Jen Karlis and James Brennan from Not Normal visited the Flamingo Lounge on June 12 and shared their story and a couple tracks off their new EP “Furnish the World.”

Rooted in catharsis, chaos, and camaraderie, Not Normal is a high-energy rock band from Buffalo, NY composed of four dynamic, multi-instrumentalist-front-people-turned-family. With electrifying guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and songwriting that balances instinct and intention, Not Normal crafts music that’s equally therapeutic and thrilling.

Formed in the summer of 2023, the band’s origin story is in one unlikely but essential catalyst: karaoke. While each member came from a completely different corner of Buffalo’s music scene—punk, indie, hardcore, jam—they likely never would have crossed paths without late-night singalongs and open mic nights. After bonding over shared goals, emotional depth, and a love for making noise, the four-piece quickly solidified into something that felt bigger than the sum of its parts. They played their first show on March 30, 2024, and haven’t slowed down since.

Their debut EP, “Furnish the World”, recorded in just two and a half days with respected engineer Doug White, became an unexpected concept album about resilience, release, and growing into something honest. The record showcases Not Normal’s signature multi-vocal dynamic—layered voices from James, Josh, Jen, and Mike—paired with driving guitars, shifting textures, and lyrics that range from vulnerable to victorious. Whether they’re swapping leads mid-song or erupting into full-band harmonies, the connection between them is magnetic.

Each member brings a distinct musical personality to the table: James’s love for conceptual storytelling and gear, Josh’s melodic sensibility, Jen’s rhythmic songwriting rooted in classical piano and percussion, and Mike’s grounding energy behind the drums. Their unique chemistry results in music that’s heartfelt, raw, and unafraid to get a little loud.

Influenced not by one genre but by the full spectrum of emotional experience, Not Normal draws inspiration from the rock greats, concept album legends, and local scenes that shaped them. The band has made appearances at staple Buffalo venues such as Mohawk Place, Jack Rabbit, The Cave, Nietzsche’s, Evening Star, The Tudor Lounge, and more, quickly gaining a reputation for electric live sets and engaging stage chemistry.

Their mission? To write music that lifts people up, makes them feel something, and helps them find connection in a world that often feels disconnected. “We want people to feel seen—whether they’re healing, headbanging, or just vibing out,” the band says. “We don’t want to fit in a box. We just want to make something real.”

Looking ahead, Not Normal is writing new material, expanding into new cities, and setting their sights on playing with bands across the Northeast. With each show and song, they continue building a sound and community that lives up to their name—and redefines what it means.

What does it mean to be Not Normal?

It means showing up when things get messy. It means being yourself—even when that self doesn’t fit into anyone else’s expectations. And above all, it means making noise that matters.

You can check out everything Not Normal at their website: notnormalband.com

New episodes are available at 9 a.m. EST each Saturday at RockabillyGreg.com. Each posting includes a link to the podcast, website, and social media links, images, and other interesting tidbits about the week’s guest(s).

Greg Hennessey’s “In the Flamingo Lounge with Rockabilly Greg” podcast is must listen content for fans of Western New York music. Hennessey just started his sixth season of podcasts, and he’s got over 100 episodes in his archives at https://rockabillygreg.com.