Latest Posts

Amateur Hockey Club – “Ted”

July 13, 2026

Amateur Hockey Club aim for summer anthem status on their latest single, “Ted.” A bona fide diss track about a landlord who doesn’t care (landlords, amirite?) and a drum set rotting in an inch of standing water, “Ted” is surprisingly breezy for its background rooted in hatred. There’s an island-y acoustic guitar chiming behind the typical AHC-style guitar chugging, but by the time they sing “I guess that I won’t see you around my dude,” you realize this one’s less about chilling poolside and more about telling someone to rightfully eff off.   “Ted” is out now – peep the Soundcloud embed below and then add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.   Amateur Hockey Club · Ted

BEST DAD – “seek, and ye shall find”

July 13, 2026

BEST DAD is the moniker for singer/songwriter and producer David S. Caploe, and while he may be BEST known for his role in the project hate drugs, he’s here with something new to tickle your eardrums. “seek, and ye shall find” is a warped and warbly slice of bedroom-pop – expect guitars swimming in effects, pleasant drum-machine rhythms, and a supremely melodic vocal melody.   “seek, and ye shall find” is on the EP heaven must’ve sent you, which can now be found all over the internet as of July 8th – try bandcamp (below), or Spotify/Apple Music.   heaven must’ve sent you by BEST DAD

Horses4Ever – “Let Me Go”

July 11, 2026

I am starting to think that Horses4Ever might just be a band made of horses (not Band of Horses, mind you), pushing a free range agenda for all of horsekind. Extended horse metaphor aside, the unbelievably infectious energy on “Let Me Go” brings us back to the halcyon days of the early 2010s, where everyone had hope and nothing seemed to matter. This one was crafted for late night EDM sets in a field with a bunch of like-minded partiers, or sweaty summer nights spent letting it all loose on the dancefloor – topical, especially lyrically.   You can find “Let Me Go” via the YouTube embed below, or on Spotify.    

Sleepy – “Clean Clothes”

July 11, 2026

Sometimes you just have to hit ’em with the jangly, summer-coded jam, and that’s exactly what Sleepy have accomplished on their latest jam, “Clean Clothes.” Fans of Beach Bunny, Slow Pulp, and even Third Eye Blind are going to gravitate to the chiming guitars, understated tambourine, and easy-going lyrical topics of “watch[ing] the sun go down” or “watch[ing] the world go ’round” with your friend, lover, or situationship – whichever applies most.   “Clean Clothes” is available wherever you consume your music most – think Spotify, Apple Music, and even Tidal.   Clean Clothes by Sleepy

Mother Nature’s Son – The Seven People You Meet In Heaven

July 9, 2026

Mother Nature’s Son (MNS) are an injection of fresh energy into Buffalo’s music scene. Their synth-meets-guitar music is as intriguing as it is energizing, and they’ve just released a magnum opus of an EP into the world. The Seven People You Meet In Heaven is perhaps unsurprisingly inspired by Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet In Heaven – a novel that talks about interconnectedness, life meaning, and purpose. Those themes are found all over this EP – wide-eyed in an over-informed (and probably chronically online) kind of way, The Seven People You Meet In Heaven is less your typical pop punk album and more a reflection on what it means to be human, especially in a our post-pandemic, questionably apocalyptic existence that is 2026.   “Wrong Jazz” is the album opener, and it’s a perfect introduction to Mother Nature’s Son’s sound. A cross between the glasses-wearing, Moog-tickled pop punk of Motion City Soundtrack and[...]

Tough Old Bird – “Wednesday’s Child”

July 8, 2026

Brothers Matthew and Nathan Corrigan, perhaps known best around Buffalo as Tough Old Bird, are back, this time with a few extra musicians in tow. They’re joined by Ricky Bechard on drums and Brendan O’Shea on bass for a refreshing new take on their already storied catalog. “Wednesday’s Child” is a full-bodied jam making use of twangy guitars, soulful vocals, and a distinctly Americiana-based sound. It’s the first in a string of singles-to-come that were captured at Sunwood Studios in Trumansburg, NY, mostly live-in-studio, which encapsulates the band’s live sound perfectly.   You can listen to “Wednesday’s Child” via the bandcamp embed (below) or via Spotify.   Wednesday’s Child by Tough Old Bird

Jet Lag Motel – No Vacancy

July 3, 2026

Jet Lag Motel is HOT right now – not only because of this worldwide heatwave, but they’ve also just released their debut EP, No Vacancy. Us humble Buffalonians can’t imagine what it feels like to be living in San Antonio right now, but at least you’ve got a new, feel-good summery EP to put on when you’re chilling poolside. The six songs on No Vacancy are fun slices of pop-rock, harkening back to the glory days of Third Eye Blind and Better Than Ezra with a heaping spoonful of genre luminaries like Blue October and, our city’s musical heroes, Goo Goo Dolls. Expect bright and uplifting, guitar-driven pop rock that could sit on any playlist with a ’90s-heavy lean.   Opening track “Better Place” is a perfect place to start – here, Jet Lag Motel introduce their breezy guitar riffs with organ-soaked progressions. Sassy vocals sing lyrics about infatuation for a loved one –[...]

Antietam – “Way Too Well”

June 28, 2026

Gotta love a band that’s been kicking around since the 80s and is still putting out bangers. Antietam is a NYC-based act whose been around for 40 years and are still pumping out that warm and fuzzy brand of ’90s influenced indie rock. On “Way Too Well,” the band pairs understated guitars that ring out overtop sparse tambourine shimmers. The lyrics are heartfelt on-point – and on that note, sometimes a band sums up their music better than we ever could. Here’s a snippet from Tara Key:   “While making this record under the geopolitical equivalent of a tornado warning, I questioned if I even had the right, the privilege, to be creative… But progress is not a straight line – it’s gain loss gain. I have lived through cycles of events that were shocking and catastrophic, and ones that were insidious and stealth in their invasion. It always comes[...]

Lord Jane – “Think of Something Nice”

June 28, 2026

The last time we checked in with Irish act Lord Jane, we were jamming on their incredible single “These Last Few Weeks.” They’re back with another beautiful shoegaze-laced offering called “Think of Something Nice.” Lilting but powerful vocals are in the limelight here, but there’s lots more to enjoy. Spindly guitar work and a 6:4 time signature help to give this one a choppy and angular feel. This is one of those songs that rewards multiple listens – it’s hard not to appreciate the real beauty this quintet is crafting. Put it on your playlist next to The Cranberries, Field Mouse, and Palehound.   Peep “Think of Something Nice” via the Bandcamp link below, or, on Spotify.   Think of Something Nice by Lord Jane

Kayze – Renaissance

June 25, 2026

Kayze (rhymes with “blaze,” for those wondering) is proud to announce the capstone of a long-term project, The Dialectic Series, an achievement in and of itself, but extra special because it hits so hard. Kayze specializes in cinematic hip-hop, the perfect vehicle for his lyrical attacks on modern culture, often highlighting the juxtaposition between the demands and expectations of our overarching society and increasingly rare personal accountability. As the final offering in The Dialectic Series, Kayze purposely chose an industrial-but-ethereal approach, emphasizing production that feels intentional and smooth. Moreover, the seven songs across Renaissance give you the feeling of finality – a mission accomplished for Kayze and a genuinely fulfilling listen for everyone else.   Renaissance begins with “Memories,” a hazy, synth-pop introduction that pairs the powerful, aforementioned production with Kayze’s comfy drawl and pop-oriented vocals. “Memories,” perhaps unsurprisingly, explores the lingering weight of the past – its nostalgic underscore plays[...]

Our Violet Room – “Run”

June 22, 2026

Our Violet Room goes for the heart on latest single, “Run.” Evoking early Death Cab For Cutie, Mansions, and even The Cure, “Run” feels organic and cathartic – a must-have in our current era of AI slop. Nimble bass and neurotic drums add to an overall sense of urgency – the clangorous guitars in the background are the coup-de-grace, ringing out like discordant sirens among this otherwise tightly-wound offering.   You can find “Run” via Soundcloud (below), or, on Spotify.   Our Violet Room · Run

Cafe – “Radio Head”

June 22, 2026

Cafe just put out a chill house track called “Radio Head,” and while we’re pretty sure it’s not about coffee or the esteemed ’90s and ’00s band, it’s still worth your time. Bleeting and bleeping synths work together with a gently driven beat to give this a groovy, but understated feel. Passionate and heartfelt vocals sing vaguely nostalgic songs about flip cup and hanging out in the woods with your friends. It’s a uniquely heartwarming experience – give it a listen and experience for yourself.   You can find “Radio Head” on Spotify (embedded below).  

Ava Trepeck – “Wolves”

June 15, 2026

Ava Trepeck is here to soothe you with her potent brand of indie folk. “Wolves” is as relaxing as it comes – new age drums, gauzy synths, and twinkling string instruments paint an ethereal picture for Ava to paint with her stunning vocals. This is one of those songs that reminds you there’s more to life than just a heady hook (although I think this is pretty catchy, ngl) – instead, “Wolves” is more of a meditation… A chance to take a step back and appreciate a little slice of beauty. Put this one on and bliss out – you deserve it.   You can find “Wolves” on YouTube (embedded below), or, on Spotify.    

Supermilk – “Muscle Top”

June 10, 2026

We’ve been keeping an eye on Supermilk ever since they dropped the banger “Pelican Pete” way back in 2021. Just in time for Pride Month, the four piece led by Jake Popyura put out “Muscle Top,” an ode to secretly exploring sexuality during a time when it’s forbidden. June might actually be the time when it is most acceptable to broaden your horizons, but regardless, the band manages to tackle a not-so-sexy topic with their typical indie punk fervor. It’s raw in all the right ways, and regular readers should know by now we can’t resist a guitar-driven hookfest like this.   “Muscle Top” can be found on Soundcloud (below) and also on Spotify.   specialistsubject · Muscle Top

Vansire – “Rinkside”

June 10, 2026

“Rinkside” or “Poolside” could be used interchangeably when referring to the latest single from Vansire. We’re not quite in the dog days of summer yet, but it’s certainly warming up (yes, even here in Buffalo), and Vansire are capitalizing on the upcoming lounging weather. Expect stabs of watery piano, smooth af vocals, and a Saturday-at-the-pool vibe that’s simply unignorable. We expect you to put this on your next beach party/pool party and if you don’t… Well, that’s on you.   “Rinkside” can be found on both Spotify and Apple Music.