Latest Posts

Chain – “Colder”

June 29, 2018

Prolific Portland songwriter Teal Bluestone is at it again, this time with a new indie-rock act, Chain. “Colder” is a perfect debut… Reminiscent of Camp Cope, Cursive, or Pedro the Lion, “Colder” combines stark and clean indie-rock guitar work with Teal’s melancholy (yet soothing) vocal work. Teal’s vocal refrain of “You’re not my baby” is sure to haunt you throughout your day. Chain’s EP will be out later this year via Good Cheer Records – till then, check out all the good stuff on their Soundcloud.

Yellow Radio – “Have Some Fun”

June 29, 2018

Yellow Radio know what’s up… The latest single from the French duo, “Have Some Fun,” is a delightfully straightforward rock song about, well, having fun. Pairing an impressive bass riff with ooh-oohs and standard guitar riffage, this is the kind of easily-digestible rock song meant for happy summer afternoons. Yellow Radio has a bunch of content on YouTube too – check it out here.

Ladada – “Heaven On The Rocks”

June 29, 2018

Ladada is the new project from Virginia Beach-dweller Josiah Schlater (who you may recognize from his time in MAE, We Are Trees, and Jake Clemons). Schlater’s “Heaven On The Rocks” is a sunny, garage-pop jam full of wailing guitar leads and jangly rhythm tracks. Inspired by a relaxing tube trip down the James River (occasionally interrupted by a jab from an underwater rock), “Heaven on the Rocks” juxtaposes the idyllic with hints of pain – check it out below. “Heaven On The Rocks” is available now via Gold Robot Records.

Mickey Kojak – “Get Out”

June 28, 2018

Blippy and smooth; retro-esque but contemporary – “Get Out” is a brand new, ear-catching release from Australian synth-popper Mickey Kojak. Featuring 8-bit keyboard tones and a memorable chorus refrain, Kojak is nothing short of slaying it on this tune. Cherry-on-top? The retro synth solo in lieu of your typical guitar solo theatrics. Bravo Mickey, don’t sleep on this one – check it out via the widget below. “Get Out” is all over the interweb – check out the many listening/purchasing options here.

Late Verlane – “Roll Like A Dummy”

June 28, 2018

Swedish wunderkind Late Verlane (aka Viktor Persson) sent over his absolute banger of a debut song, “Roll Like A Dummy.” Paring hazy arpeggios with mid-tempo drums and synth flourishes, the song is an ode to “[the] angst and distress of always wanting to be accepted, but also the struggle of trying to break those chains and enjoy life on your own terms.” Best of all – Persson’s smooth vocal timbre, which ride perfectly on top of the solid mix. Add “Roll Like A Dummy” to your Spotify playlist.

Rochester’s Derelict Vessel Drop Debut Post-Rock EP

June 28, 2018

Derelict Vessel are a newly-minted post-rock band hailing from Rochester, NY. Their debut EP, Skeleton Coast, is a six-song offering specializing in quiet-loud dynamics with poignant flavors of emo, rock, and ambient music mixed throughout. Opening track “Drowned Cities” highlights the group’s penchant for tuned-down guitars, sludgy tempos, and epic moods. They transition into songs like “The Guard” and “Tower of Silence,” a couple of six-minute epics that resolve with borderline heroic climaxes. Album highlight “We Were Here” shows off Derelict Vessel’s surprising range, trading their typical doom guitars for a more ambient approach (concluding, of course, in an explosive ending). Lyrically, this quartet keeps it simple, but poignant – closing track “The Mother” is evidence enough. Skeleton Coast is available now via Bandcamp for a very reasonable rate. Skeleton Coast by Derelict Vessel

Cannons – “Round and Round”

June 28, 2018

Try to imagine a perfect blend of MGMT and early-Grimes… Add a splash of smart pop songwriting and touches of funk; now you’ve arrived at the sound of future-boogie trio Cannons. We’re recommending their latest, “Round and Round.” It’s a bouncy tune, lush with synthy bass and lots of reverb flourishes. Give it a listen and get lost in the washy goodness. Like what you hear? Buy it on iTunes.

Molina – “Hey Kids (feat. Late Verlane)”

June 22, 2018

Copenhagen-based artist Molina just released a mesmerizing music video for her gauzy new single “Hey Kids.” The video features strong ballerina imagery, and finds Molina collapsing into a nirvana-like state. Her strong synth-pop melodies bolster this heavenly imagery – the ever-so-slightly off-kilter synth arpeggios pair well with the washy video treatment. It’s best to see for yourself – check out the video below. “Hey Kids” is out now via Tambourhinocerous.

Humble Braggers Drop Lush New Single, “Reckless”

June 22, 2018

Buffalo’s resident synth-poppers Humble Braggers are gearing up for the release of their fourth EP, Cycle, with a phat new single. “Reckless” is another banger from Tom Burtless & co., anchored by an instantly memorable chorus, electronic drum samples, and lush layers of synth. “Reckless” is a not-so-subtle reminder of the high-quality song crafting that this quartet is capable of (and is a real earworm to boot) – give it a listen via the widget below or stream it on Spotify. Cycle is slated for release via Admirable Traits on 8/31 with an accompanying release show. Until then, be sure to pick up “Reckless” through iTunes.

Elevator Fight Club – “Call Me”

June 11, 2018

Elevator Fight Club are a fresh new act from Jupiter… Florida that is. The four-piece has come out swinging with the jittery indie rock of “Call Me.” Pairing dance-style drums with thumping bass, frantic guitar, and soaring, yelp-esque vocals, these guys remind us of Bombay Bicycle Club or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Give this fledgling quartet some well-deserved support and listen below. “Call Me” is also on Spotify – be sure to add it to your playlist.

Eckhardt And The House – “Mountains”

June 11, 2018

Eckhardt and the House are moving mountains in 2018… Awful pun aside, “Mountains” is our latest listening obsession, sounding a bit like Talking Heads meets Metronomy. The group has cultivated a uniquely upbeat and eclectic sound, pairing smart and concise electronica with a sultry baritone frontman. It’s a funky and smart tune – get quirky with this Netherlands-based act below. Learn more about Eckhardt and the House here.

Worse Things – Self-Titled

June 11, 2018

Worse Things is a fresh new three-piece from Buffalo whose debut EP is currently ripe for your listening pleasure. A self-titled endeavor, Worse Things is a six-song EP full of heavy and swirly post-hardcore/emo. Their emotive sound is propelled largely by grungy guitars and gravely vocals; it smarts of fellow sludgy emo-centric bands like Citizen, Basement, or Glassjaw. Opening track “Stay Away” is a burst of emotional energy and acts as a perfect introduction to Worse Things’ songwriting approach. First and foremost, this trio truly embraces the nature of being a three piece. Sure, guitar leads and flourishes pepper these tracks throughout the EP… But guitarist Zach Bennett layers his main guitar thick with distortion and swirly modulation, while bassist Anthony Fadale holds down a thick low end. Drummer Rob Ohlenschlager is full of energy, filling every song with precise, blistering drum fills. Loud, lush bands like Worse Things typically function best as a[...]

Tonight: Blis.

June 9, 2018

Last minute show alert! Atlantan midwest-twinkle act Blis. is swinging through tonight to play a passionate set of guitar-driven emo/rock to us Buffalonians… Joining them are NJ act Puddle Splasher, who play equally emotive (but occasionally synth/fuzz tinged) emo rock. They’re bolstered by some of Buffalo’s finest, including math-emo prodigies Alleys, shoegazy-emo act Previous Love, and solo act Milo Duhn. Tonight’s show is at 7pm at Milkie’s. Bring $5-$10 for a donation. No One Loves You by blis

Clawmachine – “Wumpa Island (feat. ATIYA)”

June 8, 2018

“Undulating” is the perfect word to describe the new slo-jam from clawmachine. With cherry-on-top vocals from the sultry ATIYA, “Wumpa Island” is the perfect song for basking poolside on a warm summer afternoon. Get down to the funky bassline, stuttering synth lines, and bell-tone guitar twinkles from this Australian quintet. Learn more about clawmachine here.

Chris Rockwell – “Champagne Swing”

June 8, 2018

“Champagne Swing” is the debut single from singer/songwriter Chris Rockwell. We immediately dug his reverbed-out style; between effected drums, phaser effects, and oh-so-distant vocal stylings, we think you should get familiar with him before his career takes off. Keep up with Chris via the ‘Gram.