Latest Posts

Big Fred Releases Swirly Trash-Pop LP

Fans of big muffs, small clones, and pop songwriting unite! We’re digging Rochester’s Big Fred, who recently put out a nine-song LP called Oh Hi Hello. OHH is full of swirly, wonky trash-pop that seems tailor made for fans of Mac Demarco or Ariel Pink. The cherry on top of their psychedelic-tinged garage-rock comes from front man Conor McCann, whose distinct vocals add a tasteful trashiness to the mix. On a deeper level, Big Fred touches on themes of companionship and introversion and ponders whether the act of “wanting something” is more fun than actually having something. Check it out via the widget below. If you’d like to support Big Fred, Oh Hi Hello is out now via Sad Cactus records. You can snag it digitally from Bandcamp or purchase a physical copy here. Oh Hi Hello by BIG FRED

Tonight: Sunday Brunch

Don’t be confused when you see the words “Sunday Brunch” – despite what it may seem, buffaBLOG is still a music-based blog (sorry foodies). The Sunday Brunch we’re referring to is actually a Buffalo-based post-hardcore quartet specializing in cathartic, gravely-voiced jams via their latest offering, the aptly-named Eat Your Heart Out. They’re sharing the stage tonight with Philly alt-rockers Slophouse and the space-case indie rock duo sheds. Milkie’s is the place to be tonight. Bring $5 and show up at 8pm to catch all the music. Quick reminder that Milkie’s is 21+ for any of you youngins out there. Eat Your Heart Out by Sunday Brunch

Tonight: Hello Shark

Sometimes you just need an off-the-beaten-path, genre-defying show to cap off your weekend… If that’s the case, we know we’ll see you at Milkie’s tonight. Philly sad-boy Hello Shark will be jamming his literate, casio-driven poetry tonight alongside the literal caveman proto-punk of Boston’s The Cavemen. Local support is also aplenty, with applicable sets from vox & vibes duo Welks Mice, the ever-creative Lesionread Jazz Band, and a debut performance from Slinky X. Doors for tonight’s show are at 7pm. Bring $5 so you can get in the door.

Pink Elephant Return with Grungy New Single, “Around Your Neck”

Rochester trash-wave veterans Pink Elephant are back at it again with a grungy new single called “Around Your Neck.” Recorded at More Sound Studios in Syracuse, “Around Your Neck” is a skulking rock banger with tinges of psych rock and garage twang. The song is about wanting to help someone who can’t be saved; rather than actually helping out, you just wind up getting sucked into their chaos and darkness. Fans of Portugal. The Man, The Pixies, or The White Stripes will like these guys’ dirty, yet nuanced rock n’ roll. Pink Elephant is on Bandcamp – you know what to do.

CASTLEBEAT – “Heart Still Beats”

This isn’t the first time we’ve written about the fantastic slacker-pop of CASTLEBEAT, and we’re pretty sure it won’t be the last. He’s back for more, this time with “Heart Still Beats.” 23-year-old wunderkind Josh Hwang is the brains behind CASTLEBEAT, writing and recording everything himself on “mediocre equipment” (his words) with a strong DIY ethos. Bum technology or not, we think this one is bomb. Have a listen below. You can snag “Heart Still Beats” for free via Bandcamp.

Dr. Doctor – “Turbulence”

Dr. Doctor ain’t no newbie – the project helmed by mastermind Ralph Torrefranca has been in the works for years. Originally born from heartache and pain, Dr. Doctor has evolved into a one man journey to embrace poetic storytelling with chorus-laden guitars and low-key vibes. “Turbulence” is a perfect example, a simmering indie-rock jam that showcases Dr. Doctor’s unique lyrical delivery. Learn more about Dr. Doctor here.

Canon Blue – “Beholden”

“Beholden” is the worldly new jam from Canon Blue, the solo project from Nashville-based writer producer Daniel James. We dig the simmering, rolling drums and left-field instrumentals, but we’ll let Daniel sell you on this one with a direct quote: “‘[Beholden]’ was one of the first songs I wrote for the record and is a song of reconciling the ideals and dreams of my youth with my adult reality – the idea of being forced into one direction in life where you can either accept the reality and truth of your life or you can live in denial in a futile fight against it.” Deep… But oh, so relatable. We know you’ll like this one, so preorder it here.

Have You Ever Seen the Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS? – “Magic Swimming Pants”

Like the curiously-named Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Portugal. The Man before them, Finnish garage-pop band Have You Ever Seen the Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS? are here with an effervescent and surreal single in the form of “Magic Swimming Pants.” Squiggly Keyboards and buzzing bass guitars propel this one-of-a-kind track that truly needs to be heard to be fully understood. These guys’ brand of sunshine-and-rainbows grunge falls somewhere on the spectrum between Horse The Band, Garbage, and Death From Above… Wherever that is. “Magic Swimming Pants” is out now via VILD Music.

NOTNO – “Body feat. Freda James”

The 80s have never been dead, and NOTNO is proving it. Conjuring images of pink and teal windbreakers, neon signs, and big hair, “Body” is all 80s, combining blown-out percussion samples, swirly reverb, and retro synth pads. Freda James adds a flirty, female touch to this already sexy song. Put it on and roll your windows down. If you’re diggin’ it, NOTNO is offering “Body” here.

Prism Tats – “Used To Be Cool”

ANTI-records means business with this next one… “Used To Be Cool” is one hell of a jam from raucous rocker, Prism Tats. Tats is a one-man-band who injects the spirit of rock n’ roll into his garage-fueled jams. We’re picking up notes of rock legends like David Bowie, but this one also has a very distinct, modern-alternative sound packed with booming drums and angular guitar riffs. Recommended to fans of The War on Drugs, Mikal Cronin, or Smith Westerns. “Used To Be Cool” is on Spotify, add it to your playlist.

Camino 84 – “Sounds Fake But OK (ft. Sidney Gish)”

Groovy! If you’re a fan of nu-disco or songs that make you want to dance, we seriously recommend “Sound Fake But OK” by wunderkind Camino 84. A notably discoish beat and bass line form the spine of this track, featuring the tasteful vocal stylings of Sidney Gish. We dig the retro vibe here, even though Camino 84 keeps it very contemporary. Have a listen below. Snag a free download here.

Elovay – “Sort It Out”

We checked out the new single from Elovay and we liked it so much, we’re now sharing it with you. “Sort It Out” continues Elovay’s trend of writing fun, catchy, and accessible indie rock with a sharp, surfy edge. The quartet recently recorded their latest EP in Venice Beach and the summery and beachy weather clearly made its impact on their jams… Give it a listen via the widget below. Check it out on iTunes if you’re jiving on it.

Pop Punkers Kill The Clock Release New Music Video

Buffalonian pop-punk act Kill The Clock are on fire right now. The quartet is buzzing, having just played a massive gig with alt-rock mainstays Theory of a Deadman at Canalside. With what seems like perfect timing, the group has just released a music video for their new jam “Ode to Cheating Death.” Fans of Knuckle Puck, New Found Glory, or Four Year Strong will definitely dig this one. Click play below and prep yourself for blistering punk riffs, major chord progressions, and urgent vibes. Do KTC a solid and head over to their Bandcamp page. There, you can pick up their latest EP, Southgate, for a very reasonable “pay what you want” rate.

Parker’s Back – “Fantasy”

We just can’t get enough of indiemo quartet Parker’s Back. This time around, we’re showing off “Fantasy Single,” an urgent number that showcases Parker’s Back’s penchant for writing female-fronted songs that will pack your friend’s basement show. “Fantasy Single” is just one in a string of songs from the Fullerton, CA act that pack an irresistible emotional punch. Give Parker’s Back some support and pick up their latest via Bandcamp.

Eyre Llew – “Havoc”

Nottingham, UK is home to Eyre Llew, a crew of ambience loving dudes whose “Havoc” found its way into our inbox. The sprawling seven-minute epic is accompanied with a just-as-epic music video featuring mountainous scenes, nostalgic reminiscing, and feelings of longing. It’s truly something you must see for yourself… Recommended to fans of Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, or Slowdive. Learn more about Eyre Llew here.