Welcome to the next installment of the countdown to Burt Fest Series. Today, we are talking about one of Buffalo’s newest metalcore/post-hardcore bands, Overlook. During the Dilettante EP release show a few weeks ago, I was able to catch part of Overlook’s set. However, the blizzard that day added an extra hour to my drive so I only saw their last song, but the little I saw really impressed me. I have been following the Buffalo metal scene ever since I first started going to shows at the Waiting Room a few years ago. Bands like Revealer, A Story Inspired and Scenery With Solace were the reason I found myself constantly attending shows. Unfortunately now, A Story Inspired is no longer together, Scenery With Solace is playing their final show on March 1st and Revealer has been quiet for some time now. While I will be forever grateful to these bands for introducing me to the Buffalo scene, I am excited to see all the new metal blood (like Overlook) that Buffalo has to offer.
Forming in 2017 after playing in other local bands together, Crisstofer Weishaup (Guitarist/Vocals), Jon Kozlowski (Drums/Vocals), Samuel Defazio (Vocals),Thomas Patrick Fritton (Bassist) and Ryan Lewis (Lead Guitar), came together to form their new project Overlook. Taking influence from bands like Ice Nine Kills, Wage War, and Every Time I Die, Overlook has a sound new to the Buffalo scene. You can hear this new sound for yourself on their track “I Don’t Feel”, and vocalist Sam told me, “We plan on writing new music this summer and recording some new music for everyone this year! We are really excited for the future and we are so excited to show everyone what we are made of!”
If you consider yourself a member of the Buffalo metal scene then I am sure this is not the first time you are hearing of Overlook. They have been working hard playing every show they can get their hands on, even opening up for some great touring metal acts like VRSTY, A Scent Like Wolves and Convictions. When I asked Sam what his favorite show so far he told me, “The best show we have played had to be with Convictions and Set For The Fall in Rochester back in November. It was during a blizzard and nobody came out but it created a special moment between all bands playing and we are felt unified for one night. It’s an experience we will never forget.” I ended off my questions with Sam by asking him what he was most excited for for this year’s Burt Fest, to which he replied, “We are excited about playing with bands that we wouldn’t normally play with because us being in different genres. It really shows how diverse our scene is and how unique is has become.” I could not agree with Sam more, Burt Fest is the one time of the year when we get to showcase all the bands that collectively make the Buffalo scene great, from metal to punk to solo acoustic acts, Burt Fest has it all.
With that being said make sure you make it out to Burt Fest on Sunday February 24, to get a taste of everything the Buffalo Scene has to offer. Come support the locals acts you know and love, and maybe discover a new favorite while you are at it. So, until February 24th, get off the charts and support local music.
RELATED: A Q-and-A with Overlook
Chandler Poczciwinski is a student at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, production director at WSBU 88.3 The Buzz, and producer for punk music blog, The Uncharted Hour. He is also the lead guitar player for the local pop-punk band, Among The Wolves. He reviews music for All WNY Radio.
