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Tonight: Kopps

April 29, 2017

Rochester electro-pop outfit Kopps return to Buffalo after a near yearlong absence from playing New York’s Queen City. The band has remained very active over the past year, playing a slew of dates with Joywave and pumping out four new singles (one of which we will be featuring later in the week). As usual, expect Kopps’ live performance to be tight, complete with synched dance moves and smooth transitions, making the band ‘s vibe come across extremely professional. Kopps’ slot should be the icing on the cake for a stacked bill. Also set to perform are synth act fresh off the release of their new album, Humble Braggers, recently-out-of-hibernation indie rockers M.A.G.S., and cloud pop outfit Mutual Friends. Doors are at 9pm with a $6 cover.

Tonight: Selector Dub Narcotic

April 7, 2017

K Records founder Calvin Johnson heads to Sugar City tonight under the flag of his latest project titled Selector Dub Narcotic. The brains behind Beat Happening, Johnson has had a notable career in independent music scene, collaborating and discovering many independent bands that had went on to national limelight (Modest Mouse, Built to Spill to name a very few). Selector Dub Narcotic’s playful dance punk will be sure to get you moving.  Also on the bill are local funkpunk collective, Mallwalkers, and xylo-core duo Welks Mice. Doors at 7pm with a $7 cover.

From Techno to Classical, the Intangible Benefits of Music

March 1, 2017

Music is such a strong, influential tool in our lives. It has the power to induce certain emotions from us, and mold our habit of thinking in ways we least expect. Due to the philosophical hold it has, there’s an imperceptible bridge that connects us to different cultures, millions of people across the globe. More than providing entertainment and ambiance, music, as a whole, also impacts our overall learning and memory process. There’s a study on Academia about how music affects university students. As a matter of fact, actual music students, or those who took up art-related courses, have better GPAs and are mostly higher achievers than those who aren’t involved in the craft. The Netherlands, Hungary, and Japan, are just some of the countries that put a premium on this subject’s study and participation. Now for us to further understand the concept of music and its overall influence, let’s[...]

Herd Fest 2017 Dates Announced, Applications Open

January 30, 2017

Today we are psyched to announce the dates and opening of applications for Herd Fest 2017. Entering it’s fourth year, this year’s Herd Fest  begins on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 and ends on Sunday, June 18th 2017.  Much like last year, we will be centralizing the application process over on Herd Fest’s website in order to streamline submissions. Herd Fest 2016 had over a thousand attendees, 14 showcases, and about 70 acts playing live over the course of the festival. This year we plan on expanding our showcases and centralizing venue locations. If you are interested in sponsoring the festival or have any proposals to make this event sweeter, e-mail herdfest@gmail.com.

Mating Ritual – “How You Gonna Stop It”

January 21, 2017

This likely isn’t the first time you’ve heard the likes of Mating Ritual, and it certainly won’t be the last. With the announcement of his debut album, the man behind the band, Ryan Marshall released title track “How You Gonna Stop It.” Immediately confronted with infectious synth lines and bombastic drum beats, this song is all party, all the time; only slowing to lament aging as the irrepressible passage of time. It’s clever and it’s playful, with just a hint of cynicism seeping through the cracks. Marshall’s gravely vocals breeze through just to spew fiery phrases as if telling vivid story within each verse. Mating Ritual has already begun gaining momentum in 2016, and with the release of an introductory album, it seems sky’s the limit for 2017. How You Gonna Stop It is due out January 24th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297465165″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Past You – “Faith”

January 21, 2017

New York’s own Past You has crafted a brand of shoegaze-infused dream-pop that’s easy on the ears, if not on the heart. Their latest track, “Faith,” lightly intones through toxicity surrounding a codependency, stitching it all together with the despondent chorus of “I can be the one you used to love/ Let me tell you how I wish you were.” Heavy subject matter, quite in opposition to the song’s production. The track itself takes on an almost whimsical quality with looping synth lines and murmured vocals, making it easy enough to get lost in the trance of it all. Cipher through “Faith” on Past You’s upcoming EP. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296056668″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Jake Tittle – “Different Language”

January 20, 2017

Singer-songwriter Jake Tittle creates the perfect union of indie rock and folk with his latest track “Different Languages.” Tittle is not the first to take to song about his personal religious perplexities, but his clear-cut vocals convey an inquisition of hardened truths that speak straight from experience. In lines like “Jesus speaks a different language/ We’ve been feeling up the floor just trying to mimic him,” Tittle channels the imagery of a seasoned songwriter coupled with the skepticism of supposedly corrupt power systems that is often a theme of traditional folk music. This track uses it’s entire three and a half minutes to continually build instrumentally, until multiple vocal lines blur together into one cacophonous echo with sparkling synth lines carrying out its final chords. Listen to the artistic musings of Jake Tittle in “Different Languages” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295022911″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Kraków Loves Adana – “False Alarm”

January 20, 2017

Kraków Loves Adana’s single “False Alarm” is the latest dream-pop infused soundtrack for driving off into the sunset. This track features the classic dynamic duo; paired rhythmic guitar and drums, while the vocal line croons overhead. The most unique component of instrumentation is the choral synth, which in any other setting would sound overly tongue-and-cheek, but here gives the hook a driving momentum and a haunting quality. This is the type of song to lose yourself in, as singer Daniz Cicek pleadingly drones over the loss of light. The video artfully captures the Berlin-based duo’s play on movement and lighting, all too relevant to the song without seeming overly blatant. Keep an eye out for the single on the band’s third album, set to be released this March. Written by Cassandra Dailey

Thula Borah – “Confabulation”

January 19, 2017

Scottish four-piece Thula Borah have announced their upcoming EP, Near Life Experience with the release of the single “Confabulation.” The band shows their true affinity for indie rock with layered grungy guitar lines, coupled with fuzzy, reverb-laden vocals. Despite its rocky core, there’s a distinct smattering of classic pop sensibilities that gives this track a universal appeal. Likened to the works of So I Watch You From Afar, Hum, and Silversun Pickups, this band has an undeniable multifaceted draw with its incorporation of various musical styles and influence. Listen to “Confabulation” below, and keep an eye out for the EP, available January 27th via Kill Jester Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/294565535″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Chick Quest – “Savant Garde”

January 19, 2017

Chick Quest is quickly becoming the most talked about band on the post-punk front. Their single “Savant Garde” is the suave, yet bombastic prelude to the release of their second album. This band sets itself apart from the rest with the incorporation of a groove-ridden bass and horn lines right out of a vintage western film. The variety of musical elements in this song brings the intrigue, while still holding onto all the cheekiness and sass characteristic of its punk ancestors. Looking for more? Stay tuned for Model View Controller, out February 24th via Triangular Sounds. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/286005875″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Soffía Björg – “The Road”

January 18, 2017

Soffía Björg’s latest single, “The Road,” plays upon the process of returning to the physical and symbolic place that is home. The smattering of folky twangs within a foundation of indie rock is what makes this song sound even more forlorn. The Icelandic singer’s voice lilts gracefully over a moving bass line and rhythmic guitar, all colliding in each repeat of the melody’s original motif. This song’s impact lies in the subtle dynamic contrasts; the strummed swells and accents propelling it forward as we follow Björg on her journey down this road. The video features Björg as the archetypal femme fatale driving her vintage Mercedes down the metaphorical path of no return, as the Icelandic countryside creeps past. Have a listen and you, too, might find yourself mid-existential crisis on a journey through genuine soul-searching. Written by Cassandra Dailey

Le Trouble – “How Was I To Know”

January 18, 2017

The Montreal five-piece Le Trouble is back with their second full-length album out on Indica Records, spearheaded by the single “How Was I To Know.” The track is all rhythm guitars, intrinsic drum fills, and power-driven vocal lines. It’s a whirlwind of tight instrumentals, yet still holds onto a pop influence that’s unmistakably sweet. With only a tinge of sadness, lead singer Michael Mooney sings of that all-encompassing love that ran itself dry. “How Was I To Know” seems to reveal a little more with each listen, and it doesn’t hurt that its hook is deceivingly catchy. Feeling introspective but considerably upbeat? This is your track of choice. Written by Cassandra Dailey

wwoman – “Waste Our Summer”

January 16, 2017

Pittsburgh’s wwoman brings the heat with “Waste Our Summer,” off his latest album Let Us Sleep Together. The classic marriage of spacey synth and lo-fi vocals brings this track appeal, but a prominent groove-infused bass line is what sets it apart. The art of layered contrasting synth is something many strive for, but wwoman can actually claim to achieve in this song without sounding contrived. His self-classified “depression pop” conjures images of sandy beaches, polaroid-captured late mornings, and no worries; something we all gravitate towards this time of year. Track down Let Us Sleep Together over on bandcamp for more summertime-slacker vibes. Written by Cassandra Dailey

The Dropout – “Let It Go”

January 16, 2017

In the modern age of the music industry artists are constantly looking to gain themselves exposure, while streamlining content to their fans in a wholesome and creatively fulfilling way. Andrew Flicker of The Dropout has thrown his hat into the ring with the launch of bi-weekly single releases. The Dropout’s first release, “Let It Go,” is an anthem dedicated to letting the good times roll and sweating the small stuff no more. Through a swirling texture of synth and a spunky drum beat, it’s easy to lose all sense of responsibility, as Flicker chants “All the things you ever wanted, lay it out and disregard it.” This dose of pure indie electro-pop is all fun-in-the-sun-meets-baby’s-first-rave, while those of us in enter into winter-induced vitamin D deficiency. It’s dreamy, it’s dismissive; it’s oddly soothing and invigorating at the same time. Combat the winter chill by checking out for The Dropout’s new[...]

5 Best Artist Discoveries of 2016

December 20, 2016

As part of our year-end wrap up, we decided to make a list of our top five (non-local/regional) artists that we were pumped to find in 2016. Car Seat Headrest  Looking back on 2016 from an indie music fan perspective, this year will be seen as the year that Car Seat Headrest first broke. The Seattle-based now-quartet/project headed by Will Toledo, had a huge year, breaking last winter with hype from major online tastemakers such as Pitchfork and All Songs Considered. The band’s introspective full-length Teens of Denial (Matador Records) offered a glimpse of Toledo’s wallflower nature and deeply reflective lyrics, coupled with raw guitars and minimal synths to make a perfectly packaged indie rock masterpiece. Jessy Lanza  Hamilton, Ontario-based songwriter, Jessy Lanza, made a blip on our radar with last spring’s sophomore break-out album, Oh No. Co-produced by Junior Boys’ Jeremy Greenspan, the retro-pop sound is a mix between French[...]