After three years together, Rock ‘n Soul band FARROW, from Buffalo, is gearing up to release their first album, Agitate, on July 9. With joyous music and infectious melodies, this diverse group of musicians excels on this newest project.
Agitate will be the first of three EPs in a series. To accompany the sound component of the album, FARROW will have video releases for each song every month. These videos will be available to the Farrow Fan Club on Patreon.
FARROW is made up of seven talented musicians and artists. Led by André Pilette (producer/bass) and Michael Farrow (lyricist/singer), the band released two previous singles on Spotify, “Rise Up” and “Insoluble” in 2020. Other members feature Tim Webb (drums), Michael Ruopoli (percussion), Cory Clancy (guitar), Rufus “Breezy” Cole Jr. (keys), and Danielle Johnson (backing vocals).
The new album is filled with joyous, empowering lyrics and snappy beats. The second track, “Steal My Joy,” opens up with laughter and the lyrics “you ain’t gonna mess with me today!” – a phrase that seems to encapsulate a theme of the album.
Just one listen and it is easy to move to the rhythm. FARROW’s Agitate explores different beats and instrumentation on the album, and all 6 tracks are energetic and thought-provoking.
The group has a history of performing around Western NY, with other performances including Buffalo Iron Works, Sportsmen’s Tavern, Bowery Electric, Rockwood Music Hall, and more. In the future, they will extend their reach, including a performance at the North By Northeast Festival in Toronto.
To celebrate the release of their first album, FARROW will hold a party and concert at Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo on July 9.
Key tracks: Steal My Joy, In This Place, Love Me For Me
FARROW is also performing at the following upcoming events:
June 18 – NXNE Music Festival – Toronto
June 26 – Elmwood Summerfest – Buffalo
July 7 – Thursday & Main – Buffalo
July 9 – Sportsmen’s Tavern – Buffalo
July 22 – Sunset at the Stables at Knox Farm State Park – East Aurora
Aug. 19 – The Erie County Fair – Hamburg
Sep. 17 – Borderland Music + Arts Festival – East Aurora
The Batavia Ramble Explore Art and Music Festival has been announced for July 2nd, including 25 bands, an Explore Art tent for kids, street performances, and much more.
For the past two years, the Ramble has been put on hold due to the pandemic. However, it is coming back this year, bigger and better than ever. The event will take place in Jackson Square and on Jackson Street in Batavia on July 2nd from 10am – 9pm.
We are so excited that the Ramble will be happening again this year! We wanted to make it the best one yet, so we partnered with our friends at GO ART! to help us not only grow the entire event but also bring more of a presence to the ‘arts’ side of the festival. It really is shaping up to be an incredible event. And I think everyone is going to love it!
-Paul Draper III
Batavia Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians, who have a connection to Batavia and the surrounding areas, which features a variety of musical genres. This year’s Ramble will consist of two stages; The Main Stage sponsored by Eli Fish in Jackson Square, and the Jackson Street Stage sponsored by Center Street Smoke House.
The tentative lineup is as follows:
Eli Fish Stage:
The Ghost Riders Groove Warren Skye and Friends Kissin’ Whiskey DriVen The Trolls 2.0 Lonesome Road Marnie Kay and the Nonblondes Beethoven’s Dream Group Sierra Noah Gokey Jostepa Trio The Bluesway Band Zackstreet Boys
Jackson Street Stage
Steve Krupper Tom Ryan and Friends PD3 Knaudt and Chua Vette Midnight Cruisers Brick Spare Parts High Pines The Remediators Bad Sign
In addition to all the music and activities, there will be vendors including artists, food, and beer. Guests are reminded to bring a chair or a blanket.
On Friday May 6th 2022, Testament brought their “The Bay Strikes Back Tour” to Town Ballroom in Buffalo. The tour features Death Angel and Exodus as support for Testament. This show was originally scheduled for a different date last year but had to be rescheduled because of Covid-19. Testament has not played New York in many years, but that has now changed.
Death Angel
Vocals-Mark Osegueda. Photo credit-Mike Miller
Death Angel is an American thrash metal band from Daly City, California, initially active from 1982 to 1991 and again since 2001. Death Angel has released nine studio albums, two demo tapes, one box set and three live albums. The band has gone through several line-up changes, leaving guitarist Rob Cavestany as the only constant member; he and vocalist Mark Osegueda (who joined the group in 1984) are the only members of Death Angel to appear on all of their studio albums.
Death Angel is often referred to as one of the key bands in the Bay Area thrash metal movement of the 1980s, and secured opening slots at club venues in that decade, including opening for their peers Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, Testament and Overkill.
Setlist: The Ultra-Violence, Evil Priest, Voracious Souls, Seemingly Endless Time, Claws in so Deep, The Dream Calls for Blood, The Moth, Humanicide and Thrown to the Wolves.
Photos by Mike Miller
Exodus
Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1979 in Richmond, California. Their current lineup consists of guitarists Gary Holt and Lee Altus, bassist Jack Gibson, drummer Tom Hunting, and lead vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza. There are no original members left in Exodus other than Hunting, who has departed from the band twice, in 1989 and 2004, but rejoined in 2007. Exodus is also notable for its inclusion of guitarist Kirk Hammett in its initial lineup; he eventually left the band in 1983 to join Metallica as Dave Mustaine’s replacement.
Vocals-Steve “Zetro” Souza. Photo Credit-Mike Miller
Setlist: The beatings Will Continue, A Lesson in Violence, Blood in, Blood Out, The Years of Death and Dying, Deathamphetamine, Blacklist, Prescribing Horror, Bonded by Blood, The Toxic Waltz, and Strike of the Beast.
Photos by Mike Miller
Testament
Testament is an American thrash metal band from Berkeley, California. Formed in 1983 under the name Legacy, the band’s current lineup comprises rhythm guitarist Eric Peterson, lead vocalist Chuck Billy, lead guitarist Alex Skolnick, bassist Steve Di Giorgio and drummer Dave Lombardo (formerly in Slayer).
Bassist- Steve Di Giorgio. Photo Credit-Mike Miller
Testament has experienced many lineup changes over the years, with Peterson being the only remaining original member, though they have since been rejoined by one of its songwriters Skolnick, who was out of the band from 1992 to 2005. Billy has been a member of Testament since 1986, when he replaced original singer Steve “Zetro” Souza, who had joined Exodus as the replacement of Paul Baloff. He and Peterson are the only members to appear on all of Testament’s studio albums, with the latter being the only constant member overall.
Testament’s fan base is mostly older fans, but the younger generation was peppered in the crowd for The Bay Strikes Back Tour. Their set featured 14 songs for the sold-out crowd. Playing such hits as “Children of the Next Level”, “Eyes of Wrath” and “Disciples of the Watch”. Their stage show used co2 air blasts, and arena LED stage lighting with strobes that was changing colors often.
Drummer Dave Lombardo sat atop his high rise drum platform hidden from camera and the crowd but with his playing technique he sits really low on his drum throne so it is hard to get a glimpse of him. There were many mosh pits happening and crowd surfing all night. The fans really enjoyed the show because they needed a way to release their stress from the current world situation happening. Parking was cheap, drinks were cold and cheap, and fun was had by everyone the whole night.
Setlist: Children of the Next Level, The Pale King, Practice What You Preach, The New Order, WWII, Eyes of Wrath, D.N.R, Legions of the Dead, Electric Crown, Souls of Black, Night of the Witch, Over the Wall, Into the Pit and Disciples of the Watch.
Photos by Mike Miller
Upcoming Testament shows
Sept. 9 – Phoenix, Ariz. @ Van Buren Sept. 10 – Albuquerque, N.M. @ Sunshine Theater Sept. 12 – Wichita, Kan. @ Cotillion Sept. 13 – Kansas City, Mo. @ Truman Sept. 15 – St. Louis, Mo. @ The Pageant Sept. 16 – Nashville, Tenn. @ Brooklyn Bowl Sept. 18 – St. Petersburg, Fla. @ Jannus Live Sept. 19 – Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. @ Revolution Sept. 21 – Asheville, N.C. @ Orange Peel Sept. 22 – Silver Spring, Md. @ Fillmore Sept. 23 – Stroudsburg, Pa. @ Sherman Theater Sept. 26 – Hartford, Ct. @ Webster Theater Sept. 27 – Albany, N.Y. @ Empire Live Sept. 28 – Portland, Maine @ State Theatre Sept. 30 – Montreal, Quebec @ Mtelus Oct. 1 – London, Ontario @ London Music Hall Oct. 3 – Ft. Wayne, Ind. @ Piere’s Oct. 4 – Milwaukee, Wis. @ The Rave Oct. 6 – Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Burton Cummings Theatre Oct. 8 – Calgary, Alberta @ Palace Theatre Oct. 10 – Vancouver, British Columbia @ Commodore Oct. 12 – Ventura, Calif. @ Majestic Ventura Theater Oct. 13 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Wiltern Oct. 14 – Reno, Nev. @ Cargo Oct. 15 – San Jose, Calif. @ San Jose Civic
Twiddle and Andy Frasco and the U.N. came to The Town Ballroom in Buffalo on April 7. You can tell both bands on tour are having a ton of fun because all three sets featured various members and friends sitting in, giving a vibe that you were seeing a collective of friends and musicians versus two seperate bands doing their thing.
The show started with a set by Mihali and a few friends which was a mellow open to get the night started. Andy Frasco & The U.N. was next. Half show and half house party on stage, Andy Frasco and his band ramped up the energy, whether swigging from a bottle of Jim Beam, jumping on the piano or pulling various friends and musicians onstage, Andy Frasco is all about having a good time onstage and the Buffalo crowd ate it up.
Twiddle rode the energy from Andy Frasco and the U.N. and kept the crowd dancing all night. An encore of Baba O’Riley brought all of the musicians throughout the night back together onstage for a finale that left the crowd walking out with smiles.
Setlist: Collective Pulse > Be There, Play, The FRENDS Theme, Apples > White Light > Apples > Lost in the Cold, Milk*, Juggernaut Encore: Baba O’Riley^
* with Mike Gantzer ^ with Andy Frasco & The U.N., Mike Gantzer, and Scott Hannay
Western New York natives Joywave came back to their local roots in Buffalo on April 3.
In the spirit of a local show, Buffalo’s very own Humble Braggers opened up the night at the Town Ballroom. This synth pop band played hits off of their new EP Love & Fear. Following up, joe p took the stage with his signature basement-produced songs that wowed the crowd. Especially when performing his popular song, “Off My Mind.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Fans of Joywave packed in throughout the night with excitement as its been many years since this indie rock group toured. The Cleanse tour showcased many songs off of their latest album release in February while still playing the classics.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Joywave is no stranger to the music scene in Buffalo. The born and raised Rochester group has been made all too familiar with the back and forth drives between the two cities to see all their favorite artists growing up. So, getting to perform at a venue they spent their youth going to was a full circle moment.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The group consists of Daniel Armbruster (vocals), Joseph Morinelli (guitar), Paul Brenner (drums), Kevin Mahoney (bass guitar), and Connor Ehman (keyboard). The band took over the stage with their matching mechanic outfits and innovative production design. They began the night with a more recently released song “Cyn City 2000.” They even paid tribute to their pandemic album Possession by playing a couple of songs they hadn’t got to perform live. The intricate synth usage and unique sound structure made even unfamiliar listeners be awed.
As excited as the crowd was to have such high energy, it doesn’t exceed the excitement that the band had to return home and finally sleep in their own beds again. The night ended with an absolute bang with heavily praised songs “Tongues” and “Dangerous” finishing up the set. Nothing compared though to the rage worthy crowd that went crazy after heavy beats dropped off of the classic “Destruction.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
No one wanted the night to end and luckily for that Joywave is making their way back to their actual hometown in Rochester. If you unfortunately missed out on these energetic guys, don’t worry. They’re performing at the Anthology both April 8 and April 9.
Also check out upcoming shows at the Town Ballroom. Peach Pit performs April 9 and The Airborne Toxic Event takes the stage on April 10.
Setlist: Cyn City 2000, Buy American, It’s a Trip!, Obsession, After Coffee, Every Window Is A Mirror, Coming Apart, Half Your Age, Traveling at the Speed of Light, The Inversion, F.E.A.R., True Grit, Somebody New, Ugly Ending, Goodbye Tommy, We Are All We Need, Tongues, Dangerous, Destruction
Rock band The Glorious Sons is set to headline Volume 4 of Rock The Gates at 12 Gates Brewing Company in Buffalo on June 4.
Rock The Gates is the event of the year at 12 Gates Brewing Company, in which there are beer releases, live music, food trucks and vendors. As headliners, The Glorious Sons are what everyone is waiting for, especially when they are currently making a name for themselves while on their The Unfinished Business Tour, for their latest piece of music The Young Sessions EP.
Summer Daze and Pineapple FLO-Mingo are two main beer releases for the night. This 21+ event has no VIP package, but general admission is $50 for festival entry and concert access, while beer tickets are $6 each. Although blankets and lawn chairs are allowed, no outside food and drinks are permitted.
The music and beer festival will run from 12 PM to 11 PM. For more information visit The Glorious Sons website and to buy tickets visit Eventbrite.
Juno Award-winning band VOIVOD announces their tour dates for this coming June, “Synchro Anarchy” Tour for North American shows. The tour will stop in NY on June 14th in Buffalo at the Rec Room, June 17th in Brooklyn at the Market Hotel, and June 18th in Liverpool at Sharkey’s.
The tour is in support of the band’s new album, “Synchro Anarchy” that hit the charts in multiple countries like #2 on Billboard Canada’s Hard Music Albums chart, #6 Current Hard Albums in the USA, #7 on the UK’s Rock & Metal chart and #7 in Germany along with others.
At last! After more than two years without touring, we are finally hitting the road in June 2022 in North America. We are thrilled to play the Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest, It will also be exciting for us to play songs from Synchro Anarchy for the first time live! We can’t wait to see our old Voïvodian friends again and meet some new ones. See you then!
-Michel “Away” Langevin (drums)
VOIVOD now has 15 studio album’s and continue with their creative freedom for nearly 40 years. During the early 80’s even as the thrash metal scene was on the rise, VOIVOD kept their distinct character as a band throughout.
Not many bands are able to survive for four decades after achieving legendary status, but VOIVOD continues the uphill climb as one of the most creative and passionate bands on the planet. VOIVOD consist of Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain (guitar), Denis “Snake” Belanger (vocals), Michel “Away” Langevin (drums), and Dominic “Rocky” Laroche (bass).
The Beau Fleuve Festival in Buffalo has announced the date for the 2022 festival, which will happen on August 28.
The festival is a one-day music, arts, and cultural celebration held in the city of Buffalo. Standing on the pillars of diversity, the festival merges Buffalo’s historic past with the Buffalo Central Terminal and the continued resurgence of the arts within Western New York.
photo by Madison McCafferty
The annual celebration includes performances on multiple stages from regional, national, and international musical acts, art exhibitions, the silent disco, spoken word poetry, speaker panels, street art, fashion, sports, film, games, food, and more.
The Beau Flueve Festival 2022 lineup and early bird tickets will be released in May.
Gary Numan stopped by the Town Ballroom in Buffalo on March 12th. Best known from his 1970’s and early 1980’s hits “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” and “Cars“, Numan is still going strong in support of his newest album Intruder, his 21st solo record.
Though he played a good amount off of his new science fiction soundtrack about the impending climate catastrophe, he also included a good mix of his material throughout the years. Gary still has some dates in America before heading back overseas to continue his world tour.
Gary Numan – Town Ballroom, Buffalo – March 12, 2022
Setlist: Intruder, Metal, The Promise, The Gift, Everything Comes Down to This, Films, Ghost Nation, Love Hurt Bleed, Pray for the Pain You Serve, Bed of Thorns, Down in the Park, Cars, Here in the Black, The Chosen, My Name Is Ruin, A Prayer for the Unborn
Encore: Me! I Disconnect From You, Are ‘Friends’ Electric?
As Benny the Butcher and his Griselda cohorts further entrench themselves in the music industry and the lines between mixtapes and studio albums continue to blur, the Buffalo-bred rapper returns with another edition of his cult-like mixtape series. The array of Tana Talk mixtapes helped lead Benny’s ascension including his breakout third edition, which featured standout tracks like “Langfield,” and “Rubber Bands & Weight.”
Tana Talk 4 is officially Benny’s third studio album and the intro track serves as a reminder of Benny’s current standing within the industry. The lead single — “Johnny P’s Caddy”– features a strong J. Cole verse, while the rest of the appearances remain close to home in the likes of Stove God Cooks, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, 38 Spesh and fellow Griselda signee, Boldy James. While Benny commands that street presence throughout his projects, the Tana talk series has always maintained a more personal feel and has seen the Def Jam signee at his most introspective.
This ain’t my story about rags to riches, more about how I mastered physics.
The records opening line sets the tone for the entire body of work as Benny weaves through street tales and the specific details of the drug game, while giving attention to his growth in the music industry and the supposed dissension between Conway and the rest of Griselda records after his departure from the label. Songs like “Johnny P’s Caddy” sees Benny flex his muscles in the rap game, as he went from making street dollars to legitimate rap money.
In the game, I used to train like Rocky catchin’ chickens. I was nice, but they was right when they told me that rap a business.
While once again flexing his loyalty to the ones he entered the game with.
Besides Con’ and West, tell me, who else I gotta respect?
Benny effortlessly exchanges his street and rap personas. His production is composed of Griselda in-house producer Daringer’s grimy, raw, slowed down beats, combining that with famed hip hop producer Alchemist’s soul-samples. On the 38 Spesh assisted, “Uncle Bun,” Benny is raw and unforgiving about his street dealings.
I sold dope to a fiend while she pregnant, emotionless. I’m not a case worker, that’s not the reason I sold the shit.
While the more soulful “Weekends In The Perry’s” featuring Boldy James, sees the Def Jam signee portray himself as simply an author to his own motion picture, which is the sort of bob-and-weave that is displayed throughout the 12-track, 40-minute long project.
Tana Talk 4 isn’t all drug and industry talk, as Benny also addresses the relationship between him, Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine. On “Tyson vs. Ali” featuring Conway The Machine, he addresses the media and fans attempts to pin the former label-mates against each other, while unbeknownst to them, the trio remain tethered.
So confused when ya’ll compare two n**gas from the same movement. Only for ya’ll amusement is funny to me. Ya’ll do it, truth is, while I’m killing shit Conway is somewhere rootin’.
Conway The Machine responds with his own salute to his cousin,
Ayo, Benny, I remember what we used to do to the fiends. That’s why it feel so good to see you doin’ your thing.
As the entire Griselda empire has grown within the past few years, they’ve maintained their model, even as they’ve ventured with bigger labels and entertainment entities. The making of Tana Talk 4 — a renowned mixtape series — into a studio album exemplifies just that. Benny The Butcher continues to elevate and flexes his industry connections with the J.Cole feature, while remaining true to his core fanbase.
Overall, fans of Benny can be left satisfied with this project, as it has plenty of rugged street talk, but more importantly growth, as fans can see the fruits of Benny’s ascension as he rubs elbows with the hip hop industry’s elite.
