Latest Posts

Surf Rock Is Dead – “Back and Forth”

September 6, 2022

Ironically, surf rock doesn’t seem like it’s quite dead just yet… “Back and Forth” from the not-so-tellingly-named Surf Rock Is Dead chimed its way into our inbox with it’s lush guitar work and far-off vocals. With all aspects drenched in reverb, the song has a longing and forlorn tonality, bringing to mind acts like Turnover, Men I Trust, and Real Estate. About “Back and Forth,” the band says: “Recently in life, we’ve all had an incredibly trying time the past few years, and as a result, conflict has likely become more present in our lives; sparking the inspiration for the song. ‘Back and Forth’ is an ode to our allies and enemies, a line which is often so fine that discerning the two is really a blur.” “Back and Forth” is available now via Born Losers Records. You can also find it on Spotify. Born Losers Records · Surf Rock[...]

Laveda – “Surprise”

September 6, 2022

Last time we checked in with Laveda, we were psyched on their latest single, “bb,” which captivated us with it’s juxtaposition of wall-of-guitar shoegaze mixed with singer Ali Genevich’s illuminating vocals. They continue that streak with their latest offering, “Surprise,” albeit, a bit more in the dream-pop vein this time. Shimmering guitar leads and a driving bass line power this one along, creating an overall sunny atmosphere and carving it’s niche as the “bright and happy” song on the album, guitarist Jake Brooks further explains: “The lyrics are meant to juxtapose the happy sunshine feeling throughout the song. Surprise is about dealing with loneliness and loss in this modern age. The overall happy sound represents how bright and happy we represent ourselves on social media. In reality, everyone’s depressed and are stressed over the rapidly devolving state of society.” Check out the music video for “Surprise” below – you can[...]

bed bug guru – “Expired”

September 5, 2022

Bed Bug Guru noise’d their way into our hearts with this utterly unique song called “Expired.” Beyond the absolute maelstrom of sound that this Florida-based act brews up, the song actually touches on the helplessness we often feel as we try to juggle our personal lives vs. the constant onslaught of current events. You can hear their frustration in the discordant guitar work – it brings to mind contemporaries like Spirit of the Beehive, OVLOV, and DIIV. You can also find “Expired” on Spotify and Bandcamp.  

Hanna Searl – “Bummer Summer”

August 29, 2022

Last time we checked in with the LA-based Hanna Searl, we were smitten by the lighter-raising energy on her single, “My Fantasy.” She’s back with another wall-of-guitars anthem called “Bummer Summer” a perfectly-orchestrated and suspiciously upbeat song about being obsessed with death. Lyrics about scraping your head on the concrete and being obsessed with death compliment the grungy guitar work here, even if it’s all covered in a shiny, California sheen. You can find “Bummer Summer” on Hanna’s Spotify page.

Bad Madonna – “Mystic Seer”

August 29, 2022

Bad Madonna bring the crispy, crunchy guitar energy on their latest single, “Mystic Seer.” With a neurotic, shuffling drum beat and Bad Madonna’s dusky vocal delivery, “Seer” would hold up on any 90s-flavored playlist or alongside some more modern contemporaries like Bully, Screaming Females, or Diet Cig. It’s the first single off of her yet-unreleased EP, Iron Fist – so keep your eyes peeled for more soon from this talented up-and-comer. You can also find “Mystic Seer” on Spotify.

Thea & The Wild – “Rip Tide”

August 29, 2022

Oslo native Thea & The Wild shared a new single in advance of her third upcoming album and it has us feeling excited for what’s to come. “Rip Tide” is a jangly, guitar-driven bounce that finds the singer/songwriter confronting the darker parts of herself both lyrically and visually – in the video, Thea literally kidnaps her “darkness” in what we think is a pretty clever metaphor. It doesn’t hurt that Thea has a killer voice to boot, especially when she drives home lines like: “Oh when my days are like nights, I am the enemy… The same wave bringing me in is pulling me back out” You can also find “Rip Tide” on Spotify.

Megan Slankard – “California”

August 24, 2022

San Francisco-based indie rocker Megan Slankard caught our ears with the breakup vibes of her latest single, “California.” Propelled by her jangly Danelectro guitar strumming and a series of impassioned lyrics, “California” is a super scathing song with a surprisingly (but aptly) sunny backbone. In the music video, Megan takes off on a bicycle to deliver some unwanted possessions of an ex to the local thrift store – it’s fun and cathartic visual representation of sweet, sweet revenge, but more importantly, it also shows the genuine weight lifted off of Megan’s heart. Check out the music video for “California” below. You can find Megan’s entire discography on Spotify and Apple Music too.

Crash Kuda – “Middle School”

August 24, 2022

Summer is starting to wind down, but that didn’t stop Crash Kuda from pumping out this tune tailor-made for surfing and skating fun. The breezy guitar work and tom-heavy drum beat practically begs for a windows-down drive to the beach, while the reverbed-out vocal delivery is just gritty enough to keep thinks fresh for your inner punk. You can also find “Middle School” on Spotify.

Martha – “Baby, Does Your Heart Sink?”

August 24, 2022

Durham-based pop-punkers Martha recently released a burst of guitar-driven energy called “Baby, Does Your Heart Sink?” that we think is going to roar its way through your speakers and into your own sunken heart. Most notable here are the buzzsaw riffs that twist-and-turn through the song, including a spicy solo at the song’s emotional apex… But beyond that, like any good slice of pop-punk, “Baby, Does Your Heart Sink?” is built around a catchy and memorable refrain that is relatable and endearing. About the song, Martha says: “‘Baby, Does Your Heart Sink’ is just your classic break-up song, but one designed to be played at the disco at the end of the world. If there are multiple timelines, worlds, and universes out there, you’ve really got to wonder how things are going in the others, don’t you?” You can also find “Heart” on Spotify.

Tiger Beach – “Keep It Together”

August 24, 2022

There’s something psych-y,-yet-surfy about the new single from Raleigh, NC-based act Tiger Beach. “Keep It together” has an intriguing combination of bratty, angular guitar work and eternal slacker vibes brought forth by the vocals… The juxtaposition of sprung, underlying energy paired with the I-don’t-care mood gives this one a unique combo of mid-aughts indie rock energy and 2022 ennui that has us particularly chuffed. You can find “Keep It Together” on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp as well. Tiger Beach · Keep It Together

Zoey Leven – “I Feel Like A Loser”

August 24, 2022

21-year-old wunderkind Zoey Leven caught our ears with the moody-but-urgent bop of her latest single, “I Feel Like A Loser.” The Vancouver, WA native was struggling with writer’s block and self-confidence so she wrote the self-deprecating “Loser” as a response; ironically, the song spurred a boost of confidence and broke her songwriting dry spell. It’s a confidence booster for sure – driving bass and drums pair up nicely with swimmy, chorus-laden guitar tones and slacker-esque vocals for a song that’s been uniquely positive, even if Zoey’s beating up on herself a bit. You can also find “I Feel Like A Loser” on Spotify. Zoey Leven · I Feel Like A Loser

West Ferry Releases New EP, ‘Out Of Reach’

August 24, 2022

Buffalo’s West Ferry are back with another EP, the five-song Out of Reach. Out Of Touch finds the band further fleshing out their emo-punk sound. Vocally, the band brings to mind the sneering delivery of Conor Oberst in his Desaparecidos days, dripping with just enough sauce to keep things angsty. Musically, the band explores the spectrum of punk, ranging from the fleeting emo-tinged opener of “Everyone/Everytime;” the Pinkerton-era Weezer flavor of the title-track; all the way to the more straightforward punk of “Picked Apart.” You can find Out of Reach on Bandcamp (below), Spotify, and Apple Music. Out of Reach by west ferry

Urge Surfer Releases Debut EP, Music Video for “Cursed”

August 18, 2022

Urge Surfer is a brand new Buffalo-based project created by former coworkers Chelsea O’Donnell (Stress Dolls) and Jordan Smith. The duo used the itchiness of pandemic-era angst to inspire their new musical brew – a blippy and hazy blend of modular synth sighs and squelches with hints of guitar. O’Donnell’s distinct vocals lay on top of the music, often sassy and angsty, offering a unique counterpoint to Smith’s dark and calculated creations. The duo exchanged hundreds of emails with no real intention other than to write music… Telling, as their music could fit comfortably next to any Postal Service song (who pioneered this email-based approach back in the early aughts). Fans of Purity Ring, Phantogram, and even Grimes will find lots to like here, as well as synth-heads who can appreciate a tasteful use of arpeggiation and custom-curated patches. They’ve just released a video to accompany lead single, “Cursed.” O’Donnell[...]

Conflict at Serenity Pools – “Other Love”

August 16, 2022

Venice, CA-based act Conflict at Serenity Pools caught our ears with the noisy goodness of their latest single, “Other Love.” Featuring elements of shoegaze, kraut, and straight-up noise (with a healthy dose of DIY production value), “Other Love” sounds like the meandering creations of your local, loud-as-hell shoegazers ripping a phat set in the basement venue next door. This one is truly one-of-a-kind – though there are elements of traditional indie rock throughout, upon first listen, you’re sure to discover something you’ve never quite heard before. Lyrically, CASP explains: “Content and inspiration centers around isolation, self-review in isolation, contemplation, and the yearning for touch and tactile reality.” You can also find “Other Love” on Spotify.

Human Barbie – “Wait”

August 13, 2022

It’s been a minute since we last heard from Human Barbie – we loved (and still love!) the crushing melancholy of “Be Careful What You Wish For” back in 2019. They’re back again with a song called “Wait,” a beautiful and unique song with bedroom vibes and a downbeat tempo that is sure to get your emotions swirling. We particularly love the musical transition from the hopeful verse melodies to a borderline haunting chorus; it swims from gently swung guitar chords into an almost menacing feel. It’s crushing… And if you haven’t figured it out by now, our black hearts here at buffaBLOG are particularly vulnerable to heartbreakers like this one. “Wait” is out now on Poor Man Records. You can find “Wait” on both Bandcamp (below) and Spotify. wait by Human Barbie