Some of the band’s influences include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Florence and the Machine, Led Zeppelin, and Blink 182.
ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/ALBERTTHEFISH1
PHOTOGRAPH BY JABARI NOEL 19
YONIC SEAN PATRICK SINGS VOCALS, PLAYS GUITAR RYAN SCHINDLER PLAYS BASS BRIAN MCMAHON PLAYS DRUMS PAUL SOTTNIK PLAYS KEYBOARD
FROM FREDONIA, NY
PLAY PSYCHADELIC BLUES, REGGAE, FUNK
ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/FREEYONIC
PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC KEARNEY 20
Yonic was formed in the backyard of a local Fredonia venue, the Jungle, in September of 2013. After a year of playing venues around the Fredonia circuit, Yonic has a fresh sound with it’s recent change in members. The group recently released a single, “Listen to Some Reggae,” which is only a small piece of a bigger project, a full length album that Yonic is in the midst of recording. Yonic asks that everyone gives its music a chance and supports local musicians everywhere.
WOLF CHELSEA O’DONNELL SINGS VOCALS, PLAYS GUITAR BEN RANDALL PLAYS BASS BILL O’CONNOR PLAYS DRUMS
FROM BUFFALO, NY
PLAY ALTERNATIVE ROCK / POP
ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/MUSICBYWOLF
Wolf began as the solo project of Chelsea O’Donnell, a singer/songwriter based out of Buffalo. During her time as an acoustic solo act, O’Donnell recorded her first EP, Gold & Dirt, at GCR Audio as well as played at various open mic nights and such venues as Nietzsche’s, the Gypsy Parlor, Spot Coffee and PeopleArt. In the spring of 2014, Bill O’Connor (drums) and Ben Randall (bass) joined O’Donnell to form a band and fill out the sound of the Wolf repertoire. They are both a part of two other bands in the local scene: Supergoner and the Etchings, respectively. Since forming the band, Wolf has played at Buffalo Iron Works, Mohawk Place, Babeville and Mr. Goodbar, both in headlining slots and opening for local or touring bands. In October of 2014, Wolf began working with Brandon Schlia (Steak & Cake Records) on an EP that will be released in March of 2015. The first single, “Infectious,” comes out on January 15 via Steak and Cake Records’ Bandcamp.
PHOTOGRAPH BY PAT DEPUY 21
YESTERDAY VS. TOMORROW JESSE KAUFMAN SINGS VOCALS, PLAYS GUITAR PLAYS SYNTHS JOSHUA KELLER PLAYS GUITAR KEVIN STUITJE PLAYS BASS PRESTON COFTA PLAYS DRUMS
FROM BUFFALO, NY
PLAY INDIE / ROCK
ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/YESTERDAYVS.TOMORROW
PHOTOGRAPH BY LEE HOFFMAN 22
Yesterday Vs. Tomorrow is a project of exploration. Sense of discovery is at the root of each song, many songs beginning and ending with a “What does this button do?” or a “What would it sound like on this instrument?” YVT’s most recent material, the upcoming double album, Aurora Borealis, captures this spirit most thoroughly, defining the band’s most adventurous work yet. Aurora Borealis was released completely independent August 12, 2014.
PATRICK JAOUEN FROM ROCHESTER, NY
IS A SINGER / SONGWRITER
ONLINE AT FACEBOOK.COM/PATRICKJAOUENMUSIC
Patrick Jaouen is a BMI Recording Artist and Associate Recording Academy Member, as well as an accomplished singer/songwriter. He has released two internationally distributed EPs, several published books, and a portfolio of video production projects including the acclaimed live music series “From the Underground,” where he held the role as Executive Producer for the entire first season. In addition to a being a creative, his musical endeavours are philanthropic, as he donates 100% of the profits from his original music to various charity organizations. In addition to recorded material he has completed well over a thousand live performances in some of the most infamous venues in the United States.
PHOTOGRAPH BY DOUGLAS SZCZESNY 23
WITH L IFE COMES DEATH Jeff Rogan: vocals, keyboard | Nick Ellis: guitar, vocals Will Leach: guitar | Robert Michaels: bass | Jon Kozlowski: drums Interview by Cory Coleman
SECOND CHANCES SOMETIMES COME. Back in 2009, WITH LIFE COMES DEATH was attempting to burst onto the local music scene with its synth-soaked female-fronted sound, but found themselves not gaining the fanbase they should have coming out of the gate. “WE STARTED WITH THE ORIGINAL SOUND, BUT THE FIRST VOCALIST WANTED THINGS TO SOUND WAY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT THE REMAINDER OF THE BAND ENVISIONED,” SAID VOCALIST JEFF ROGAN.
This interview was conducted in January of 2013. Since, With Life Comes Death has unfortunately disbanded. We decided to publish the article in fond memory.
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A few vocalist changes later, the three original members (Rogan, bassist Robert Michaels, and drummer Jon Kozlowski) decided to go in a different direction with Rogan as a frontman, an a new era was be born. Simultaneously, former guitarist Nick Ellis departed from Deliver The Fallout to rejoin WLCD. “THIS WAS BETTER IN A LOT OF WAYS THAN MY PREVIOUS PROJECTS, WITH MORE TIME AND DEDICATION BEING PUT IN,” HE RECALLED.
The four of them were joined by additional guitarist Will Leach as they marked a new path in the scene. “THE NEW MEMBERS HAVE HELPED PUSH US ALL AS INDIVIDUALS TO PROGRESS AND GROW WITH OUR RESPECTIVE INSTRUMENTS,” PROCLAIMED MICHAELS.
I SAT DOWN WITH THE GENTLEMAN OVER SOME DRINKS TO GET A LITTLE BIT OF THE STORY BEHIND THE BAND.
FIRST OFF, WHAT ARE WE DRINKING TONIGHT? JEFF ROGAN: Cherry vodka and Coke. NICK ELLIS: Blue. ROBERT MICHAELS: Redbull and grape vodka WILL LEACH: Great Lakes Edmurd Fitzgerald. Coinciden-
tally, also what I’m wearing. JON KOZLOWSKI: Nothing, I’m broke.
HOW WAS 2013 FOR THE BAND? JK: We’ve grown much closer as a band. JR: We have a fuller sound, our mentality of what we
wanted to become has changed, and our devotion increased exponentially. RM: We started to record our full-length album, as well as branched out to play shows in Rochester. NE: We had two of our singles play on Underground with Steve K on 103.3 the Edge. THE SONG YOU JUST RECENTLY RELEASED, “CROSSROADS,” FEATURES TONY AVINO FROM THE CREATOR, THE ARCHITECT, WHO ALSO HAVE A SINGLE “CROSSROADS” COMING OUT SOON. WL: Its actually part of a grand conspiracy. Stay tuned for details. JK: No, it was really just an awesome coincidence. JR: Great minds think alike. NE: Actually, we originally wanted to name it “Purgatory.” We had a show a while back with Aria and they just released a single with that title. So another brainstorming session gave us the title of “Crossroads,” a song that symbolized being stuck in life and trying to not knowing which direction to go in, which is our thought on purgatory. IF YOU GUYS HAD TO COME UP WITH PORN STAR NAMES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE? WL: I’m Asian, so I’ll go with Wang Hung Lo. RM: Bear Naked. NE: I’ll be sophisticated. Arthur P. Harrington. JK: Cinnamon Bunz. JR: Escape The Date. THE UPCOMING RELEASE FROM WLCD IS “A SECOND CHANCE.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU GUYS? WL: It signifies a second chance at making a mark on this scene, this time in a different style than what I’ve grown used to. RM: I feel our band was sort of reborn when Nick came back. It gave us another chance to do what we always wanted to do.
NE: Exactly what it sounds like, this band finally getting a second chance to make a mark. JK: I felt a lot of people doubted us over this years and I think everyone deserves a second chance. This is our new opportunity to show the city what we have to offer. WHAT ACTS IN TOWN HAVE YOU BEEN DIGGING LATELY? NE: Sheltered By Skies, Scenery With Solace. JR: No Promises, No Regrets. WL: A Breath Alive. RM: The Creator, The Architect. JK: My Girl, Chernobyl. WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS OF THE LACK OF VENUES IN THE TOWN NOW? WL: I’m sad to see a lot of the local venues close down. It definitely makes it tough to get exposure, but I see it as motivation to branch out to other cities. JR: Companies should take notice and see that the talent in this town is worth investing in. NE: It think it’s unfortunate. Some of the venues we have expect a great deal of profit out of even brand new bands in a city whose fanbase sometimes can’t even afford the tickets to these shows. In my eyes, we need a few more venues that have open door policies as to who can organize a show there. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE RECENT CLAIMS THAT THE SCENE IS RATHER DIVIDED? JK: I think a lot of bands don’t get anywhere near enough credit for all the hard work they put in. JR: I don’t agree that its divided, I believe that we need to come together as a city and support one another. Our city is fading on the map and the music here is great, in all genres. RM: Sometimes a genre’s fanbase will only support that fanbase and nothing else, which is disappointing. NE: There are a number of divisions in the scene, with bands and fans poking at each other and bashing styles, but that’s a matter of preference and not the scene having cracks, in my opinion. Every family has its problems. You can really only hope that they all come together in the end. There will always be a few haters, but as long as we get through that and keep working, we can stay on the right track to making Buffalo’s scene what it once was. I love my scene and my music family. •
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ARIA Bianca Dyrland vocals Ryan Ankenbauer guitar Anthony Todorov bass John Runkle drums /ariarock
Abandon - EP 1. Black Hole / 2. On My Own / 3. The Gambler / 4. You Dug Your Own Grave, Now Lie In It / 5. Something’s Gotta Give
For not being a huge fan of girl-fronted bands, I was hesitant to give Abandon a listen, but people said it was really good, so I said, “what the hell, YOLO,” and gave it a shot. It might just be my habit of grouping all girl bands with more popular bands in the genre, but Aria reminds me of a kind of a newer and little heavier version of Evanescence or an early Paramore. The vocals are loud and powerful, reminiscent of Amy Lee’s, and musically, they have a melodic hardcore/rock vibe. A lot of the melodies have me tapping my foot because they’re catchy, and who doesn’t love catchy music? Nobody. My favorite track off the EP is the second one, “On My Own”. It’s got an almost-punk vibe and beat to it. Being a huge fan of pop punk and punk, this song caught my ear right away. “The Gambler” is a slower track with a looming piano and electronic beat. I like this song until the random dub step bass drops come in. It doesn’t fit into the song to me at all. The song is about a guy that the vocalist has trouble forgetting because he wronged her, and then out of nowhere, the bass drops. I don’t understand that part, but other than that, it’s a good song.
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“You Dug Your Own Grave” starts with a nice heavy beat with some violins that would make any headbanger go nuts. The verses of the song have an acoustic guitar under the drums and vocals, adding a nice little touch. It’s an angry song. Lyrics like, “you said you’d die for me, well then die,” and, “watch me take what’s mine and I’ll watch you cry like a bitch,” is enough to fuel any person to tell off someone who screwed them over big time. The opening riff on the closing track, “Something’s Gotta Give” is a pretty one that sets the tone for the song, a fast, catchy rock song like the rest of the album. Dyrland really lets it all go and her voice shines during the chorus, hitting highs and lows throughout the song. This band blends multiple elements from other genres and makes this EP something to enjoy. That’s the best thing about taking chances (especially in music); you could fall in love with a band you’ve never heard of. I think this EP will find a place in my iTunes for a while.
Review by Colton Krzanowicz
CRASHFUSE Chad Hornberger vocals, guitar Colin Eberhardt drums Nick Wnuk bass /CrashFuse
Between You, Me, and the Lamppost 1. Out of Lives / 2. Sweet Routine / 3. Just a Little / 4. Crossroads / 5. Watch Me Fall / 6. Oh, Apologies / 7. Interlude / 8. Friends / 9. The Girl / 10. Fall on Your Feet / 11. Tuition (Am I Letting Go?) / 11. Waiting
Upon hearing CrashFuse’s first full LP, Between You, Me, and the Lamppost, there was just one thought I couldn’t shake from my mind: “These guys are gunning for the number one band in Buffalo.” The reason their sound is so great and why they’re gaining a lot of traction in the Buffalo Scene is: These guys are not out to try and deliver a new angle on rock n’ roll. They are sticking with good, honest pop-rock and staying true to their guns.
Track 6, “Oh, Apologies” is really the most diverse song on the LP. In an album of four-minute power pop songs, there’s a six-and-a-half-minute Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream Pop song sticking in the middle. I honestly felt a little tired after listening to it. Still, it’s a very well composed song, and probably contains the most emotion on the CD. Imagine a warm summer night separated from the person you love.
“Out of Lives,” the album’s opening track, starts off the party with a bang. Catchy vocal melodies infect the already bright, clean guitars and suggest a carefree, simple, and sunny summer day. With a sound that is a clear throwback to the early days of the 2000s (OneRepublic, Maroon 5), it is a clear setup for the pace of the rest of the album. Oh yeah, and what song is complete without a saxophone solo?
Track 7, “Interlude,” really should’ve been left off. All filler, no killer. Remember, instrumentals don’t sell!
Track 2, “Sweet Routine,” opens with a guitar lick that would make Dan Auerbach and the Black Keys foam at the mouth. It’s a slow blues shuffle turned power pop single, in a style that I’m sure only Chad Hornberger and Co. can pull off.
Arguably the most infectious, catchiest chorus of the CD belongs to track 9 “The Girl.” An angsty song about boy meets girl. Time tested classic.
Honestly, the next song, titled “Just a Little” would’ve made an outstanding opener. With a vibe that hearkens back to the early days of Maroon 5, this has to be the best song I’ve ever heard come out of the 716. With a pace like a Ferrari and a chorus as catchy as the Black Plague (in a good way) prepare to have it stuck in your head for weeks. I wish the same could be said for the next track, “Crossroads,” but something about it makes it fall just short of it’s potential. It starts with a good coffee house-esque acoustic guitar riff, but the verse vocals are so laden with echo effect that it makes you cringe. The chorus is good, but not good enough to make up for the verse. The same complaints can be made regarding Track 5, “Watch Me Fall,” except it’s the chorus that is problem. In my opinion, it sounded a little too much like its predecessors. It probably could’ve been left off the album and no listener’s feelings would’ve been hurt.
The band bounces back very well, though, with the next song, “Friends.” Super upbeat, and follows the classic loudquiet-loud format that never fails to deliver. It also asks the perpetual question “Buffalo, why can’t you just be warmer?”
The next two songs, “Fall on your Feet” and “Tuition (Am I Letting Go)” should’ve been left off the CD. The first song is only explainable by saying “swing beat gone wrong,” and is a living testament to the fact that you can’t have a pop swing song. And for “Tuition,” I cant believe this has to be said, but acoustic rap? Not a good combo, ever. The debut CD ends with a personal favorite, “Waiting.” Much like the other power pop anthems, it’s loaded with fist-pumping choruses and hook-driven guitars, a must have for anyone’s collection this summer. It’s a great way to end the album, just as this CD is a great way to kick off your spring! I highly recommend a copy; you can pick it up at any one of their shows, or at your local Record Theatre. (Support your local record stores.)
Review by Mike Thomas
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JACOB PETER Jacob Peter /JacobPeterMusic
Wind Song - EP 1. Stella / 2. Waiting / 3. Burned By Love / 4. The Line Between Us and Being / 5. Wind Song (Part 1) / 6. Wind Song (Part 2)
The Wind Song EP by Jacob Peter is a airy piece of music, the kind you listen through low-quality earbuds, walking home from work on a calm day, taking your time admiring scenery, admiring the basic shapes of cars passing, admiring the soft vocals of Peter. Stopping at a street and subtly tapping your foot to the sparse, tastefully twangy guitar riffs. If there’s really such a thing as comfort food, then I would describe this as comfort music. You’ve experienced this before, but it’s still something that can be appreciated. Simple guitar licks and catchy basslines help showcase Peter’s intimate voice. Brief moments of psychedelia break up the country-inspired guitar and banjo combination. Peter has no desire to fit into a single genre. I definitely get a stream of conscious vibe from both the music and the songwriting. For the most part, the acoustic guitar shines, but he isn’t afraid to play with noise. The first track has a really nice rumble on it, but unfortunately it’s a little bit of a tease compared to the rest of the EP. I feel like he made the stylistic decision to hold back on the louder parts of the tracks, but with a more noticeable tenacity I would be more inclined to relate to the emotions expressed by his more than capable voice and laid back guitar riffs. This is a very minimalist rock record. A vocal melody paired with an acoustic guitar. A bassline that doesn’t do anything but bounce. An outro that slowly builds into nothing. But at the same time, he’ll have perfectly placed vocal harmonies and crashes from the drums, which are just loud enough that to know they’re there. That being said, this style of songwriting can lead to sections that drag a little bit. Some parts of Wind Song may be hard to get through when you first hear the record. Even though not all of it is completely satisfying, there still are some moments that are simply gorgeous.
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The standout track is “The Line Between Us and Being.” It reminds me of a Sufjan Stevens song; the way that his singing drives the track is very impressive. It’s one of the noisier tracks on the album, but I feel this is a track that could be extended further into something even more beautiful. It’s great and worth checking out. “Wind Song (Part 1)” is another track that I think could use more work, although this one isn’t as strong. It still has the barebones of a great track, but it just doesn’t seem to flow well. “Wind Song (Part 2)” on the other hand is a very nice little tune. The fingerpicking is very enjoyable and I hear a little bit of a Grizzly Bear influence in the way that the voice and guitar are working together. “Burned By Love” is the ballad of the record; it has upbeat guitar riffs with the closest Peter gets to a pop hook. The first half of the EP feels a little more upbeat. “Waiting” features a guitar solo, and as someone who isn’t a huge fan of solos, it’s actually really good addition. “Stella” opens the EP and does its job. Even though I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the keys on the track, the heavy bass makes it an enjoyable listen. Peter is obviously a very talented dude. His falsettos and harmonies alone make this worth checking out, especially if you’re into folk with a more modern twist. I think the arrangements are the best part of this record; the EP manages to be catchy while not being obviously catchy. The words are just interesting enough to deserve to be there, but I don’t think they’re necessarily going to grab anyone’s attention. However, that’s ok because this EP isn’t about that. This EP is about emotions that are just outside the need for words. The album feels like cheap beer in the summertime or a walk home from work, nothing to do but relax and tap your foot.
Review by Michael Luccari
ELLSWORTH Luke Wheeler vocals, guitar James DeAvila guitar Tom Mellen bass Nick Benstead drums, vocals /EllsworthBand
Ellsworth - EP 1. Lisa / 2. Mutuality / 3. Wait For It / 4. She Fell
Two weeks ago, Ellsworth shared with us their roaring emorevivalist thriller, “Lisa,” and last week it showed us that Ellsworth has a little bit more up its sleeve than power pop. Ellsworth’s debut EP touches on all of the tricks of 90s alt rock, but brings a more intelligent angle to the whole thing, sort of the “IDM” to 21st century emo rock. With well-versed lines like, “so at least now I can try to achieve all of the things you said that I couldn’t do and wish that we were dancing in our own pas de deux,” Ellsworth prove they’re a little ahead of the rest of the scene. Its songs are honest and transparent and aren’t afraid to sink into desperation or hopelessness, and what’s better is that it’s not afraid to let you in on it. Lines like, “Father didn’t ignore me,” speak to a now-grown-up generation with good upbringings that somehow were still left dissatisfied. Maybe that means it’s just in our blood. Tackling themes of loneliness and discontent aren’t easily done on break-up albums, but some how
they pull it off. However, what truly sets Ellsworth apart is its genre bending ambodexterity. From “Lisa,” Wheeler and Co. tap on post-punk monotone, Weezer-sparked alt rock, and end with a bang on one final punk rollercoaster of a track. “She Fell”’s up and down matches its heavy lyrical content perfectly. Through all of it, Ellsworth skips through these genres with ease and coherence, a talent that many bands are still working on. It all fits together perfectly. The best is still yet to come from Ellsworth, and if its debut EP tells us anything, it’s a sign that Buffalo emo is changing. Ellsworth is a breath of fresh air in a genre that has become so stale. Whatever they tell you, this is a revival. And Ellsworth is a new leader of it.
Review by Jesse Kaufman
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YESTERDAY VS. TOMORROW
Jesse Kaufman vocals, synths Joshua Keller guitar Preston Cofta bass Kevin Stuitje drums /YesterdayVs.Tomorrow
Aurora Borealis 1. Astronomy / 2. Local Millionaires / 3. Just Wait... / 4. Coffee Shop Theme Song / 5. You Look Like Sunshine / 6. [Sprawl Song Singalong] / 7. Mark Rothko / 8. Noise, Color, Excess / 9. Goodbye, Goodnight / 10. Northern Lights / 11. Pt. ii / 12. Grey / 13. Renaissance Man / 14. Steampunk Hero / 15. Dawn / 16. Meri Atma Apa Ki Jarurata Hai (My Soul Needs You) / 17. A Song For All My Friends
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Yesterday Vs. Tomorrow’s latest album Aurora Borealis is a masterful blend of raw emotional melodies and mellowed technical control. It begins with a song titled “Astronomy,” which foreshadows the remainder of the album. The introduction is an example, with its spoken word and ambient noise, of what’s to come on the rest of the LP. The song itself transitions from a single guitar and a vocal track then into a much harder full band chorus with a much more aggressive drive. While this is definitely an overview of what’s to come, there are much stronger tracks on the album that could’ve gotten the album off on the right foot. The second song “Local Millionaires” starts off with a guitar lick that reminds me of a mix of surf music and the Cars, familiar in a good way. I can imagine singing along to this song while driving to the beach with this song cranked up to ten on a hot summer day with the windows rolled down. “Just Wait” diverges from the first two songs in that it is an acoustic and vocal track all the way through. Its rawness is a welcome break from the overly produced music that is
prevalent these days. The lead singer’s voice is slightly off key in some parts of the track, but its lack of technical polish gives way to an emotional frailty that makes it human and honestly a beautiful song. The LP closes with “A Song for All My Friends”. This song I think was a good choice to end the album as it is almost a farewell song. I can see this song in the closing credits of a movie where the hero has finally gotten his just reward. The production value of this double release sounds as if a lot more money was spent on it than likely was, and I appreciate the attention to the final mastering. This album’s sound is reminiscent of the Shins’ Port of Morrow, but with raw acoustic tracks like “Coffee Shop Theme Song” it also has variety, drawing to mind Bright Eyes or the Cure. Its catchy vocal melodies and guitar licks blended with the tight drum and bass movements make songs like “Dawn” instant favorites.
Review by Patrick Jaouen
TOUGH OLD BIRD Matt Corrigan guitar Nate Corrigan vocals, harmonica
/tougholdbird
Never to Return 1. Water Drank Down / 2. Something Up Your Sleeve / 3. Never to Return / 4. By the Morning Sun / 5. The Ghosts in the River / 6. What Can I Do Blues / 7. Oh Me, Oh My / 8. Last Tattered Page / 9. Goodbye Rag / 10. The Carnival Was Shutting Down
Let me start out with a disclaimer: I have a real soft spot for Americana. I don’t know if it’s the road-trip/rural adventure atmosphere it connotes, the simplicity of it, or just that I love a good harmonica solo, but I just can’t keep away from it. Consequently, this review may be just a little bit biased, but I’ll do my best to be objective. “Never to Return” opens with classic Dylan-finger picking, slide guitar, and manic harmonica (can harmonicas be manic?) on the perfect opener, “Water Drank Down.” Things slow down and slip a bit into normalcy on “Something Up Your Sleeve.” It’s here that the listener begins to wonder if the first track was a one off and maybe Tough Old Bird is just another mundane country-folk act, but the damn harmonica is back at 1:37, and all those thoughts are forgotten. I’m not sure if harmonica leads can be blistering, but this is definitely as close as you can get. “Never to Return” slips back into your typical Dylanisms but it doesn’t feel forced, almost as if Dylan never strummed a guitar Tough Old Bird would still have written this song. While many acts get into trouble on such a close parallel, Tough Old Bird pull it off and really make it their own.
We’re then given our first taste of a muted, distorted electric guitar. Other than the pristine (almost too pristine) production, “By the Morning Sun” is the only element reminding us that we’re in a digital world; it’s not the strongest track on the LP, but it certainly is one of the most important tracks. Another track of such nature, “What Can I Do Blues,” shows us that the Corrigan brothers own albums by more than one artist. Drawing blues influence, the track keeps the album afloat by providing some sonic variation. TOB truly shine at album highlight, “Last Tattered Page,” the moody and minimal centerpiece. Though likely not on purpose, it’s a bit reminiscent of Wilco’s “One Sunday Morning,” in both mood and musicality. It’s definitely an accomplished song, and it really sets them apart from other roots-revivalists. Overall, the album is sort of a run-of-the-mill acoustic folk album from a small town in the endlessly rural Upstate New York, but it does its job. Simple and straightforward, Tough Old Bird presents a solid debut LP, paying debts to their predecessors honorably.
Review by Jesse Kaufman
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I began this project when I realized there were so many incredibly talented artists in Buffalo’s music scene that did not receive the attention they deserved. After publishing the first issue, I was overwhelmed at the positive response. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to spreak with so many amazing musicians and professionals, and I cannot express enough gratitude for every person who has shared a story, participated in a feature, read an article, or assisted in spreading the word of 716 Local Music and artists in Buffalo. All who have contributed writing to this final issue, as well as previous editions, have helped immensely. It is with difficulty that I put this project to rest, but it is with no regrets. I hope that this publication has had a hand in spreading some of Buffalo’s music, and I hope that its notion will continue in other media to strengthen the music community in WNY.
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RENAISSANCE BUFFA LO’S NE WES T WEEK LY MUSIC RE VIE W
FACEBOOK.COM / RENAISSANCEREVIEW • RENAISSANCEREVIEW .WORDPRESS.COM
Magazine design, interviews, and articles by Alyssa Phillips,
graphic design ampddesigns.com facebook.com/ampddesignsny alphillips92@gmail.com Abandon review by Colton Krzanowicz Between You, Me, and the Lamppost review by Mike Thomas Wind Song review by Michael Luccari With Life Comes Death interview by Cory Coleman Aurora Borealis review by Patrick Jaouen Ellsworth and Never to Return reviews, Wild Things interview by Jesse Kaufman of Renaissance, Buffalo’s Newest Weekly Music Review facebook.com/renaissancereview renaissancereview.wordpress.com
facebook.com/716localmusic 716localmusic@gmail.com issuu.com/ampddesigns/docs twitter.com/716localmusic scribd.com/716localmusic 2012 – 2014