The Queen City's indie/punk scene is thriving. Whether you're familiar with the scene or are looking for your first taste of local music, here is a playlist of bands keeping Buffalo's punk music scene alive.
"Fortitude" - Cedar Kites
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This local quartet has captured the attention of Buffalo music enthusiasts with their interesting crunch-style guitar mixed with roaring drums and lead singer and guitarist Bradley Gottorff's heartfelt lyrics. "Fortitude" is the song you need on your list if you're a fan of the Buffalo's indie/punk scene or are looking for a proper introduction.
"Circles" - Pentimento
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Pentimento is the perfect example of a band that has dug deep into their roots - Buffalo - and incorporated it into their own music. The band has also done a great job creating a strong bond with their growing fan base. "Circles" deepens this bond by connecting with the listener past the music itself; the lyrics are movingly impassioned. It stands out among other tracks on the band's self-titled album, Pentimento. The collaboration of passionate lyrics and bright, cleanly distorted guitarcreates a bond between the band and listener.
"Doubts and Deadlines" - Head North
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rent Martone has a strong lyrical prowess. If you have never been to a Head North show, I suggest going to one the next time they are back home in Buffalo. No matter how packed the venue is, the fans scream the words of Head North's songs and the lyrics create an atmosphere that's difficult to explain, but incredible to experience. "Doubts and Deadlines" is off of their new EP Scrapbook Minds.
"Growing Young and Aging Poorly" - The Traditional
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The Traditional continues to put out consistently enjoyable material. Their approach to music is authentic and raw; their songs are emotional. "Growing Young and Aging Poorly" is the perfect balance of passionate expression and a solid sound that equalizes itself into great music.
"I Have Better Memories with My Friends" - Real People
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If you're looking for some late '90s or early 2000s nostalgia, Real People is the type of band that you want to include on your local playlist. "I Have Better Memories with My Friends" is a standout track on the band's four-track album Ceilings.It establishes an unbreakable pathos with the listener.
"Sicker Than Your Lies" - A Failed Apology
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A Failed Apology has a true pop-punk mentality. They use upbeat chords and thrashing punk rock beats to complement their lyrics about moving on from past relationships. "Sicker Than Your Lies" is a perfect anthem for an up-and-coming pop-punk band. It's taken from the band's 11-track album The Weekend;the whole album is clean and enjoyable.
"With No Hesitation" - Rust Belt Lights
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Looking for a fast-paced track? "With No Hesitation" is the one you want. Rust Belt Lights does a great job of incorporating and modernizing an older style of punk rock. The distorted guitar hits you in the face like a punch thrown by a prized fighter in a heavyweight bout. But what is most impressive is the way the vocals blend in with the music.
"Self Sabotage" - No Prevail
Nothing is more warming to the heart than hearing true punk rock. "Self Sabotage" takes listeners back a decade to lead riffs, harmonized notes and raspy vocals. This is a perfect song to put at the end of your playlist. No Prevail does a great job conveying their message through their music and creating lyrics that ensure the listener true punk rock is alive.
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