Latest Posts

Kai Bosch – “Funny”

March 3, 2024

“Funny” is the newest off of the single of the same name from Kai Bosch, an artist we’ve covered previously on the Blog. Funny enough, it was “Tulips,” another track off of the same single (link here). A clever and smooth “f**k you” breakup anthem, Bosch pours on the charm: “I just think it’s funny that you think that I’m the problem That you tell your therapist I’ve starved you of oxygen but you mention that you went and fucked your best friend.” Leading with an insanely catchy beat, “Funny” gave me some Billie Eilish-meets-LCD Soundsystem vibes – what with the bumping and whispery/sultry/talk sing voice. Synth and effects laden, you’d be hard pressed to find a catchier track released this year – you can really feel this with a set of headphones reverberating through your skull. Be sure to check out “Funny” on Spotify or the clever music vid down below.

The Slashes – “Limo Tint”

March 2, 2024

“Limo Tint” is the newest from San Diego group The Slashes, and it’s the moody post-punk jam you’ve been holding out for. We last covered them mid-2023 with their track “Dead Majesty” (here) and a lot of what we loved then holds true. That is, a fantastic post-punk group that embraces the darker side of things with a huge sound that tips a cap to acts like Interpol or Joy Division but stands quite strongly on their own. Written in the perspective of saying goodbye to a friend who passed away, singer Esteban Rene’s vocals (wails?) resonate dirge-like in between the guitar and bass lines. The guitar in particular, feels like a mimicking echo after each verse and brings a lonely, haunting feel with it. The bass also does a lot of heavy lifting and is given time to shine, particularly toward the end as it attempts to overtake the[...]

Razor Braids – “It Goes Quiet”

March 2, 2024

Brooklyn based Razor Braids brings us their latest single, “It Goes Quiet,” released in anticipation of their June 7 album Big Wave. Though still in the indie rock vein, this is a tad mellower of a jam from the last track of theirs we covered (here), “She.” Singer Hollye Bynum brings some Courtney Barnett vibes to this introspective love song, jumping around in a jumble of different thoughts: “What did you dream about last night? Will our moms get along? When will I apologize one too many times?” The instrumentals come with an extra level of polish and sheen while still hanging onto that grungy lo-fi feel that Razor Braids has established for themselves. The guitars mostly keep to themselves but crescendo into some fun wahwah effects with a steady bass riff underneath everything else (seriously, listen – it slaps). You can hear “It Goes Quiet” on Spotify or watch the[...]

Zoot Fitzgerald – “Never Mind”

February 28, 2024

“Never Mind” (not to be confused with a slightly more well known Nevermind) is the newest (and first) released single of mysterious band Zoot Fitzgerald. Fronted by James Goldberg, “Never Mind” is chock full of power chords – harkening back to the 90’s pop and grunge era bands (specifically My Bloody Valentine or even Harvey Danger). Goldberg’s dulcet lyrics sing to us about a one-sided sounding breakup: “There’s no need to feel sorry/ I just hope that you’re happy.” It’s ostensibly a song of acceptance (or perhaps the moment before denial sets in) and does a nice job of balancing out the impressive blistering guitar solos with a jangly acoustic, chunky fuzz, and a super digestible chord progression. You can hear “Never Mind” over on Spotify, Apple Music, or the embed below. Be sure to look out for tracks in the coming year and an album a little further out[...]

Buddy Junior – “2 CENTS”

February 26, 2024

“2 CENTS” is the latest single from Rust, courtesy of San Francisco’s Buddy Junior. At the heart of “2 CENTS” is a brooding dirge-like cacophony of sound, bringing some shoegaze-y Toner and Swirlies vibes (while inexplicably channeling a bit of Coheed and Cambria) vibes. Sprinkled throughout are delightful (albeit soul-crushing) harmonies adding a fun bite to lyrics, which from what I could tell, detail a not-so-amicable breakup: “If I had dollar for every good thing you said to me/I’d have no money because your talk is cheap.” The juxtaposition between cheekily delivered lyrics and brooding melodies keeps this track interesting all the way through – you’ll probably want to go sit in a dark room afterwards while you remember someone not-so-fondly. While it’s been a couple years since we last checked in with Buddy Junior, we enjoyed their previous efforts in ’21 and ’20 (you can find them here). In[...]

bikethrasher – “hillside”

February 25, 2024

Boston-based bikethrasher brings us their latest with “hillside,” and it’s a bop and a half. Clocking in just over 3:00 minutes, you’re given quite the alt rock/emo-punk showcase. Reverbing guitar layers, and a punky breakdown that crescendos and fades out to the end are the two of the big standouts. The ups and downs and layered vocals are reminiscent of Sunny Day Real Estate, with a dash of Smashing Pumpkins and Pity Sex – particularly the fuzzy guitar effects. With that in mind, this track is a perfect intro to the band and for the intersection between alternative, emo, and indie rock. With a smattering of singles of solid listening, along with an EP, what’s next for the band? I couldn’t glean much from their social media, but with a respectable showing so far, who’s to say? Hopefully we’ll hear more soon but for now check out “hillside” and the equally[...]

SOMOH – “Problem Child”

February 25, 2024

A returning Buffablog favorite, SOMOH is the the solo act of SOphia MOHan (you can see where the name comes from) and “Problem Child” is her latest single. Mohan, jumping between fuzzy guitar and more subdued tones betwixt verse and chorus, sings through her self doubts and that special type of malaise shared between millennials and gen-Zers. Fans of Soccer Mommy or Snail Mail would find a lot to enjoy not only with this track, but with a great deal of SOMOH’s catalogue. We’ve covered her before here and loved what we heard last year, and that remains true today Speaking to the track Mohan had this to say: “I wrote this song after deciding to drop out of university and feeling like a bit of a failure to be honest! I was navigating the doubts I had about pursuing music and the uncertainty of what my future might look[...]

Mutes – “Televangelist”

February 21, 2024

Self-described “post-everything” band Mutes recently released their latest single, “Televangelist” in anticipation of their new album due out May 17. Bringing a distinctly 90’s vibe into the 20’s (or whatever we call these strange times), “Televangelist” is a non-stop layered guitar fest. Coming in at just over two minutes, you’ll find yourself thrashing along to this seething, post-punk feeling track, or, as the band puts it, “a sub-three-minute nugget of existential crisis carried with motorik purpose.” Speaking to the lyrics behind the song the band said: “Theological projections of an irresolute agnostic; torn between clinging to the assuaging hand of statism and laying waste to internalized idolatry. Catholic guilt is one hell of a trip” (Damn right). You can hear “Televangelist” in its single form on Spotify or Apple Music, while the full length …buried where you stand will be in the usual streamy places May 17 (via No Sound[...]

Julien’s Daughter – “Rockefeller”

February 21, 2024

Winnipeg indie wunderkinds Julien’s Daughter are back with another single, “Rockefeller.” Tight bass lines coupled with singer Emma Murphy’s vocals give a noise rock vibe akin to the Sonic Youths and My Bloody Valentines of yesteryear while simultaneously channeling the tight indie rock of Metric and Blondie. This caliber of sound isn’t easy to come by, and is the result of playing together for five plus years – starting off in their teens. Speaking to the making of the song, Murphy said: “It’s a song about how exhausting the breakup process can be. I wrote this song at a time when a lot of people were making different narratives about me and I was just trying to focus on healing.” If this is a harbinger of things to come, I hope that it doesn’t take more traumatic events to keep the bangers comin’. You can hear “Rockefeller” on Spotify or[...]

JW Francis – “Orbit”

February 21, 2024

A perennial Buffablog favorite (here and here), NYC based JW Francis brings us his latest with “Orbit.” Falling firmly into the bedroom pop subgenre (and a love song to boot), swimmy synth and squiggly guitar blend together with Francis’ vocals for a non-stop party in the vein of Vampire Weekend and Mac Demarco. Speaking to the track, Francis had this to say: “I wrote Orbit after falling in love with my partner Milla. I was awe-struck, dumb founded, blinded by the light, however you want to call it. I could not believe my luck, and I wanted to write a song about it. I wanted the song to race fast like a heartbeat, and to get up in your face like feelings.” You can hear “Orbit” on Spotify, Soundcloud, or Bandcamp. Be sure to let us know if you want more from Francis or more like this! Born Losers Records[...]

Blondfire – “Foolish”

February 17, 2024

Blondfire, based out of Michigan, brings us their latest synthpop gem with “Foolish.” Led by Erica Driscoll’s vocals, “Foolish” is a synth-heavy track with 80’s pop vibes that tickles your ears in just the right way. Blondfire was initially started with her brother, Bruce, until he left to focus on his act Freedom Fry. Unabashedly written about diving in completely to take a chance on love, even at the risk of being a fool, you can’t help but be wrapped up in the amalgamation of perfectly mixed sounds. Blondfire brings to mind one of my personal favorites, Dragon Inn 3 (that we wrote about here) mixed with a hint of Metric and Tame Impala. I’m always hyped when artists embrace that deep synth vibe as masterfully as Blondfire does here, and you should be too! Be sure to check out Foolish on Spotify or down below from Soundcloud.

Pet Snake – “Getting Older”

February 17, 2024

“Getting Older” is the latest from Evelyn Halls, aka Pet Snake. Singing in a lovely lullaby singsong voice, Halls evokes fellow indie luminaries boygenius and Mitski on this slow burning indie rocker. The buildup and layering of guitars is masterfully done, leading up to a lyrical crescendo that ties everything together with a crushing narrative. At five-plus minutes, “Older” comes and goes before you know it – definitely a beautiful addition to the subdued indie rock scene and certainly someone to keep an eye one. Speaking to the song, Halls had this to say: “It’s an anthem for myself to shout from the rooftops that I’m overjoyed to be alive and grateful to those who helped get me here. It’s me trying to turn my contentment into a song and the fact that I get to shout out my therapist…” You can hear “Getting Older” on Spotify or the embedded YouTube[...]

Highline – “Believe Me I’ll Run”

February 17, 2024

Sidney based five piece, Highline, brings us their latest single “Believe Me I’ll Run” and released it February 15. The opening strums bring to mind a more subdued take on REM’s “Losing My Religion” and the rest of the track continues in a similar vein. More contemporary influences feel like the lighter side of Arctic Monkeys or Killers songs, falling into that uplifting-yet-mournful feel. The steady strum of acoustic guitar is punctuated by synth and backing guitar, dancing beautifully around singer Sam Rigney’s vocals. Speaking to the track, Rigney had this to say: “‘Believe Me I’ll Run’ is an admission of sorts that you’re all in on a relationship, regardless of whether the other person is feeling the same way.” You can hear “Believe Me I’ll Run” over on Spotify or down below courtesy of Soundcloud. Be sure to check out another track of theirs we reviewed; “Enough for You[...]

Kindsight – “Tomorrow”

February 17, 2024

Swedish band Kindsight’s latest single is “Tomorrow,” released in anticipation of their upcoming album No Shame No Fame due out in April. Singer Nina Hyldgaard Rasmussen’s vocals shine through the band’s impeccably crafted jangle pop sound. We’ve previously covered Kindsight at the blog a few times now (all here) and enjoyed what we heard then (as with this track)! Fans of Alvvays or Hazel English will find a lot to enjoy here, as would anyone who enjoys heartfelt lyrics sung with as much aplomb as Rasmussen. Speaking to crafting the track, the band had this to say: “This is one of those weird songs where 95% of it writes itself, but the last 5% is really hard to get right. No blood was shed in the process, but it cost us plenty of sweat and tears, and it might have caused Nina to forget her guitar on the train on the[...]

Samantha Clemons – “Spectacle”

February 13, 2024

“Spectacle” is the latest from St. Louis based singer/songwriter Samantha Clemons, a supremely talented musician whose influences include (but are not limited to) gospel, jazz, Caribbean, and soul music. “Spectacle” starts with a stunning strumming guitar with keys, with Clemons’ voice quickly taking the lead. Her words are heartfelt and dripping with emotion, always at the edge or muscling out the instrumentals but finds a way back to equilibrium without being overwhelming. As NPR’s Pilar Fitzgerald noted of her 2021 Tiny Desk submission: “Clemons’ voice is striking: secured in deep depths in one moment, then bursting like wildfire in the next. And just as complex as her range are her lyrics — the story she tells… is so beautifully imagined.” Be sure to give “Spectacle” a listen over on Spotify or Soundcloud, we think you’ll be impressed with the depth and feel of her songwriting.