more by Christopher John Treacy
This column was written on Tuesday, June 14 in the wake of the Orlando tragedies, but was held in the interim.
“God walked into a bar…”
[INDIE] Gaslight Anthem front man Brian Fallon steps out on his own this year with Painkillers, his first true solo album, produced by Butch Walker and released on Island Records in
[HARDCORE] Like your hardcore with a feminist edge? Then it doesn’t get any better than this: three righteous gals and two dudes from Baltimore spewing vitriol with just the slightest hint of melodic sweetness coming through the shred and pummel.
[POP] The musical project of Ahmed Gallab throws back while moving forward. Call it afro-futurism.
[PUNK] Dead Kennedys are back and Town Ballroom’s got ‘em. Featuring a lineup that retains original bassist Klaus Flouride and lead guitarist East Bay Ray, 2016 finds Ron Greer handling lead vocals and D.H. Peligro on the drums.
[BLUES] Comprised partially of three siblings and three college friends, Durham NC’s Delta Rae is a study in winning contrasts: male/female vocals and viewpoints; slick, modern production with a clear penchant for classic influences; the comfort and familiarity of the past
[PRIDE] Carol Speser was sitting on a goldmine. As a longtime Buffalo LGBTQ activist and founder of the Stonewall Democrats, Speser’s an essential, enduring voice in the queer struggle for acceptance and equality in WNY.
[INDIE] Portland alt-folkies Blitzen Trapper’s All Across This Land ditches the chemistry experiment that permeated 2013’s VII in favor of a straightforward rocking feel that...