Welk's Mice - Buffalo, NY

 Welk's Mice - Buffalo, NY

Welks Mice, Buffalo’s premier vibraphone and vocal DIY pop duo, is back with their long awaited sophomore effort “BLUB BLUB”.  Released 10/19/24 on Peterwalkee Records, songwriter Max Weiss (he/him) and vibraphonist Andre Welks-Fabretti (they/them) deliver an 8-song EP exploring themes of openness, positivity, and hope.  The anxious and incessant edges of the duo’s debut album “Songs in C” give way to softer song forms while maintaining their signature stark and minimalist pop aesthetic that keeps Max’s lyrics central for the listener.  

Aiding the band this time around is engineer/producer/patient-angel Derick Evans (he/him) who meticulously captured and refined the duo’s first ever digital recordings.  Alongside a sprinkling of cello by Katie Wiessman (she/her), Derick also contributes the electric guitar and bass heard here and there.

After nearly 6 years since beginning this effort, an interim filled with pandemic and lockdown, babies and marriage, growth, turmoil, equipment malfunction, enduring friendship, and some brutal self-editing that left several fully recorded songs on the cutting room floor, Welks Mice proudly and lovingly present “BLUB BLUB”.   Enjoy!

Cassette is available at www.peterwalkeerecords.com

150 Copies first pressing. Pro dubbed cobalt cassette, sticker, digital download, hand cut/printed heavy Metallic Green Slip Cover

The Young Scones - Toronto, Canada

 The Young Scones - Toronto, Canada

Toronto's powerhouse rock quartet, The Young Scones, unleashes their 3rd single “The Muse.” With their upcoming album “Sconism” just around the corner, The Young Scones are cementing their mark as one of the most dynamic and energetic bands in the indie rock scene. 

Known for their raw sound, infectious melodies, and captivating live performances, "The Muse" promises to deliver a fresh yet familiar taste of the band’s signature style, setting the stage for their highly anticipated full-length album.

“The Muse” offers an existential and introspective view of one’s place in the world, especially during times of loneliness and emotional struggle. It speaks to the challenges of facing inner darkness and unhappiness where finding purpose can feel elusive. While external comforts may offer temporary relief, true solace lies in creative expression, which nurtures mental resilience and hope. When the weight of the world feels unbearable, the muse serves as a sanctuary—a source of comfort, strength, and connection amid the solitude.

Established early 2022, The Young Scones have become a regular fixture throughout  Toronto's diverse and creative music scene. With a rock n roll sound that packs a Scottish punch to the gullet, known for our high-energy performances and sweaty aftermath. The Scones' vibe has been shaped and influenced by the likes of The Beatles, The Clash, Pixies, T-Rex, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Jack White, Arctic Monkeys and many many more.

Founding member Gary McGuinness (Vocals/Guitar) has assembled a formidable lineup for The Young Scones, bringing together seasoned musicians from Toronto's local music scene. Marcelo Maltez (Drums), formerly of The Howlin' Gales, Brian Derro (Bass) from Propter Hawk, and Zach Lennon (Guitar) from Rumble Sons, each bring their unique experience, creating a raw, emotional and unhinged Rock n Roll sound. The quartet has recently completed recording their highly anticipated eight-song LP at Wychwood Sound, set for release this fall. 

“Bone" is set to be a powerful testament to The Young Scones' passion and dedication, offering listeners an unfiltered glimpse into their artistic soul. Get ready to experience rock 'n' roll in its purest form with The Young Scones' latest release.

https://theyoungscones.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/731HJJPKRqsr4YuYbX043t?si=cFkmx6IZR1GMN-35AK0B7w

https://www.instagram.com/theyoungscones/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgp2TAn_t2BLxrTroYaeRg

https://www.facebook.com/theyoungscones

WBNY 91.3 FM - Buffalo, NY

 

WBNY 91.3 has a new local music show called Queen City Popped Radio hosted by program director Sugar D. Lip, Al Baker (Kreepie "That Zombie Guy" Terror Technologies), Vokillz (American Idol Contestant), Molotov Mall (Hip Hop Artist) and Jesses James (Hip Hop Artist) on Tuesday nights. This music blog piece will be focusing on the show that aired on Nov. 5th, which was a welcome distraction from the political scene. I was recommended to DJ Sugar to help out with the show and recommend some musical content. (Yay!) After learning that DJ Sugar was a big fan of the local band RULE! (Yay!) I suggested she contact Angst to do a live interview on air and away we go!...

Upon initially tuning in on my phone, I heard DJ Sugar mention my band, Huffer Vermin, plugging our latest gig (Thank You Sugar!) ... (shameless plugs for past and present bands mentioned included)...

Up next, I was pleasantly surprised to hear our song Headphones On live on the air (Yay!). Youtube link for Headphones On by Huffer Vermin https://youtu.be/6Ub9bxOimSo?si=qQi_oP78LI9YOjv8 Huffer Vermin is a WNY alternative rock band that includes ex-members of Ansley Court, Chunkpipe? and Forever Green. Headphones On features lyrics by Jeff, Vocals by Mike B and Kevin, Lead Guitar by Todd, Drums by Mike B and Guitar by CycoJoe. Recorded, mixed and mastered in the Dungeon of Doom. 

As promised straight from California, Buffalo native lead vocalist Angst (The Real Rulers, RULE!, Pimpslap the Atmosphere, Dethed 925/716 etc. etc...) called in live to do an exclusive interview with DJ Sugar. Angst talked about his musical past, present and future, thanking all his fellow musicians and telling some memorable stories about the local scene. (Thank You Bill!) 

This led into a throwback song from RULE! called New Way, A song on which Angst sang on along with Carcass (Justin Kubiak) on guitar, Deep on bass and Johnny Panic on drums. 

Next up was a mention of Robbie Goo from one of the best bands to ever break out of the local music scene, the Goo Goo Dolls. This led into a discussion about this year's Music Is Art 2024 show in which Dethbed 925/716 and Pimpslap the Atmosphere performed. Angst mentioned a classic Goo Goo Dolls song Don't Beat My Ass (With A Baseball Bat) from the Goo Goo Dolls first vinyl release from way back in '87. I remember going to see the Goo Goo Dolls in Buffalo with Angst and the place was packed. From what I can remember there was broken glass all over the stage and the band continued to perform.

Don't Beat My Ass was rereleased in 2013 on the Made To Be Broken release.

Youtube song link for Don't Beat My Ass https://youtu.be/2ZaFK3Zzp8Y?si=wlAqXLaAo05ClFvs 

Next was a in-depth look into the history of the east/west coast connection, which is Dethbed 925/716. www.dethbedmusic.com It all began in 2018 with the return of Angst to the 716 and a visit to Loft studios. Angst brought back together the original 716 line-up of the Real Rulers (Angst, Carcass (Justin Kubiak) on guitar, Johnny Panic on drums and Cyco Joe on bass.). The end result was 2 original songs which are on Youtube. The first song is called A Great Divide, and it features Dave McManamo on drums https://youtu.be/uNBIxxgzRNs?si=04lFziVK220LUv3a. 

The second song is called Chump, which features the original lineup https://youtu.be/aaElYvB_638?si=WKY1JposCHVisEqS. 

It's important to note that there were no rehearsals beforehand or road map followed, all the performances were improvised and made into tangible songs by Angst upon his return to California. (Thank You Bill). 

A new band was on the horizon as Angst recruited Buffalo native, Rick Andolina on drums (RIP) from California, Ace on guitar from Arizona working with David Hughes at Shine On Studios in Oakland, California to compose some new music as Medic Sun. Soundcloud music link

https://soundcloud.com/davidleehughes/sets/gash?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

After finishing the vocals, drum and guitar tracks, only 1 thing was missing...electric bass. Your favorite blogger, Cyco Joe Tell was recruited to overdub bass on the songs to finish them. The bass tracks were recorded at the famed GCR Studios in Buffalo NY. The end result are the songs Ex-Communicate, Wallow, How Bout Now and Real Good Medicine. Above and beyond being powerful and heavy, these songs have some interesting sounds and unique mixes, sure to keep the listener interested and tuned in.

After the untimely passing of Rick Andolina, Dethbed 925/716 loomed large on the horizon. After reuniting with Johnny and Cyco Joe, Angst along with Ace went into improvised jam sessions with Jay Zubricky and Marc Hunt at GCR Studios. Angst and Ace brought these tracks back home to California (925) to compose and flesh out the ideas into songs. 

to be continued...