Latest Posts

Sylvia – “Fold Imaginary”

October 23, 2022

We couldn’t help but love this “shy-gaze” (their words, not ours) from Australia’s Sylvia. Recorded in a literal storage container (where the band practices), “Fold Imaginary” has all the elements of a captivating live performance in an actually listenable package. Maybe we’re just suckers for down-tuned guitars mixed with delicate and endearing vocals, but this one has sincere, late-90s emo vibes a la Rainer Maria or early Appleseed Cast with a hint of modern day fuzz (think Pity Sex). You can also find “Fold Imaginary” on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Vibropath – “Overboard”

October 23, 2022

Here’s a cool one from Rochester-based act Vibropath – they sent over the bedroom-pop glory of “Overboard” and we loved it immediately. With a warm, vinyl-record production to the track, Vibropath makes use of plucky guitars, Casio-keyboard drums, and an endearing vocal style to create something catchy and refined. About the song, Vibropath explains: “[‘Overboard’ is] a song about obsessive, over-idealized love. Lyrics are written from the POV of the obsessed individual, who is fully aware their feelings are romanticized, in love for the wrong reasons, but unable to rationalize it away.” ICYMI, we’ve also highlighted a previous single of theirs, “Turning Inside” – be sure to check that out too. You can also find the rest of Vibropath’s discography on Spotify. Vibropath · Overboard

Ari Abdul – “Hush”

October 19, 2022

20-year-old rising star Ari Abdul is crushing it in the alt-pop world – if you still aren’t on the wagon, we recommend starting with her latest song, “Hush.” Between Ari’s omni-relatable lyrics and the song’s dark-pop propulsion, “Hush” slinks through your speakers with it’s plodding bassline and lush synth-based backbone. We’re suckers for a good pop hook and this one checks all of the boxes – peep the official music video below. You can find “Hush” on Spotify too.

Tinted House – “She’s So Nice”

October 19, 2022

Dresden-based quintet Tinted House hit our inboxes with the golf-themed video for “She’s So Nice” and we were immediately charmed. Between the woofy bass tone and the vintage-sounding synth splashes, this one has enough spunky indie rock energy to please fans across the board. Fittingly recorded in an old castle, the song deals with the overwhelming pressure of constantly being pressured to respond immediately in this online world of ours. You can tell the band had fun with the free reign they were granted to film the video on a golf course. Check out the video for “She’s So Nice” below – you can also find the song on Spotify.

Yes We Mystic – “Head Rush”

October 19, 2022

There’s something utterly urgent about the latest offering from Yes We Mystic. Full of spiraling guitars; string arrangements; synthetic bass; and a passionate vocal performance, “Head Rush” walks the line between euphoria and uneasiness. It’s a dense and emotional song, but it’s uniqueness and sheer power are a treat to any seasoned listener’s ear. Lyrically, the song is as disorienting (in a good way) as their instrumentals – this is what they have to say: “The verses are clusters of disparate images, which act as a type of Rorschach test — any paths, associations or connections made between them are those of the listener, not of the band.” You can also find “Head Rush” on Spotify and Apple Music. Yes We Mystic · Head Rush

Kendra Checketts – “Kinda, Sorta”

October 18, 2022

San Diego native Kendra Checketts hit us up with the fresh-faced pop of her latest offering, “Kinda, Sorta.” The song is about the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling about feeling like you might mess up a first date (think lines like “But I maybe, kinda, almost sorta think that I already did”), but the heartfelt vocals and strong melodic background give off a different vibe – this one could sit comfortably on a shelf next to Carly Rae Jepsen or even some of the poppier tracks from Alvvays. Check out “Kinda, Sorta” on Spotify too.

Joe McCarthy & The Faders – “Can’t Trust Myself”

October 18, 2022

If you’re in the mood for a Springsteen-esque jammer, we recommend the latest from Joe McCarthy & The Faders, a song called “Can’t Trust Myself.” This song has all the hallmarks of middle America – a twinkling piano; splashes of synth; workhorse guitars; and a strong-voiced bellow ranting about the troubles that affect us all. About the song, Joe says: “When the harsh reality of life hits, can you trust your emotions, your friends, your family, all of those who sowed naive or dishonest perceptions of the world around them? This song wrestles with forgiveness and redemption in light of the mental anguish that is life in 2022.” “Can’t Trust Myself” is on Bandcamp now (below) – you can also find Joe & Co. on Spotify. Outpost Truck Stop by Joe McCarthy & the Faders

I Was A King – “Lo Pressure”

October 18, 2022

All the way from Norway, indie-poppers I Was A King blessed us with this jangly good time they’ve named “Lo Pressure.” Bringing to mind indie pop greats from the 00s (think Belle and Sebastian, Shout Out Louds, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!), “Pressure” builds upon a pleasantly-strummed guitar backbone with beautiful vocals and a shuffling drumbeat. Retro sensibilities here in a 2022 shell – check it out below. You can also find “Lo Pressure” on Spotify and Apple Music. Fanatic Promotion · I Was A King – Lo Pressure

Sweet Home – “Dream”

October 12, 2022

Durham-based duo Sweet Home are here to serve you some spicy shoegaze – we recommend you start with their latest offering, “Dream.” Full of sludgy guitars, nimble fretwork, and ethereal and endearing vocals, this one brings to mind acts like My Bloody Valentine, Pity Sex, and Smashing Pumpkins. Underneath all the fuzzed-out instrumentals is something hauntingly beautiful and melodic… And sometimes you just need a jam that you can crank up to eleven. This is absolutely that song – turn it up, get lost in the wall of sound, and let your worries fade away. You can also find “Dream” (and the rest of Sweet Home’s discography, including their recently released album Advice) on Spotify. Sweet Homé · Dream (single)

Hound – “Take Off”

October 12, 2022

Glasgow-based quartet Hound are here with a guitar-driven jam they’ve titled “Take Off.” Bringing to mind the power-pop greats of the 90s (think Weezer, Superchunk, and Fountains of Wayne), “Take Off” pairs lightly-crunchy guitars with earnest vocals and an overall upbeat vibe. About the song, Hound explains: “The gist of it is feeling quite close to someone that cares about you and feeling very comfortable and able to talk to them about whatever. It was was very much inspired after a notable couple of conversations between me and my partner at the time, which made us both feel close and trust in each other and together, it was quite a nice moment.” “Take Off” is available now via GoldMold Records. You can also find it on Spotify. Hound · Take Off

Kleo – “Beautiful Life”

October 12, 2022

Normally, we’re pretty black-hearted over here at buffaBLOG, but sometimes an uplifting jam is just the thing you need to get you through your day. Today, we’re highlighting Kleo’s latest single about appreciating how beautiful life can be, aptly titled, “Beautiful Life.” Kleo’s voice lays perfectly atop the synthpop structure, and with plenty of warbly synths to keep you warm and fuzzy inside, this one is sure to brighten up your day. You can also find “Beautiful Life” on Spotify.

Pon Far – “Fever Dream”

October 12, 2022

NY-based act Pon Far stepped up their songwriting during the pandemic – the long-distance (well, across NY) trio sent songs back and forth and ultimately came up with the dreamy vibes found here in their latest offering, “Fever Dream.” It’s a swirly affair, anchored by a strong bassline and swirly guitar textures, both of which highlight the relaxing and lilting vocal presence… Not to mention the sultry saxophone solo. Fans of Men I Trust, Japanese Breakfast, and Waxahatchee will find lots to love here. You can also find “Fever Dream” on Spotify. Pon Far · Fever Dream

RoyBox – “Walk”

October 12, 2022

Mysterious Japanese act RoyBox hit our inboxes with this infectious slice of indie rock they call “Walk.” A dueling, arpeggiating guitar kicks this one off, evoking feelings of urgency… Almost like something’s bubbling underneath, ready to explode. The song inevitably does, into a whirlwind of guitar riffs; a sludgy backbone; and a pounding drumbeat that makes you feel, as they say, “like you’re running.” We think fans of mathy music or more hypnotic bands like Pinback or Prawn will really enjoy this one. Check out the video for “Walk” below – you can also find the song on Spotify and Apple Music.

Doc Backer – “Fleshy Forms”

October 10, 2022

Doc Backer is a man of many talents – he likes to tout that his music making is completely unpredictable, ranging from rap to arena rock, to dark pop jazz at any given moment. One of his eclectic creations, “Fleshy Forms,” caught our ears for it’s uniquely twisted guitar riff and utterly left-field instrumental accompaniment. This one gives us big Gorillaz vibes – but eat your heart out “Feel Good Inc.,” Doc’s ear for hooks and unique lyrical prowess fills the same niche (and he doesn’t need an animated character to stand out from the pack). You can also find “Fleshy Forms” on Spotify.

small pockets – “kite”

October 10, 2022

Atlanta-based act small pockets hit us hard with their latest banger, “kite.” Falling somewhere on the spectrum between math rock, bedroom-pop, and alternative, “kite” is full of pitchy delay guitars; blippy splashes of keyboard; and a shuffling-but-crisp drumbeat. Throughout the song, SP ruminates on the highs and lows of life, trying to be mindful of the things that have a tendency to bring them down. While the song transfers from the spicy intro to a more introspective feel mid-song, it will remind you of the different phases of life – sometimes chaotic, sometimes relaxing, but in the case of small pockets, always interesting. You can also find “kite” on Spotify and Apple Music.