LOCAL SPIN: Kill The Clock returns to music scene with new single, “Ode to Cheating Death”

Kill The Clock has become a mainstay on the local music scene finding a catalyst of success in the small college-town of Fredonia. The local hotbed for music has helped the group grow immensely popular over the past several months due to its high demand for local music such as KTC’s. Local venues such as BJ’s, as well as well as the several house shows that exist in the area, have all been foundations in which the band has been able to grow.

The band took advantage of their growing success with the release of their newest single “Ode to Cheating Death,” one of three songs to be found on their upcoming EP.

The song, echoing the cries of pop-punk groups throughout the past several years begins with a fast-paced simplified three-chord intro accented by one of Joe Morganti’s signature guitar licks; something that has become a mainstay in the band’s sound. The melodic chorus compliments the simple verse combining all elements to sound like a professionally written modern-day punk song. If you haven’t already, expect no less from the band.

The content of the song describes the modern-day college lifestyle of binge-drinking, being overwhelmed with the new challenge of adulthood which is usually accompanied by having little to no money (but still having a tattoo fund as lead singer Dan McCormick belts in the second verse of the song).

One of the reasons KTC has found success among the local music scene is their professional but playful use of the band’s image. Transparency and giving the band a personality is something the band finds to be a huge asset as well as being able to understand the professionalism behind social media and PR image.

KTC’s EP release show/tour kickoff show will take place June 6. Currently in the running to play on this year’s Warped Tour, the band is collecting votes here. You can vote by watching the videos in full on the page.

James Burns reviews local music for All WNY News & Radio. Contact him at james.burns@allwnyradio.com.

LOCAL SPIN: The Hovelists release new single 'My Dear'

Hailing from modest roots in Olean, local act The Hovelists have recently released their new single, "My Dear," which can be found here. The track, while starting out slow, is a song that can find its place among the right listeners if introduced correctly.

There are a few minor downfalls with this song. The verse and chorus have trouble identifying themselves from one another which makes the song sort of ramble on as if you were listening to a three-hour lecture about neuro-molecular studies (and I don’t even know if that is a real thing).

However, the song actually turns out to be pretty cool; not catchy, not “fun,” but cool. The vocals throughout the verse have a good way of flowing in and out of each other through echoing and harmonies. There’s darkness in this song that can only be acknowledged through lyricism and unique instrumental qualities. Listening to this song made me think of bands like Brand New and The Used.

Judging from this band and their first single from their new album, expect a dark-sounding album separating itself from the rest of the local music scene. These guys sound different, and different is good – especially in an environment where your success is based on how much you are able to stand out. Overall the song is good (not great) but I am excited to hear what else this band will release in the future.

The Hovelists are currently performing regionally and recording tracks for their first full-length album “Error of the Second Kind.” The album will be completed this fall and is scheduled for release in the spring of 2017.

Rating: 7/10

James Burns reviews local music for All WNY News. Catch his column every Monday. And contact him at james.burns@allwnyradio.com.

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LOCAL SPIN: Musmah: Buffalo music scene’s best kept secret

If you’ve never heard of local rapper Musmah, you’re not alone. The Nigerian rapper is fairly new to the local music scene having only been living in the U.S. for three short years. However, the young talent is well-known in his home country as his new single Designer has hit No. 27 on the charts.

The song, while talking about living a life of luxury (which a lot of rap songs do) separates itself with a catchy, jazz-like vibe. The instrumental background offers a calm, relaxing sound while Musmah shows his ability to rap in a fluent, flowing fashion. Emulating the sounds of Future throughout the hook of the song, the single shows that, if exposed, it has the potential to be something we could hear on the radio right now.

With the rap game growing and continuing to flourish, Musmah is an artist that you should look out for not only on the the future. If local scene, but potentially bigger stages in you are a rap fan and get the opportunity to see him perform live, do not pass it up. Musmah is expected to release his second EP sometime in September.

Check out Musmah’s hit song Californication here.

Rating – 9/10

James Burns reviews local music for All WNY News. Catch his column every Monday. And contact him at james.burns@allwnyradio.com.

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LOCAL SPIN: The Rifts storm onto Buffalo music scene with new demo

Hailing from Buffalo, The Rifts are one of the newest bands on the local music scene.

Emulating the sounds of classic rock, newer alternative rock and modern funk, the Rifts have exploded onto the Buffalo music scene with their new four-song demo.

The first song on the demo is titled Killing Time. The track is highlighted by a powerful chorus and short yet effective guitar solo by lead guitarist Cory Clancy.

The best song and lead single on the demo is entitled Make No Mistake. The verses have a very Strokes-esque effect on them with a very heavy, muffled sound. Throughout the first verses and chorus the song is catchy while not having any pop-like implications. The song then picks up into a very fast tempo in which there is another guitar solo by Clancy ending the song.

The third song on the track is called Balladia. This song, cleverly enough is the only ballad on the album. The soft verses in the song bring to life the chorus of the song in which front-man Brendan Hoare’s voice is projected through your speakers.

The final track on the album is entitled Rush. Nothing about this song stands out compared to the others, the chorus is good, not great but the instrumentals behind the song are some of the most interesting to dive into.

Overall this demo shows The Rifts are still getting used to each other. While there is a lack of chemistry that other bands show after years of playing together, this band shows potential when it comes to reaching that peak. This band is good and they will probably be really good in about a year. If you haven’t seen this band play live then do it. The growth of the Rifts will be something that the Buffalo music scene cannot hide from.

James Burns reviews local music for All WNY News. Catch his column every Monday. And contact him at james.burns@allwnyradio.com. 

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