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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