In 2025, I only went to three local shows. My heart just isn’t in it for live music anymore. Last night I went to my first of 2026 show to see some bands. There were five bands on the bill at the Bug Jar. I struggled to find the energy for three then I walked home. I brought my camera along to document me being there but didn’t care to make photos like I did in the past. Again, my heart just isn’t into that subject matter anymore.
Joe Tunis solo’d some psychedelic wavey guitar work as Joe+N. Earlier in the night, Joe and I discussed music from New Zealand, which he is a passionate expert of. I always enjoy Joe’s performances as well as his label Carbon Records. I’m positive every year I’ve been in Western NY I’ve listened to something Joe has been a part of and/or released on his label.
Next up was Radon Flowers. This is a new to me band with Needledrop Russ on the bass. Their last song reminded me of a rollicky Ride song. I was very impressed as I knew nothing about the band going into the night. No fault to anyone but I couldn’t make out their lyrics so I hope they release some music with some liner notes. (side note: every band should include/release liner notes regardless if they release physically or digitally.)
Finally, I got to see Material Objects again. Their Lux show last year was one of the three I saw. I found out about the band, originally, through guitarist/singer Domenic Gagliano’s YouTube channel. Dom’s YouTube channel stands out much like Joe’s passion for New Zealand music. Social media cult behavior doesn’t get in the way of honestly sharing their musical interests and passions. Material Objects had Gabriella Evergreen joining them on cello, which added both a sweet and gritty dynamic to their take of what 80s/90s underground music heads love about that era. I’m not talking low hanging fruit/riffs/melodies either. This is a band filled to the brim with pleasurable nuances of a time period of music that I will always enjoy.
Then that was it. I hit that final wall of exhaustion and made my way home. I wish I had the energy for Comfy and Growing Stone. I really enjoy Comfy’s music and Growing Stone I have yet to hear a song by.
On the way home, I made a few double exposures.
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