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SISTERS – “Honey Honey”

February 18, 2017

Seattle-based duo SISTERS are hot off the release of their latest LP, Drink Champagne. In fact, their first single, “Honey Honey” is just the kind of indie jam you’d want to crack some bubbly too. Combining gentle guitars, swelling synths, falsetto vocals, and a blippy beat, the duo makes us want to snuggle up to our qt bb and chill. Fans of Phoenix or Passion Pit will love this one. “Honey Honey” is available via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306314081″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

LAMF – “Neon Highway”

February 18, 2017

South Korean act LAMF is very clearly inspired by 80s sci-fi pop music, horror films, and classic video game themes. “Neon Highway” is a vibrant song that perfectly encapsulates his influences, ultimately sounding like a Sonic 2 remix that could get everyone on the dance floor going insane. Fans of the SEGA Genesis, 80s synthpop, and contemporary synthwave will dig this a lot. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301080023″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Face of Man – “Pass Dat”

February 18, 2017

Calling all weed lovers! Face of Man is a Brooklyn-based act who decided to combine their love for Mary Jane and hip hop into a dank cover of Jeremih’s “Pass Dat.” We dig Face of Man’s dreamy take on the track, the creativity on which we’re sure was THC inspired. Only one more hashish pun – toke up and add dat song to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304023272″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Eat More Cake – “Heat of the Night”

February 18, 2017

We’re digging the latest single from house act Eat More Cake. The London-based DJ/songwriting collective sent us over “Heat of the Night” and it got us jiving along right away. EMC mixes a simmering house beat with slightly distorted vocals – all in all, it’s a good time and a good listen. Eat More Cake is on Spotify too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303168925″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Steak & Cake Records Six-Year Anniversary

February 17, 2017

Has it really been six years of Steak & Cake?! S&C ringleader Brandon Schlia has been bringing us quality WNY music (122 releases to be exact) for exactly that long, and he’s celebrating his legacy (and his birthday) with a stacked showcase featuring some of S&C’s best and brightest. The lineup is as follows: 1.) Dildon’t 2.) The J.A.C. Trio 3.) Wren Williams & The Sons of Luther 4.) Yellow House 5.) Shane Meyer 6.) Sonny Baker band 7.) Slow Cooker 8.) MACE (DJ set) Doors are at 5pm and music starts at 6pm. Bring $5. The show is at Curly’s – ask a punk or a Steak & Cake alumni for the address.

Arctic Death Re-Releases 2009 Demo

February 15, 2017

The year was 2009… A then 19-year-old me was excited to catch Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltisn at the Rathskellar, the on-campus bar at St. Bonaventure university. Little did I know, I would receive a local band’s demo that night, one full of still-relevant tracks with a fresh take on urgent indie rock. That band was Arctic Death, and the magical EP in choice was what they now refer to as DEMO 2009. My copy was burnt on a blank cd and hand-decorated with some abstract doodles and what I originally thought was the EP’s title… Tropical Life (Arctic Death/Tropical Life – it’s like opposite day). Don’t get me wrong, SSLYBY was great, but the true treat of the night was blazing this short and sweet EP over and over on the two hour drive home. Immediately, the plodding bassline of “Handprints?” had me hooked. Arctic Death specialized in angular rhythms, wonky guitar and bass[...]

Shayla McDaniel – “Losing You”

February 14, 2017

Shayla McDaniel is walking the line between jazz and alternapop in her latest single, “Losing You.” The Tennessee native’s latest release, 26 Letters, features the gentle indie rock of “Losing You,” which we dig a lot… It’s reminiscent of the female singer/songwriter scene of the mid 1990s with a 2017 twist. Give Shayla some love – add her stuff to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292007822″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ruby Empress – “Escapism Deluxe”

February 13, 2017

Swedish electro duo Ruby Empress are no stranger to viral success – their first single, “Deluca” spent some time on Spotify’s top viral tracks playlist. The group is back, this time as a “Debussy Disco” act with their latest single, “Escapism Deluxe.” In true Ratatat fashion, Ruby Empress build “Escapism Deluxe” gradually until it explodes in an epic, disco fashion. Give them a follow on Instagram while you’re at it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305841813″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Missing Words – “Enough Is Enough”

February 11, 2017

Have you been hunting for some indie rock with 80s synthpop vibes? “Enough is Enough” is the final song on Missing Words‘s latest release, Memories. About the song, as they put it, “You have had it with your situation, and now it’s time to change.” Fans of The 1975, Bleachers, and bombastic 1980s synth jams are gonna dig this one. Check them out on Instagram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/266253638″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

WASUREMONO – “Cuddling”

February 11, 2017

WASUREMONO (english translation – “something left behind”) are an English band who we’re into lately, especially their latest single, “Cuddling.” We’re digging their use of simmering rhythms and male/female falsetto dynamics, especially in the earworm chorus “woo-oohs.” Fans of Scissor Sisters, Passion Pit, or The Growlers would dig this track. Check out their website while you’re at it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/291223890″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Common Deer – “Confession (I Should Have Known)”

February 11, 2017

Common Deer are a Toronto quintet making orchestral indie rock. Their debut EP, simply titled I, just came out a few weeks ago… We’re really digging EP opener, “Confession (I Should Have Known).” The band uses male/female dynamics expertly, and further peppers the track with slide guitars, string arrangements, and tasteful melodies. Fans of Of Monsters and Men, Stars, or Matt Pond PA will like this one. Common Deer is on Spotify too – add it to your fav playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301629092″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fuzzystar – “Angel Transported”

February 11, 2017

Scottish indie-pop act Fuzzystar caught our ears with the angular fuzziness of “Angel Transported.” Sounding something like a mix between Foals and Arctic Monkeys, “Angel Transported” makes use of some blistering guitar riffs, punchy rhythms, and longing, reverby vocals. Fans of Mark Kozelek, Sun Kil Moon, and The Cribs should find themselves right at home. Keep your eyes peeled for Fuzzystar’s next release, Telegraphing, due out April 28th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297689345″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Joy Downer – “Caught In Your Spell”

February 11, 2017

You should check out married LA duo Joy Downer – their latest single is a jangle-pop gem, affectionately titled “Caught In Your Spell.” The song is anchored by dreamy, shimmery synths and groovy rhythms. About the song, singer Joy Bishop says, “Have you ever met someone that made you dance the fine line of being a stalker and letting that person know you’re interested?” Well said, Joy. If you have a sec, check out Joy Downer‘s website too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302889793″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

POKAL – “Great Expectations”

February 11, 2017

POKAL‘s swimmy “Great Expectations” immediately caught our ears for its off-beat structure and progression. The slightly wonky DIY project originates from Sweden – home of the best cloud pop/yacht rock. He makes use of plodding basslines, swelling synths, and clean guitars with an overarching slacker rock vibe. Fans of Mac Demarco or Magic Potion will be pleased. If you’re digging it, head over to iTunes and download “Great Expectations.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301921658″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bedroom Folk Musician Alex Radice Releases Brooding Debut Single

February 9, 2017

Mysterious Williamsville native Alex Radice knows a thing or two about anxiety, a topic he covers in his debut single, “Am I Hollow.” Radice laments over his anxiety’s hold on his long-lost emotions, questioning himself with “Is anyone there?” In reality, Radice’s use of his longing baritone voice and gentle ambient instrumentals has resulted in a beautiful and catchy song reminiscent of Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, and Volcano Choir. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304696910″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]