This week in Buffalo the list of concerts truly personifies Buffalo’s diverse music scene. Whether your music taste centers on poppy radio tunes or underground punk rock, Buffalo has something for everyone. From a symphonic metalcore band and a small country duo to nationally acclaimed indie, punk, alt-rock acts, you just have to take your pick.
Monday, April 13
Contempt Creates A Killer – Town Ballroom
Kick things off on Monday by getting an adrenaline surge. Contempt Creates A Killer, a five-piece metalcore band from Buffalo, will be playing at the Town Ballroom. The band is a pure metalcore band – screams and growls abound. Be sure to leave some of your end-of-the-year aggression out in the pit.
Tuesday, April 14
River City Extension – Waiting Room
River City Extension is a small, indie/folk rock outfit from Toms River, New Jersey. The band has an interesting acoustic style, emphasized by their eight-person band. The jangly folk-rock reminiscent of Mumford and Sons will create a casual and fun concert for a relaxed Tuesday night.
Wednesday, April 15
Dan + Shay – Town Ballroom
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney are a country music duo on tour after their breakout year in 2014. They made headlines at the CMT Music Awards, nominated for the Duo Video of the Year. The two are trying to break into the big-time, and are going around the country as a supporting act for Hunter Hayes. On Wednesday, Dan + Shay will have their own headlining show at Town Ballroom.
Thursday, April 16
Nightwish – Town Ballroom
The most progressive act of the week, Nightwish is a symphonic metal band from Finland. Their group is comprised of six members who have a range of instruments like guitar, keyboard, drums, uilleann pipes and tin whistle along with lead singer Floor Jansen’s striking vocals. The gothic, operatic style is heavily influenced from film scores. The concert will be less of a party and more of a metal opera.
Friday, April 17
Modest Mouse – Ashbury Hall
In 1994, Modest Mouse released its first EP, Blue Cadet-3. Over the next 10 years, the band found its way into mainstream success; the band has headlined tours for more than a decade, performed at multiple festivals and released a string of commercially successful albums. Recently, Modest Mouse released Strangers To Ourselves, after an eight-year hiatus. They will be coming to Buffalo on Friday to promote their newest album. The concert sold out after just two minutes but will be unforgettable for the lucky few that were able to get a ticket.
Saturday, April 18
Yellowcard – Town Ballroom
Yellowcard has been bumming around the punk scene since the late ’90s. Over the years, the band has tried to experiment with their sound, moving between genres such as pop punk, alt rock and skate punk. The band is still going strong, as they released Lift A Sail in 2014 and headlined the entirety of the Vans Warped Tour 2014. They will be coming to the Town Ballroom on Saturday, to the delight of ’90s punk lovers everywhere.
The Tragically Hip – First Niagara Center
“The Hip” is a Canadian rock band from Ontario that has released 12 studio albums, two live albums and 54 singles. They have won numerous Canadian Music awards, including 14 Juno Awards. Their rock music promises a huge dance party because of the band’s massive following. On Saturday, concertgoers can expect a full First Niagara Center with thousands of hardcore fans, screaming their heads off. Enjoy.
Brian Windschitl is an arts editor and can be reached at arts@ubspectrum.com
