NYS Music 20​17

Category: Fredonia

  • Hearing Aide: The Rifts ‘Off the Rails’

    There are many people out there who would argue that rock is losing its edge. Countless old folks continue to make the bold statement that “rock n roll is dead.” Anyone who believes this laughable claim has yet to listen to The Rifts’ debut EP, Off the Rails.

    the riftsAlthough they are based out of Buffalo, The Rifts originally came together in Fredonia, NY. The band consists of Cory Clancy (lead guitar), Brendan Hoare (vocals/rhythm guitar), Dylan MacDonell (drums), and Ryan Donohue (bass). Their self-proclaimed influences consist of classic acts Led Zeppelin and The Doors, as well as modern day alt rockers The Black Keys and The Strokes.

    The Rifts recorded the EP with Alex Maiola and Nathan Chordas-Ewell (Chordola Audio) in their home studio. It was released on SoundCloud June 11, 2017, and became available on streaming platforms June 16, 2017.

    The EP title Off the Rails says a lot more than the train crash shown on the album artwork. With this release, The Rifts break away from the monotonous track that too many popular bands seem to follow nowadays. The EP is firmly built around Cory’s electrifying guitar riffs, and each track is a portal that sends listeners back to “the good old days of rock n roll.”

    If you’re still unconvinced after reading this review, take a listen for yourself. Off the Rails is available on Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, and SoundCloud.

    Key Tracks: Twelve, Head on a Swivel, Burn Out

  • Get Ready for Second Annual IT Fest with Intrepid Travelers!

    Founded on friendship, fun and a sense of freedom. Intrepid Travelers are a quartet based in Buffalo that defines itself through boundless improvisation and eclectic evolution. 2017 has been a huge year for the band. Touring relentlessly around the United States from coast to coast, the fellas in IT have been redefining the limitations of improvisational music, and have their own fest. Be sure to check them out at Summer Camp if you are there this weekend.

    A little bit about IT:   Two days and two nights including Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10. Entrance to the festival will cost you just $20. The festival is held on the beautiful private property of Josh Skowronski in Alden, NY. Enter at the green gate on South Blossom Lea Drive. This is an all weather event. Parking and camping are included upon entry. The Land itself is 14 gorgeous acres with hiking trails and the beautiful Cayuga Creek. There will be an array of food and drink vendors on site. Intrepid Travelers will play three sets over the two days. One on Friday and two on Saturday. Saturday night’s set will feature live painting from various Buffalo artists. Music ends at 10pm each night.

    IT Fest’s mission is to showcase local talent across Western New York. This year will feature fire performer Asha Ashwell on Friday and Saturday night. Saturday morning will feature a yoga class with Ashley Strazzella. Saturday afternoon will also feature a Kan Jam tournament, a hoop class, a workshop on mysticism, spirituality, public health and tarot card readings! Their goal for the weekend is to create a temporary community in which the arts are brought to the forefront in unison with nature. After the music ends each night there will be a massive campfire. Bring your instruments for the campfire jams. More information here.

    I’ll leave you with a message from Josh & Intrepid Travelers:

    “The band and I look forward to having you share in the special event with us. See you at the Land.”

    * Please no fireworks, illegal substances or unauthorized vending*