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Sugar Soap – “Talk”

East Coast Australia’s Sugar Soap dropped a new single last week that’s been pumping out of our office speakers all afternoon. The single” Talk” is an upbeat indie pop number that touches on being true to oneself in a hectic world. It’s a bit more of a reminder to take a step back and live in the moment. Remember the appreciate the simpler things in life, which seems fitting to many during these unknown times in across the globe. If you are a fan of The Drums, Surf Curse, or Dayglow, this single is up your alley.    

3am – “Have You Tried Turning it Off and Back On?”

Jangly midwest emo act 3am have released the anger-triggering single “Have You Tried Turning It Off and Back On?” If you’ve ever had to call a help line for customer service, then you are well-aware of this rage-inducing question. 3am is based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan and have been writing anxiety influenced tracks since 2020. Their latest single (I won’t say it) is super mathy and reminiscent of California Cousins, Del Paxton,  or Taking Meds.  Check it out.

Phantom Sugar – “Punch Drunk”

Bounce-y Canadian fuzz pop act Phantom Sugar dropped the first single off their new EP Habitual. Released on Rockasaurus Records, the single “PUNCH DRUNK” is a driving Strokes-esque diddy with a tad of an earnest home producer appeal. The video below begins with some prime summertime goofin’ which hits different on this chilly fall day. Fans of San Cisco or Middle Kids would like this upbeat track. Check it out below and check out the full EP over on Spotify.

Must See Shows (11.13.24-11.19.24)

Wednesday, November 13th @ 7:30pm Say Anything @ RiverWorks Mid-aughts pop-punk royals Say Anything are in town mid-week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album Is a Real Boy on Wednesday. Is a Real Boy holds a place in the heart of many millennials, as the album was almost anthemic with themes of defying the norm and embracing oneself. The band will be playing the album in its entirety, which will surely be accompanied by a chorus of hundreds of die hard fans. Hopefully, the band has time for their latest album …Is Committed, as it is a promising evolution on the band’s signature edgy delivery. Angel Du$t and Social Animals will be sharing the bill, so get there early as you won’t want to miss this. Tickets are $46.28. SAY ANYTHING · Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too Saturday, November 16th @ 7pm Harvest Sum 20th Anniversary[...]

We Were Blank – “Summer Bones”

Local pop-punk/emo quartet, We Were Blank, are back with a one-off single “Summer Bones.” The new track hits a bit more on the punk realm than the band’s usual catalog, with comparisons to heavier pop-punk acts like Microwave and PUP. Lyrics-wise, this track is about the pains of getting older and feeling listless. There is a yearning to go back to the times of having summer bones, which is a younger, fresher, and ultimately more exciting time than having these aging autumn bones. Check out the band’s resume on Spotify and keep a look out for We Were Blank, because they are always gigging around the city.

Negative Shawdy – “Is It Me?”

Negative Shawdy‘s newest track “Is It Me?” is a mix of breakbeat, hyperpop, hip-hop and R&B crafting an intricate recipe to create quite the earworm.  This track is the latest single of of Shawdy’s debut album Dancing with the Lights Out, which was released this morning at 12:01am. “Is It Me?” touches on hitting all time lows, with self reflection and self realization being a real turning point. Shawdy turns this downpoint into a positive, turning the pain into healing and learning. With support already from big radio stations like KEXP and KCRW, this most likely won’t be the last time you hear this one. Check it out. Future Gods · Negative Shawdy – Is It Me?

22° Halo – “Cobwebs”

It’s not the first time and will likely not be the last time we pick up one of 22° Halo‘s singles. Will Kennedy, the mastermind behind the project, released a new single today titled “Cobwebs” and it’s already promising for a weekend domination on our playlist. Released via Tiny Library Record, “Cobwebs” is lead single off the new album Lily of the Valley, a very somber and serious piece journaling Kennedy’s wife’s battle with brain cancer. “Cobwebs” is about the early days of the cancer diagnosis and trying to build a positive outlook when things might not seem so. Fans of Grandaddy, Magnetic Fields, or Pinback would be into this one. Check it out.

Spill, Dance, Refine x SKATERAT – “The Trend”

Nashville producer Spill, Dance, Refine has teamed up with SKATERAT on their latest single “The Trend.” This synthpop track is all about when everything goes wrong in your life. Losing your job, losing your save game, and infidelity. Ultimately, when one thing goes wrong, it’s more of a trend rather than an outlier. The lyrics touch on losing your social network and having nostalgia for when things were going better. Everything has changed, for the worse. For such a depressing song concept, the track is pretty catchy. Check it out.    

Hundred Plus Club

Buffalo-based indie rock trio Hundred Plus Club consists of Zain Shirazi (vocals, guitar), Burak Spoth (drums), and Zekeriya Spoth (keys). The three have been friends since middle school, playing together for over ten years, officially donning the Hundred Plus Club moniker in the summer of 2015. Hundred Plus Club is reminiscent of mid 2000s indie rockers such as Tokyo Police Club, Bloc Party, and Interpol.

Wylie Something

Wylie Something is the working name for Buffalo singer/songwriter Jake Smolinski, who performs under the name both as a solo project and as a full band. Since returning to Buffalo in 2014, Wylie Something has been a well represented in the local music scene with fans noting Something’ introspective lyrics, with shades of Silver Jews and Mac DeMarco present in the project’s repertoire.

blondfire – “A Million Miles”

You know the feeling when you start dating someone new and every moment with that person is incredible and magical and lovely and there could never be anything negative ever happening to you two? That’s the inspiration for Michigan indie pop songstress Blondfire with their new track “A Million Miles.” Originally composed of sibling songwriting duo, Erica and Bruce Driscoll, the project evolved into the solo project of Erica. Since 2006, Blondfire (and their previous iterations) have been hitting the scene and gaining new audiences across the United States, sharing the stage on tour with acts like Foals and Surfer Blood,  as well as slots on Lollapalooza and Firefly Fest. Blondire’s sound is easily digestible with upbeat electro-pop tracks that could easily be on the next Metric album. Check out “A Million Miles” below. Blondfire · Blondfire – A Million Miles

Must See Shows (11/6/24-11/12/24)

Thursday, November 7th @ 7pm Cursive w/ Gladie @ Rec Room Legendary Omaha indie rock act Cursive returns this Thursday for a trip down memory lane, much to the delight western New York’s aging scenesters.  Cursive broke through to many fans with 2003’s critically acclaimed album The Ugly Organ. The album has influenced thousands of projects and has been a mainstay in hundreds of thousands of fans playlists. Lead by Tim Kasher, the songs are brooding and angsty yet in a mature way that is self-reflective and poetic. Undoubtedly Cursive will sprinkle in tracks from The Ugly Organ, Domestica, and Burst and Bloom. If you’ve sat out on Cursive’s newest material, please catch yourself up because it’s on par with the past catalog which is both exciting and promising. Opening the bill will be Philadelphia indie act Gladie. $25 at the door + fees. Exeunt.  Devourer by Cursive Friday, November[...]

Adam James – “Morose on Melrose”

New York native turned West Cost Transplant, Adam James, is back with an introspective single that pulls at your heart strings. A long-time scene veteran since 2005, James has had stints in numerous bands like Sleep Bellum Sonno, The Vigilance Committee, and More than Skies. James’ latest single “Morose on Melrose” shows the singer/songwriter’s vulnerable side. The song was written during a bout of hardship, navigating life post-breakup and listlessness. “Morose on Melrose” is an ode to the song’s inspiration, walking aimlessly navigating depression down one of Los Angeles’ busiest streets. Everyone has a purpose and motivation. What is yours? Where is your happiness? Before Summer Ends – Single by Adam James

Roma NYC – “Recover”

New York City’s Roma NYC has a sludgy indie rock number that came across our desk and pairs perfectly well with this rainy day. “Recover” is the latest of the band’s single-a-month series and quickly gaining buzz. The new dreary track is all about motivation and pursuing your dreams. Roma NYC is all about taking chances and pursuing the arts and philosophy, and this is the main theme of “Recover.” This track is deep and not to be taken on the surface level. Check it out below and stick around until the three minute mark, because that’s where Roma NYC really shines.

Must See Shows (10/30/24-11/5/24)

Thursday, October 31st @ 7pm Dexter and the Moonrocks @ Town Ballroom Turn off the porch light and put a “Gone 2 Dexter and the Moonrocks” note up for the trick-or-treaters this Thursday. The Abilene-based quartet will be making their Buffalo debut on a very scary evening in support of their latest EP Western Space Grunge. The band is an amalgamation of indie rock, grunge, and a sprinkle of country – an homage to the band’s Texas roots. Much to our delight, Dexter and the Moonrocks’ sound is very sing-a-long friendly with numerous singles chock full of heavy hooks. Fans of FIDLAR, White Reaper, or Wavves would be into this one. Doors are $27.22 all-in. Dexter And The MoonRocks · Like You (Like You) Saturday, November 2nd @ 7pm Light Beams w/ Personal Style, Welks Mice, and echolocator @ Area 54 Dischord Records signees Light Beams returns to Buffalo after[...]