Meet Roger Bryan and The Orphans, The Buffalo Artists Merging Grace and Recklessness

Roger Bryan and The Orphans is a Buffalo-based rock band that boasts sounds of alternative flare and indie spirit.

They are comprised of vocalist Roger Bryan, drummer Mike Sobieraj, Matt Lavin on bass and Dave Calos on guitar. The band originated in Buffalo in 2008 and have cycled through members before finally finding the core four Orphans.

The name Roger Bryan and The Orphans comes from the idea that the bandmembers were originally parts of other bands, but these groups dissolved, bringing them together as orphans of their past. The band’s sound contains a mix of soft indie and edgy alternative. The combination of this sound does the band well as they use their dynamic sound to express their musicianship over the years.

Over the course of 5 albums, multiple EP’s and singles, they have created a catalog of ragged glory that continues to grow and evolve while managing to keep a heart still stitched on its worn sleeve. Their latest album Days or Nights/That’s Life! combines songs from their 2023 EP That’s Life! along with some recent, polished tracks.

Around seven years in, there were big changes within the band. Mike and Roger found themselves reduced to a duo wondering where exactly to go. Eventually, the duo built it back up with Matt Lavin. Dave Calos was the last to join a couple weeks later.

Since then, Roger Bryan and The Orphans have released many works, each with their own unique sound. The group does not conform to a single sound, they have dynamic songwriting techniques, and a variety of sound to output. That said, the group’s overall tone is recognizable as something of their own.

The band has a couple upcoming shows in October and November, both in Buffalo. On October 11 at Jackrabbit music venue and eatery, Roger Bryan and The Orphans see the stage with Johnny Nobody for a live recording of their catalogue. November 16, at the Cave music venue, the band performs for their label Harvest Sum’s 20th anniversary show.

To learn more about Roger Bryan and The Orphans and to hear their works, head to their Bandcamp by clicking here.

Comments are closed.