Latest Posts

Oh Manitou Releases New Singles

September 28, 2016

Oh Manitou, a Rochester-based indie act still in their infancy, released duel singles”People I’d Like To Be” and “Once Again” last week. The songs, notably “People I’d Like To Be” showcase immense talent as Oh Manitou embarks on quite the sonic journey. All instruments (keys, vocals, guitars, the like) are played with noteworthy skill and their notes were chosen with great care along with production savviness. The tune commences with a brilliant horn and woodwind introduction. Guitar work and cymbal embellishments are the bow on the present. Then, a chorused and distorted guitar nudges the song awake. “People I’d Like to Be” fills out with bass, drums, and a unique lead. While toms and tambourine shakes fill the air, vocals take to the forefront – awesome harmonies carry you away. “Falling into the sea watching the stars align,” is a perfect way to describe this song, but the sight must be equally as[...]

Settlement – MOCT

September 19, 2016

Like a comet across Lake Erie’s vast sky shines Settlement, a new Buffalo-based band composed guitarist/vocalist Dan Moscov, bassist/vocalist Mike Dagonese, and drummer Adam Lilley. The band sounds like Balance and Composure at times fronting lonely, saddening compositions. At other times, Settlement gets heavy like O’Brother, their heavyheartedness clearly demonstrated by clear, dark, beefy instrumentals. This six-song extended play was recorded by freelance audio engineer Ron Hensberry and mixed and mastered by John Angelo. The album starts off with “Preparations.” A passing jet engine’s call and rapid sixteenth notes on the hi hats fill the headphones. Soon, a clean guitar riff embraces the ears in tandem with a rumbly bass. The instruments tell tales on their own without lyrics. An adventure between the ears is maintained as a secondary guitar riff adds to the mix. From there is “Setting Forth,” a rather heavy track that brandishes chugging guitar and distorted bass. On the[...]

Full Body Drops “Magnesium Deficiency” Singles

September 13, 2016

Full Body, a slackrock trio from Rochester, released two versions of one song, “Magnesium Deficiency,” on August’s final day. The first, “Magnesium Deficiency,” is a quick punk song with fuzzy bass, robust electric guitar, and Blink-182-like lead vocals. The second, dubbed “Mag Def,” is a beautiful, slowed down take of the same song with the addition of synth, easier vocals and drums, and chorused guitar. Both versions are equally as potent. Both carry the same relatable lyrical lines, such as “Validation is a curse,” and “Everything that’s not yours is shared.” But, for separation’s sake, the first sounds like Dads and the second is something you’d hear from Balance and Composure. Check out the demos below, and stayed tuned for their upcoming split with Soft Cough.

Constant Companion – “Cognitive Dissonance”

September 10, 2016

Constant Companion is an interestingly named band from NYC. Singer and guitarist Cassie Youngstrom says the name, “… refer[s] to all of the companions that stay with us… the demons, the depression and anxiety, the traumas… the music, the art, and the people who make our lives ultimately worth living.” The band is fronted by charming female vocals and nimble guitar leads that are reminiscent of the lo-fi emo bands of the late 90s. Fans of Rainer Maria, Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band, or Adventures would dig Constant Companion. Check out “Cognitive Dissonance” below and go here if you like what you heard. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259036018″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sundara Karma – “She Said”

September 10, 2016

Reading act Sundara Karma is a jangly indie rock band with an edgy, 70s aesthetic in both musica and fashion. “She Said” is the first single from their new album, Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect. Its carefree dance vibes feature a lead guitar din, solid vocals, and a brick-house rhythm section. The group sounds similar to Circa Waves or Tokyo Police Club. Check out the colorful tune below, or visit Sundara Karma’s website for more. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279400725″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

L.A. Spring – “Passerby”

September 10, 2016

L.A. Spring is a relatively young London act having just formed this summer. The power trio most notably features a low tenor vocalist with a strong and charming English accent, accented by higher harmonies when applicable. “Passerby” has an erupting rhythm section that throws dance energy at its listeners. Fans of Foals, The Maccabees, and Somos would dig L.A. Spring. Check out the new single below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278336648″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mothlight – “Monarch (feat. Shannon Inouye)”

September 10, 2016

Mothlight is a Californian dream pop act with a unique lushness that bursts from their colorful music. The trio describes themselves as “dream pop birthed from the loins of a nematode,” something surprisingly accurate once you look up what a nematode looks like. “Monarch (feat. Shannon Inouye)” is an immersive track. It brandishes gaping vocals, smart arrangements, rousing guitar work, and retro synth tones. Bands like Wild Nothing and Asobi Seksu sounds similar to Mothlight. Stream their new single below, or strengthen your commitment here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270072761″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Boge – “Don’t Let Go (Remix)”

September 10, 2016

Boge is a DJ from Norway who has tackled fellow Norwegian Miss Tati’s deliciously groovy “Don’t Let Go.” Boge’s work gives the song an ethereal vibe, featuring gentle claps, spacious pads, and interesting ricochet whistles. The head-bobbing piece is faster and more hip hop than Kygo’s usual blissful remixes, but is close to on par with Todd Terje’s work. See Datarock and Silja Sol for artists like Miss Tati. Boge is offering a free download if you visit his Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279229298″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pleistocene – Spear

September 6, 2016

Spear, Pleistocene‘s latest, is a more condensed, focused effort from the group as they slashed out some of the noise that radiated from the sonic orb found between the phones when listening to them. Pleistocene’s latest demonstrates the Rochester-based rockers versatility (especially during the first three songs) and finds an exciting balance between “onto the next!” (See: Dave Grohl) and aloof. This album is of a certain kind where one can start it and let it play from start to finish while you run through your everyday routine. Spears kicks off with “Your New Life”  a gentle surf lick and damn dirty bass. The bass does the song justice as it’s powerhouse spine. “Your New Life” switches between a punk, surf rock version and a blown-out straight-up punk version. The second track “Give Me the Line,” is like something from the Descendents. The tune is very garage punk-esque and features fast vocals with[...]

Grace Joyner – “Dreams”

September 1, 2016

From out the shadows of indie pop comes Miss Joyner, a woman whose dusky voice matches her rather reflective, feminine appearance and demeanor. Grace Joyner and her crew (background vocalist and keyboardist Camille Lucy Rhoden, background vocalist and bassist Dan McCurry, and background vocalist and percussionist Nick Jenkins) are from Charleston, South Carolina, are on label Hearts & Plugs, and released the video “Dreams” from recently released album Maybe Sometimes – in C.  “Dreams” pins a haunting ex against a struggling, lonely druggie desperately trying to forget about his overwhelming love from the past. Grace Olsen and Sharon Van Etten, even Still Corners, are proper comparisons. Watch Joyner’s video below, and stream or purchase the full albums here. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXTNISUAfQ4]

Villa Nah – “Love Chance”

August 29, 2016

Finnish electro pop duo Villa Nah is back after a rather long 5-year hiatus and are gifting us their latest treat, “Love Chance.” The single, a showcase off their upcoming album Ultima, is delightfully spacey and is like a relaxing swim with your imagination on full power. Juho Paalosmaa (of the acclaimed SIN COS TAN) and Tomi Hyyppä hope the piece “…[spreads] ripples of synth and sheer optimism” and serves as the soundtrack for those Summer afternoons. Those who love electronic music with 80s forte, or groups such as Magenta Skycode and Husky Rescue will savor what Villa Nah has to offer. Stream “Love Chance” below or on Spotify and Youtube. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274359509″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Gringo Star

August 28, 2016

It’s the Wild West meets the wonderful ocean. Deep, dark, and cavernous, yet dirty and mustard yellow. Previews of the new Gringo Star album The Sides and In Between are as amusing as they are unique. “Rotten,” Magic,” and “Get Closer” demonstrate versatility and three different sides of the band. Whether Gringo Star is gritty, keeping it light, or playful (listen carefully to the mix and lyrics of “Get Closer”), Gringo Star shines true. Catch the group headlining at Studio at the Waiting Room with support from Ugly Sun, Feverbox, and One Way to Nowhere. Doors are at 7pm, with the show starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $12 and the show is all ages (more details here). For soundalikes, see Bosco Rogers and Cage the Elephant. Otherwise, preview Gringo Star’s new album below and warp here for tasteful merchandise.

Stress Dolls Release Debut Single

August 23, 2016

Stress Dolls is the new reincarnation of Buffalo band Wolf which sought a name change and new members. Lead singer Chelsea O’Donnell still fronts the group with her Ben Walsh-like yowl. The new band brandishes a fresh sound with dreamy guitar leads, solid drums and bass, and a traditional alternative/pop mix in the band’s debut single “Pills.” Stress Dolls echo groups like Tigers Jaw and Polar Bear Club. Kudos to Stress Dolls for writing a song about pills that focuses on their healing tendencies rather than their fun. The smart lyrics point out that atop medical troubles still sits your everyday crushing defeats and self-degradation that must be overcame. “But with those pills,” sings O’Donnell, “he’s found his way…” Put on your leather jackets, wear your hearts on your sleeves, and prepare for a straightforward powerhouse with a unique vocal twist. Listen to “Pills” below or purchase it here.

County Mike – Live Alone

August 19, 2016

Alongside other Albanian groups like Coupons and They Are Gutting A Body of Water is County Mike, a new, mysterious one-man-band fronting a near lo-fi sound that flutters comfortably within the boundaries of alt-folk. The man behind the mask (and beard) is Michael Campana, Jr. I’m not sure if County Mike is a reference to Campana’s possible declaration that his body is his to govern, to control, or if he simply feels pride toward the county within which he resides – a more rural take on the subject. Regardless, County Mike’s Live Alone comes across as tender storytelling lullabies both confronting and skirting commonplace issues we all know and love. The first tune is “Watching/3 Years.” Campana’s voice is crystal clear amongst somber electric guitar arpeggiation. There’s a little bit of crackling going on. Soon enough, Campana kicks it up a notch, performing gentle, quick guitar widdlies. No matter how hard Campana pushes it,[...]

Charmer – Whateverville

August 15, 2016

Charmer (not named after Tigers Jaw’s latest) is a quintet full of charming young men formerly based out Marquette, Michigan. The band did what many bands decide to do, pack all their gear and relocate to the music metropolis of Rochester as a full band. Whateverville is the band’s New York debut as well as a palatable five-song emo record. Whateverville begins with a quote from television comedy Red Oaks: “You still live with your parents and you hang out with your stoner friends and you ride a bike…” Alright. We already get the picture. “Photography Raptor” then blasts into some distorted electric guitar chords. The drum cymbals seem faraway, but the bump of the bass drum is very apparent. Everything seems recorded in a small, tight room. The song has a bouncy tendency when it’s not within the confines of the transitioning parts. The last 30 seconds is breakdown-esque with a shrill lead. “I[...]