The Abruptors: Discovering Buffalo's Hidden Music Gems

The Abruptors delivering an electrifying performance at Iron Works, showcasing their music with dynamic energy and skillful musicianship.

The Abruptors are a four-member band consisting of Mike Geraci (lead vocals and guitarist), Toni LaMantia (lead vocals, keys, and saxophone), Alex Schultz (drums), and Christian Lee (bass). In the last ten years, they have released three albums, with their most recent titled Everything You Know Is Wrong. After witnessing their performance Wednesday night opening for The Slackers, I can say they are regarded as a hidden gem in the Buffalo music scene. 

The Abruptors possess a varied sound that blends ska, reggae, punk, and rocksteady, aligning seamlessly with their energetic vibes and enabling them to share the stage with a wide range of bands. The Wednesday night performance at Buffalo Iron Works highlighted their varied sound, beginning with "Run" from their latest album. "Run" is full of raw energy and fun vibes that make you smile and dance.  

The Abruptors maintained the energy with their songs "Mazes" and "St. Louis," but demonstrated their true professionalism during "This Just In." While performing, Mike encountered technical issues with his guitar. Rather than stopping the performance, Toni, Alex, and Christian finished the song without Mike's guitar. 

After the song, Mike kept attempting to repair his guitar, while the band engaged in some improvisation. What began as improvisation turned into a mini-interview with the audience, answering questions about their latest album, upcoming shows, and what lies ahead for The Abruptors in 2025. It was awesome to watch the crowd engaging with the band in an entertaining manner to break the silence.  

The Abruptors refused to let technical issues ruin their set. They concluded their reggae-style set strong with songs like "The Selfish," "WDYWMTD," "Radio," "Concept of Heart," and "Such A Mess." The audience was dancing and enjoying the music, with one of the show's highlights being the proud father-son moment between Christan and his dad, who was in the crowd watching his son perform. 

After their set, Alex, Christian, Mike, and Toni could be spotted in the crowd enjoying the other bands or by their merch table, hanging out listening to the music. They are approachable, making it easy for fans to engage with them. It is evident that The Abruptors are passionate about the music they play and enjoy being a part of the Buffalo music scene.

Stream The Abruptors on various platforms, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X), purchase merchandise via Asian Man Records, and see them perform live in Cleveland on Saturday, April 19th with The Slackers, on May 11th at Amy's Place in Buffalo, on June 22nd at Camp Punksylvania, and on August 16th at Buffalo Ska Fest.