Latest Posts

Housewife – “Divorce”

December 1, 2024

Housewife, the project of Brighid Fry (she/they), brings us their latest single with “Divorce.” We previously covered Housewife here and, much like then, we love what’s happening. Fry does a fantastic job of building up; playing off of the guitar and drums with her vocals and giving everything enough time to percolate/crescendo… and then falling back to leave us wanting for more. Divorce is seldom a fun or uplifting subject but Fry does a spectacular job of keeping the listener engaged and not dragging us down in the doldrums. You can hear “Divorce” (with lyrics, which is super helpful for me because I need the written word to understand anything) on YouTube or add it to your your Spotify playlist of badass indie dream pop. The rest of the EP is well worth the listen -specifically the aforementioned “Life of the Party” as well as “I Lied.”  

Kevin J.B. O’Connor – “Follow Me”

December 1, 2024

Transplanted Buffalonian Kevin J.B. O’Connor, currently in the warmer climes of Kentucky, is someone we’re quite familiar with here at the Blog. From his original moniker of KO (here, back in 2021, so long ago) or Buffalo band Coral Collapse, which he was also part of (here, slightly less longer ago). O’Connor has crafted here an incredibly mellow yet strong guitar forward track here. It takes a real musicians musician to throw down with just their vocals and an acoustic guitar and that’s exactly what happens here. You can hear “Follow Me” below at no extra charge on YouTube below. You can also add to your slightly mournful yet kind of uplifting Buffalo based playlist on Soundcloud or Spotify. If you like what you’ve heard with “Follow Me,” be sure to check out the other nine tracks on his 2023 album “Alternatives.” Once a Buffalonian, always a Buffalonian – sorry[...]

The Breakables – “Stonehenge”

November 24, 2024

“Stonehenge” is the latest from Toronto based four piece The Breakables. Counting at least one Buffalo Bills fan among them, they were obviously alright in my book (before I even hit play on the track). After I hit play though, I’m happy with what I hear, as I’m greeted by a smooth-as-butter bass line that is featured throughout. The rest of the track is jangly, with almost frenetic guitar picking, set off by some random piano and bell-tone effects thrown in. Fans of Grandaddy, Pinegrove, or even Arcade Fire would find a lot to enjoy here between the instrumentals and lyrics, as would anyone who is a Buffalo Bills fan who wants to support another Bills fan.   You can hear “Stonehenge” below from YouTube, as well as the usual Spotify and Apple Music. With a new album album on the way December 6 and ANOTHER single coming soon, you’d[...]

see through person – “girl talk”

November 24, 2024

“girl talk” is the latest from Fort Myers based emo band see through person. Emo comes in all different shapes and sizes and, no, it wasn’t just a phase. “girl talk” trends toward the faster paced, mathier flavors of Cap’n Jazz or Algernon Cadwallader but forges ahead well enough that they stand on their own. You’ll find some funky time signatures that ebb and flow with excellently-plucked guitar and bass strings (in a word, melodic). I won’t ruin when you’ll hear the screaming, but it’s there (and whoever does the lyrics absolute nails it, which is no small feat).   You can hear “girl talk” embedded below courtesy of YouTube or add it to your emo revival playlist on Spotify or Soundcloud. If you like what you’ve heard, be sure to check out the band’s debut album every way of living, of which this is the third track. “Stupid Joke” was[...]

Chandeen – “The Bubbles Blown”

November 24, 2024

Chandeen, a German based band that has album releases from the mid 90’s to their name, brings us their latest with “The Bubbles Blown.” Started originally as an experimental soundscape type act, (check out “Lumis” from their 1994 album “Shaded by Trees”) the band has grown and evolved over the years to its current iteration (dreamcore, loud and soft as per their Spotify page). As the band states, the track itself is: “about people on the brink of major changes, moments of solitude, unexpected emotional tidal waves, and the vices that follow us.”   The band remembers their roots in creating an atmosphere and applies those lessons to a more traditional guitar forward affair in a similar vein to more contemporary acts like Girl in Red, Slow Pulp, or The Neighborhood.   You can hear “The Bubbles Blown” music video below on YouTube or add it to your German bands[...]

Mr. Sir – “try ur luck”

November 24, 2024

Brandon Price is Mr. Sir – a solo project based out of Austin, Texas, and “try ur luck” is his latest (and his debut!). Starting off with pulsating drums, I thought this was gonna be a different kind of song, but was more than happy with the result. Price manages to create one of the most impeccably well-crafted bedroom pop tracks I’ve heard in a very long time, and manages to do so under two minutes. From what I can tell, it’s just guitar, drums, and Price’s voice, but damn if everything isn’t just perfect. The whole thing works because he never tries too hard and keeps the instrumentals at a simmer; never allowing anything to boil over. Fans of Elliott Smith’s vocal stylings (with a lot less sadness), early Say Hi, or Midwest emo delvieriess will find a lot to enjoy with this track, as will anyone who enjoys[...]

Stripes – “So Fucked”

November 10, 2024

Featuring a truly apropos song for the times, “So Fucked” is the latest track and undiluted experience from Brooklyn four piece Stripes. We covered them characteristically fun track “Operation: No Hell” back in October.  And, well, kinda like then, we like we hear (seems so long ago)!   The entire track is a masterclass in pop punk tinged indie rock. Izzy MK rants, raves, and really showcases her impressive vocals throughout. The underpinnings of “So Fucked” are a sublime blend of guitar, drums, and a massively underappreciated bass line throughout with their characteristic raw, indie-rocking sound.   Pretty sure because the F word is so bad, my usual embed didn’t work for “So Fucked” below from YouTube (so just click on the link, sorry). You can also hear it over on Spotify, along with the rest of the previously mentioned “Operation: No Hell.”            

J.S. Mahlon – “Wasteland”

November 9, 2024

Synth intros always give me a good vibe and J.S. Mahlon‘s “Wasteland” brings it in spades and keeps the synth vibe alive throughout. No nonsense guitar plays really well together with the synth, for whatever reason (must be the contrast). This must be the season for indie folk because this is one of several iterations on the genre I’ve heard over the past couple weeks (none two the same and all embracing what makes them special; i.e. Mahlon’s synth in this track). This actually reminded me a lot of a band we’ve covered previously: Dragon Inn 3 (who also makes great use of their synthesizer). Mac DeMarco or MJ Lenderman fans would find a lot to enjoy here, as well as Adrianne Lenker (who apparently taught Mahlon some songwriting tips at a workshop she runs?). You can hear “Wasteland” below on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music; whatever floats your boat.

Bennett Heidelberger – “100usd”

November 9, 2024

Nashville based Bennett Heidelberger has a new track out called “100usd” which, at least to me, brings to mind a lot of different thoughts behind the meaning. In this case it’s a very mellow, guitar-forward folk track about being owed $100 (presumably US denomination). The longer I listened, it really seems to go deeper than that (possibly an emotional equivalent to $100). Heidelberger’s vocals are imbued with a lovely warmth that’s difficult to quantify but you can feel it. He ebbs and flows with the crescendo and decrescendo and each word feels soulful and heartfelt. Fans of Alex G, Elliot Smith, or Connor Oberst and his folksier ambitions would find a lot to enjoy, as well as anyone wanting a relaxing yet poignant track to chill out to. You can hear “100usd” below on YouTube or add it to your steady flow of indie folk from us on Spotify or[...]

onlydigitally – “dumb dog”

November 9, 2024

“dumb dog” is the latest from Houston based onlydigitally and the second time in two months that we’ve heard from the band (“old dog” being the first… do you think it’s about the same dog?) As per the band, the track itself “expands on the inner dialogue of a chronic overthinker.” I’m very jealous of this inner monologue, at least the instrumentals – fans of Slow Pulp or Phoebe Bridgers will find lots to dig into here… Expect gentle acoustic and pedal steel geetar aka that sighing, “country sound” you hear a lot but always forget what the name is. Everything else is pretty spot on with how an overthinker might sound in their head (ask me how I know).   You can hear “dumb dog” below from YouTube or you can add it to your folk tinged playlist on Spotify, or Apple Music. The rest of their Trackstar EP[...]

En-Vitro – “Bury Me”

November 5, 2024

Los Angeles based En-Vitro brings us their latest single “Bury Me” off of their self titled album. You get about four seconds of calm before En-Vitro launches into their frenetic, guitar-heavy track and they don’t really ever let up on the gas. The bass and drums barely have any time to breathe as they are absolutely ratioed by the guitar (is it two guitars, forty guitars? Yes). Interestingly, I felt there were some similarities with son of deni; one of the other bands we covered recently (like, also today).   You can hear “Bury Me” over on YouTube below or add it to your prog tinged post punk playlist on Spotify. The rest of their album is out now and well worth the listen if “Bury Me” scratches your musical itch. Be sure to check out the band’s linktree and give them a follow to stay up to date.  

son of deni x eli’s ladder – “Snowly”

November 5, 2024

A team up betwixt son of deni and eli’s ladder, “Snowly” is the newest single off of son of deni’s upcoming album. This is a math rock track through and through; ridiculous time signatures and enough starts and stops to make your head spin. It also somehow breaks the space time continuum and feels simultaneously longer AND shorter than its sub-three-minute run time. Punctuated by the gentlest of vocals several times throughout, this isn’t simply an instrumental bonanza. Fans of The Fall of Troy or American Football would find a lot to enjoy here.   You can hear “Snowly” below from YouTube or add it to your math rock playlist over on Spotify.   A name wasn’t mentioned for son of deni’s future album, but if you like what you hear be sure to give the band a follow on their socials to stay up to date.      [...]

Muscle Memory – “Body Of Light”

October 26, 2024

Muscle Memory are a NYC based duo (Michael Tapper and Steven Reker) who are already well established DJs separately. Together though? They have crafted an impeccably danceable track with “Body of Light.” It’s a delightful medley of synth, effects, a dash of guitar, and general mayhem. Fans of Passion Pit, Magdalena Bay, or LCD Soundsystem would find a lot to enjoy here, as would anyone looking for some indie music that’s impossible not to dance to. I had trouble writing this blog on time because my hands wouldn’t stop tapping to the beat (sorry editor, please don’t be mad). You can hear “Body of Light” below from YouTube. If you were confused like I was initially by the multiple versions, don’t be, as this is intentional. I highly recommend checking out the Club Mix version here. Find your favorite or enjoy them all (or don’t, I’m not your boss…but you[...]

Two Point Oh – “Jackie Smile”

October 26, 2024

New Jersey based emo act Two Point Oh not only seems to have a marketing degree and have spelled their name phonetically, but also has a new single out, “Jackie Smile.” Bringing in some raw emo and pop elements is just what the doctor ordered here; the lyrics are heartfelt (about a long lost acquaintance flashing a smile from across the street); the guitars are somber; and the hooks are… well… hook felt. I’d be interested to hear how many vocal cords and guitar strings were destroyed with this intro alone (seriously, try screaming YEAAAAAHHHHHHH and imagine doing several takes of that). If anyone from the band has that number, I’d be interested to hear. You can hear “Jackie Smile” from YouTube below or add it to your cathartic outside feelings playlist on Spotify or Apple Music. This is an easy one to rock the fuck out to, which you[...]

Mondaze – “Son of the Rambling Dawn”

October 26, 2024

Four piece Mondaze brings us their latest dose of Italian shoegaze with “Son of the Rambling Dawn,” a phuzzed out affair that we’re diggin’ this week at The Blog. Robust guitars wail and whine, only barely ceding to give the vocals room to breathe (and hold their own!). Fans of Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine or their ilk would find a lot to enjoy here. Speaking to the track, the band had this to say: “[It delves into] the fleeting nature of life and the unavoidable fate that accompanies it, where uncertainty reigns and everything is destined to change.” You can hear “Son of the Rambling Dawn” below from YouTube. As always, it can be found on your preferred streaming service (if not YouTube): Bandcamp, Spotify or one of one of eight million others. You’ll also be able to find it on their upcoming album Linger due out November 11.    [...]