Taking a look at new music from Kevin K & the Bowery Kats, Adam Insult & The Injuries and Erica the Ice Dragon

By Chloe Kowalyk

Welcome to The Music Box, a place where contributors of The Buffalo Hive discuss new releases from local musicians.

This week, we are diving into new music from Kevin K & the Bowery Kats, Adam Insult & The Injuries and Erica the Ice Dragon.

Kevin K & the Bowery Kats

Kevin K & The Bowery Kats is led by a veteran of the the local punk scene who has been releasing music since 1978. Kevin Kalicki and his brother Alan were members of Aunt Helen, the Toys and New Toys, with Aunt Helen releasing one of the scene’s first singles that year.

Just yesterday, on July 18, Kevin K & the Bowery Kats released a brand new album titled “Shadow Work 38,” which features 10 new songs.

Their sound represents a classic nostalgic punk sound, but the group doesn’t shy away from fusing modernity into their music.

Kevin K & The Bowery Kats are a fun group, delivering an electric sound fused with talented instrumentalism.

Kevin K lives in the Carolinas these days and Vicious Kitten Records is out of Canberra, Australia, but the CD is easily available HERE.

Adam Insult & the Injuries

Adam Insult & The Injuries are a power group of Buffalo Music Hall of Famers Maria Sebastian and musician/producer Marc Hunt, plus drummer Pat Shaughnessy.

Sebastian has had an extensive career, touring with 10,000 Maniacs and opening for major artists such as Roger McGuinn.

Earlier this week on July 13, the trio released “Driving With The Windows Down,” which features two songs: the namesake “Driving With The Windows Down” and “It Wasn’t Wasted.”

Here’s the video for “Driving With the Windows Down.”

These recent releases, particularly “Driving With The Windows Down” sound as if they could be in a ’90s or early 2000s coming of age movie.

Sebastian’s powerful feminine vocals pair nicely with the group’s instrumental backings. Her voice reminds me of Kim Wilde, who sings the coming of age song, “Kids in America.”

You can check out Maria Sebastian at The Buffalo Hive First Birthday Celebration this Wednesday, July 23, at Duende Silo City. She’ll be playing in the duo Wind & Fire with Matt Pszonak.

Here’s “It Wasn’t Wasted.”

Erica The Ice Dragon

Erica The Ice Dragon’s music comes with an unexpected punch of powerful vocals, paired with fun melodies bound to get stuck in your head.

This is definitely the case for “Earnest Nostalgia,” which they released at the end of June. It starts with a quiet, calm piano that is met with Erica’s smooth, bold vocals.

Erica The Ice Dragon has a flexible range that enables her to build an inspiring sound throughout her music.

Earnest Nostalgia has a dynamic sound that floats between the ears and is a perfect addition to your playlist of songs to belt in the shower.

If you’re a Western New York performer or band and you have a new release or video, drop us a line at editor@thebuffalohive.com and we’ll help you let the world know about it … with a side helping of opinion, of course.