Beach Fossils

Monday, November 18

There was a point when Beach Fossils, the Brooklyn indie-rock band hailed for their latest release Clash The Truth, were left to pick up the pieces. What began as a bedroom-recording project of frontman Dustin Payseur slowly morphed into a full band—a likely origin story for Brooklyn indie rock bands these days. What’s unlikely about this story is that once all of the pieces were in place, two members left the band to create what would become their own successful projects—bassist John Peña left to start Heavenly Beat and guitarist Cole Smith left to start similar-minded indie rock band DIIV. That might have been the end for most bands, but Payseur was determined to morph the band once again into a new entity; an entity that would create their 2013 album Clash The Truth. Essentially back to square-one, Payseur went back to the bedroom to begin writing the follow-up to his 2010 album, Beach Fossils, a twinkling surf rock record with a rustic sharpness that won praise from many critics. With the writing of this record Payseur had a new goal: to capture the live feeling of the band on the recording. When Beach Fossils was written there was no live band, so there would be a change in dynamic for the young songwriter. He couldn’t do it alone, so he employed the help of drummer Tommy Gardner who, along with producer Ben Greenberg of The Men, helped to create Clash The Truth. The record drives. Where Beach Fossils relied on texture, Clash The Truth relies on movement. Songs like “Careless” and “Generational Synthetic” pop with round basslines and strutting drums while “Shallow” and “In Vertigo” channel 1990s guitar layered shoegaze. Now, as the four-piece band embarks on another East Coast tour, they seem to have fit the pieces of the puzzle back together, stronger than ever. Catch Beach Fossils at the Tralf Music Hall on Monday (Nov 18) with support from Automap and Sleepy HaHas.

- Cory Perla

7pm The Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main St. (852-2860 / tralfmusichall.com) $10 advance, $13 day of show

Friday, November 15

Spiritual Rez

We might have seen the first snowfall of the year just the other day, but it’s always warm and sunny when you’re listening to Spiritual Rez. It might be funny to see the crowd at Nietzsche’s this Friday (Nov 15) wrapped up in scarves and sweaters dancing to the island vibes of Spiritual Rez, but it will sure be fun too. Dressed like surfer bums, the six-piece band might play music that sounds like it came from Jamaica but they actually hail from Boston. With a full brass section, upstroked guitar riffs, and slow motion, bouncing bass the band creates reggae-funk dance music that will instantly warm up a room. Guitar solos, raspy vocals, and funk dance grooves characterized their 2010 release The Nexus. The record also dives into the psychedelic realm too, setting the stage for their upcoming full-length Apocalypse Whenever. The band’s live show is their drawing point though. They’re known for their virtuosic talent and high-energy vibes, so don’t miss them when they bring their sunny island sounds to Buffalo this weekend.

- Cory Perla

9pm Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St. (886-8539 / nietzsches.com) $8 advance, $10 day of show

Friday, November 15

Gin Blossoms

“I know we’re headed somewhere I can see how far we’ve come:” the stark lyric from “Follow You Down” adopts a particularly inspiring meaning as the Gin Blossoms’ surpass the two-decade mark of making music. The 1990’s underwent a musical revolution characterized by an explosion of polar opposites- from the pop sensation boy bands and the gritty sounds of grunge, to iconic rap artists that spoke for an entire sociopolitical culture. Among the merging identity of the era’s sound played the Gin Blossoms who snugly fit into the alternative rock bracket alongside Tonic, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Oasis, and the Goo Goo Dolls. In 1987 they released their first album, New Miserable Experience. An instant classic, it was propelled by the strength of the catchy single, “Hey Jealousy.” The Gin Blossoms are no one hit wonders though. Songs like “Found Out About You,” “Till I Hear It From You,” and “Allison Road” have become staple classics which are entirely attributable to their strong lyricism, infamous guitar licks, unique and distinctive vocals, and of course, the band members’ tight musicianship across the board. Perhaps the band’s relevance is doubted by a fickle industry inundated with fleeting talent. For 20 years the Gin Blossoms have maintained their signature sound that identifies and epitomizes their brand, which has had a lasting impact on generations. The opportunity to see this classic band perform with almost all the members of the original band that had a hand in the New Miserable Experience is just too good to pass up. The Gin Blossoms will play at the Seneca Niagara Casino Bear’s Den on Friday (Nov 15).

- Kellie Powell

8pm Bear’s Den Showroom, Seneca Niagara Casino, 310 4th St, Niagara Falls (senecaniagaracasino.com/bears-den) $55-$65

Saturday, November 16

Reel Big Fish

Let’s party like its Warped Tour 1997! In 1997 bands like Flogging Molly, Against Me!, Thursday, and Kid Dynamite formed. Records like AFI’s Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes and Green Day’s Nimrod were released, and ska-punk band Reel Big Fish were recognized for their break-out single “Sell Out.” From the band’s second album, Turn The Radio Off, “Sell Out” helped put the five-piece, SoCal punk band on the map. The band has also been known for their high-octane stage show, which often features ironic covers of new wave pop songs like “Take On Me,” and of course plenty of juvenile humor. To fans of the band, their 1998 record Why Do They Rock So Hard?, although not as commercially successful as Turn The Radio Off, is the their finest work, featuring the band’s frontman Aaron Barrett leading with goofy lyrics about mosh pits and girls. The band’s latest record Candy Coated Fury follows the same line, but with more of an ear for danceablity with songs like “Everyone Else Is An Asshole” and “I Love You/You Suck.“ Reel Big Fish make their yearly return to the Town Ballroom on Saturday (Nov 16) with Five Iron Fenzy, Beautiful Bodies, and Beebs and Her Money Makers.

- Cory Perla

7pm Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. (852-3900 / townballroom.com) $22 advance, $25 day of show

Sunday, November 17

Janowski & Davis in Baby Jane

It’s camp heaven. Jimmy Janowski and Peter Davis taking on the iconic roles created by Joan Crawford and Bette Davis in the 1962 thriller, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? BUA is billing the one-night-only reading as “a very special fundraiser,” while they are looking for a new home. Their former place on West Chippewa Street is slated for demolition for a new hotel, the minute the developer has the tax incentives in order. Peter Davis has previously channeled the Bette Davis persona in Elizabeth Fuller’s “Me and Jezebel,” and at the slightest prompting at any gay bar in town. Jimmy most recently evoked Crawford in “Mommie Queerest” for BUA. “Baby Jane” is the story of two sisters Jane and Blanche. Jane was daddy’s favorite and a bratty child star in vaudeville, but in adulthood, Blanche was a highly regarded actress and Jane becomes an alcoholic has been. Fate intervenes, however, when Blanche suffers a debilitating accident and unstable Jane becomes her caregiver. As the play begins, Jane is planning her comeback... Directed by Todd Warfield, the reading will feature a litany of BUA regulars: Kerrykate Abel, Bebe Bvlgari, Zoe Diana, Maria Droz, Luther Nelson, Eric Rawski, and Michael Seitz. This event is planned for one night only, this Sunday (Nov 17) at 6pm at the Alleyway Theatre (1 Curtain Up Alley). Call (716)886-9239 or buffalobua@gmail.com.

- Tony Chase

6pm Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley (886-9239) $25 general admission, $30 reserved seating.

Sunday, November 17

Said the Whale

Said the Whale has spent six years becoming an example of tireless, painstaking indie-pop transcendence. Their steadfast work ethic and passionate devotion to crafting addictive, easy-going dance-rock tunes has finally been rewarded with an international following. Their infectious indie pop music is intricately concocted with an array of complex sounds that harmoniously meld together. Their studio albums feature ambitious tracks, flavored with interwoven vocal harmonies, brass horns, electronic flourishes, and some static distortion—all of which give the Vancouver natives a Shins-esque flavor. Perhaps the most characteristic element of Said the Whale’s sound is that their music doesn’t really have one; they don’t rely solely on one style of music. Their albums encompass a wide mix of jovial, upbeat songs; folky Mumford & Sons-like songs; fun power-pop/punk riffs, and darker indie tracks. Their delicate, yet venomous mix of pop, dance, and rock soars to new heights in their live performances. Quick, honed sounds of songs like, “I Love You” are juxtaposed with slow burners like, “Safe to Say.” Singer Ben Worcester’s warm vocals are pristinely replaced by Tyler Bancroft’s punk-sounding voice. The contrast in the dual vocal work, the back and forth from tight to loose, sunny to rainy and soft to intense is formidable, and makes for an irresistibly engaging listening experience. Said the Whale will perform at the Tralf Music Hall on Sunday (Nov17).

- Kellie Powell

7pm The Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main St. (852-2860 / tralfmusichall.com) $8 advance, $10 day of show

Thursday, November 21

Zach Deputy

With the aid of current technology, any musician can add some rhythm guitar behind their solo or play along to a drum track. Whether it’s being utilized for practice or brought to the stage, the added depth is worth the hit to the wallet considering how effortless it is to hack something together. The keyword is hack though, as most who take advantage of the technology never scratch the surface of its true capabilities. Zach Deputy is a new breed of artist though who not only uses those newer musical tools to their full potential, but takes them beyond. The easily-branded “one man band” is more than just a cheeky moniker. If you solely used your ears at one of Zach’s concerts, you could rightfully mistake the music for a full band. His attention to detail goes beyond that of a normal musician as he takes into account each song as a whole while trying to emulate every instrument. During any of his songs, you’ll hear the “drummer” drop out, multiple vocalists in the chorus, guitar solos over a tight rhythm, and even some beat boxing thrown in for good measure. On Thursday (Nov 21), Zach brings his Frankenstein-rig to Nietzsche’s as he defies logic sitting on his own. It’s hard to understand exactly what he’s doing, but bear witness for yourself as Nietzsche’s is the perfect venue to check this out up close and personal. Honey Spine and Ajamaja join in support.

- Jeremiah Shea

9pm Nietzsche’s, 248 Allen St. (886-8539 / nietzsches.com) $15