Latest Posts

Common Holly – “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You”

February 18, 2018

Common Holly, a.k.a. Montreal singer-songwriter Brigitte Naggar, recently contributed her own take on Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” to a Valentines Day themed Amazon Music playlist… The song is sparse on percussion, driven strongly by Naggar’s ethereal vocals. Otherwise, the song features blippy electronic elements, vocal samples, and Postal-Service-esque keyboard riffs. We think Naggar’s wispy take on Frank Ocean does the original justice… Have a listen below and judge for yourself.

Buffalo Trio Ghostpool Releases Debut EP

February 13, 2018

Pop-punk refuses to die, and it probably never will… Mostly because of bands like Ghostpool, a Buffalo-based three piece whose m.o. is crunchy guitars and hooks aplenty. Their debut EP, There is a Hole at the Center of Everything, is a five song offering chock full of catchy pop-punk tunes, set off by emo-esque vocals about longing, self-hatred, and growing up. Fans of Alkaline Trio, Green Day, The Menzingers should give this one a listen. “Nightmare Eyes” kicks things off perfectly with a simple chord progression, backed by a catchy lead guitar riff, and distant vocal ooohs. Ghostpool is at their most nuanced here, channeling bands like The Hotelier through unique progressions and dynamic changes. Songs like “Dropout” and “Humanoid” are more Green Day/Alk3 oriented, pairing spitfire guitar work with big, irresistible vocal melodies. It’s worth mentioning that Ghostpool has a knack for writing big pop hooks… They just happen to be wrapped up in a gritty punk[...]

Marigold Releases Fresh Acoustic Take on Debut EP

February 8, 2018

Early last year, Marigold (aka Benjamin Lieber) put out an EP packed with shimmery, dreamy emo-pop called Counterfeit Art. Full of fully fleshed-out songs, the EP was almost entirely written and performed by Lieber (with a little help from bassist Alexander Matos) at GCR Studios with Jay Zubricky. As any determined solo artist will tell you, it’s tough to acquire and keep a full band going… So Marigold is now predominantly an acoustic act. His latest EP, aptly titled Counterfeit Art (Reprise), embraces his newfound approach with a fresh acoustic take on five of the songs from Counterfeit Art. “Foothold (Reprise)” is a gentler take on the driven emo rock of the original “Foothold.” Lieber’s debut EP was reminiscent of the new wave of emo dream rockers like Turnover or Citizen… But “Foothold (Reprise)” is a good introduction to Marigold’s impressive range. Here, he trades a full drum kit and distortion pedals for shakers and acoustic[...]

Tonight: California Cousins

February 7, 2018

Rochester math/emo/punks California Cousins are headlining a Buffalo show tonight in support of a genre-blending tour package definitely worth your attention. Philly’s Caracara are swinging through courtesy of Flower Girl records, bringing their emotional baroque-pop/shoegaze/emo with them. Joining them are Richmond, VA act The Weak Days, who have been accurately described as “emo by association, pop-punk in denial.” Rounding out the show are Buffalo act honey, whose pop-tinged emo always guarantees a good time. Tonight’s show will be at Sugar City. There’s an $8 donation at the door to support the touring bands. Doors are at 6:30 – keep in mind Sugar City is an alcohol-and-drug-free safe space! George’s Bridge by California Cousins

aeseaes – “Two Knocks”

February 1, 2018

aeseaes is a husband-and-wife duo based out of Austin, Texas whose debut EP, Six Songs,  came out late last year… They sent over the video for “Two Knocks” and we immediately enjoyed its deeply aesthetic animation. Beyond the video, their music is intimate, folksy indie rock with lyrics that touch on “the push and pull of perspective and how difficult it is to pin down an ever-changing sense of self.” Fans of The Shins, American Analog Set, or Sea Wolf will love this duo’s music. Learn more about aeseaes on their website.

Tonight: Diet Cig

January 29, 2018

Tonight is a special night… Typically a powerhouse duo, Diet Cig are touring the US as a quartet, and they are bringing this specially curated lineup to Buffalo tonight for an evening full of peppy indie-pop. The band released the stellar Swear I’m Good At This last year, full of thrashing guitars and singer Alex Luciano’s charming vocals – expect to see a lot of that tonight. Joining them tonight are Glasgow band The Spook School, who are buzzing from the recent release of their third LP, Could It Be Different?. Released just a few days ago, this quartet specializes in shiny, quirky power-pop with a special ear for pop hooks. Also playing tonight are fuzzy three-piece Lala Lala. Mohawk Place is the place to be tonight. Doors are at 7pm, $13 in advance, $15 at the door. Swear I’m Good At This by Diet Cig

Stay South – “If You Leave LA”

January 28, 2018

Fullerton, CA solo-act Stay South nailed it on her latest single, the sad dreaminess of “If You Leave LA.” The song is indie-rock at its heart, but is genre-blending at its finest, injecting tinges of emo and indietronica into an otherwise straightforward song. She pairs frantic rim clicks with ethereal guitar strumming for a calm, but yearning vibe. Perhaps most notable is Stacey Park’s sweet, unassuming vocal delivery… She does a great job at encapsulating the feelings of tension that you might experience when being abandoned. Be sure to give it a listen below. “If You Leave LA” is available via Bandcamp.

ANNALIA – “Wavelength”

January 28, 2018

Pure-pop vibes are nothing to be ashamed of, especially in the case of LA’s ANNALIA. Her new single “Wavelength” combines real instrumentation with unparalleled pop songwriting, resulting in a song that should impress the indie-rock purists while simultaneously making them want to dance. Beyond that, the song is ultra-relatable, tugging on heartstrings and playing with the nostalgia of memories both happy and painful. Don’t miss out on this one – add “Wavelength” to your feel-good-pop playlist on Spotify.

Grand Courriers – “Tempted”

January 28, 2018

The uncannily cinematic indie rock from Grand Courriers has been rubbing us in just the right way, especially lead single “Tempted.” Combining vibes from indie-rock mainstays The Killers with a wistful, disco feel, this jam is set off by a deeply emotional vocal performance and simmering synth work. This Minneapolis quartet has a bunch of songs on the horizon, so keep your eyes peeled for more great tunes in 2018. Keep up on Courriers happenings by following them on Instagram.

Hibou – “Fall Into”

January 26, 2018

Hibou sent us the retro-flavored music video for “Fall Into…” Beyond the striking visuals and retro flavor, “Fall Into” is a poppy and dreamy preview of his latest endeavor, Something Familiar (due out on Barsuk Records March 2nd). A funky, rolling bassline propels this song forth, peppered with Hibou’s distinct vocals and synth flourishes. The song ends in a beautiful, washy climax – better heard than read about. Check it out via the video below. There are many ways to consume “Fall Into,” check them all out here. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Hibou’s next release, Something Familiar.

Russian Baths – “Slenderman”

January 26, 2018

Russian Baths specialize in incorporating dissonance into traditional song structures. “Slenderman” makes this perfectly evident by blending atonal noise, 70s space rock, and modern indie punk sensibility into a three minute wall of sound. This NYC four-piece has jammed their songs full of big muff driven guitars, rolling tom beats, and cavernous female vocals… Dirty, but beautiful. Russian Baths’ new EP is out 2/23/2018 via Good Eye Records. Check it out on iTunes.

Abbot Kinney – “It’s the Middle of the Night (NRVS LVRS Remix)”

January 26, 2018

Abbot Kinney is an alternative rock band that specializes in big melodies, big choruses, and accessible songwriting. We’re bringing attention to a remix of their latest single, “It’s the Middle of the Night.” This song features a huge chorus with memorable vocal hooks and lots of frantic drum and synth work… Check this out if you’re a fan of MGMT, Foster the People, or Neon Trees. Do you like this song? Be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.

Sorrytown – “Know”

January 26, 2018

New Mexico act Sorrytown infuses the desolation of their hometown into their particular brand of heart-on-your-sleeve emo rock reminiscent of Hum, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Superheaven. “Know” is our recommendation of where to start… Between the gut-wrenching lyrical content and the in-your-face grit of the guitar tone, this one is sure to get your emotions churning. “Know” is available on Bandcamp. Too by Sorrytown

Tonight: Marigold

January 23, 2018

Marigold (aka Ben Lieber from Buffalo cosmic rockers Head North) is kicking off a solo tour tonight with a set of acoustic tunes. His songs are emotional and understated, combining the catharsis of bedroom-emo with the warmness and intimacy of an acoustic guitar. Support tonight comes from fellow Buffalonians heave (aka the hushed and ethereal musings of Emily Finlan) and Greg Priester/Mike Rakiecki from heavy-hitters Into the Wake, whose songs translate surprisingly well to the acoustic format. Tonight’s show is at Mohawk Place. Doors are at 7pm, bring $10 to get in. Counterfeit Art (Reprise) by Marigold

Inara George – “Slow Dance”

January 19, 2018

“Slow Dance” is the latest single from Inara George‘s (The Bird and the Bee) solo project… The song is a nostalgic, (albeit bittersweet) look back at her youth, highlighting George’s trademark ethereal vocals, with gentle, folk-tinged instrumentation.  Some definite retro vibes pepper this track; it’s full of tremolo guitar swells, electric piano tones, light-handed drums, and acoustic strumming. Inara is on Spotify too – give “Slow Dance” some love.