Latest Posts

Forest Ray – “Always”

February 4, 2022

We’re really loving this psyched-out take on indie-folk from Forest Ray. Bringing to mind the work of Kurt Vile, Jeff Tweedy, or The War On Drugs, “Always” pairs lush acoustic guitar work with an electric piano and noodly slide guitars – they also captured the song using a 24-track, which ultimately gave the finished product a sincere, vintage sound. This one is pure enough to appeal to any diehard folk enthusiast with just enough warble and swirl to please a modern ear more tuned to bedroom pop slackerdom. You can preview “Always” using Bandcamp below, but you can also find it on Spotify. Always by Forest Ray

Gillian – “Who Are You?”

February 4, 2022

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Gillian – the funky indie-poppers have swung through Buffalo a few times on their travels. They’re back with another effortlessly-cool (and startlingly unique) take on indie rock with “Who Are You?” There’s a definite funk-based swing to this song, full of twisting and turning guitar parts; lush and layered vocals; and a distinct attitude that really brings the song to life. On “Who Are You?,” the band encourages people to learn a little bit more about their neighbor… In doing so, maybe it would lead to more outcomes rather than outrage. Check out the song via YouTube below – you can find an exhaustive list of how to listen to their new album, Put It Back Together (on which “Who Are You?” resides), by using this link.

Monsoon – “Third Voice”

February 4, 2022

Something about “Third Voice” by Monsoon just shouldn’t work… Even the band admits it: “This song came out of the lab with a bonkers structure, and nonchalant genre shapeshift midway through. On paper it’s all over the place, and shouldn’t work. But my lab partner and I figured out its chemistry” It’s wonky and janky in the best kind of way. Hush-hush rhythmic vocals meet up with an absolutely huge instrumental backbone. Epic guitars and stadium-sized drums come together to create a strangely pleasant cacophony. “Third Voice” is a song that you just have to experience for yourself… And what better way than in music video form. The band enters a talent show and chaos ensues – it’s the perfect visual accompaniment to this weird, but oh-so-good Frankenstein of genres. Watch the video for “Third Voice” below, and then swing by Spotify or Apple Music to add it to your[...]

Trentemøller – “No More Kissing In The Rain”

January 26, 2022

We’re checking back in with Danish songwriter Trentemøller for his new single, “No More Kissing In The Rain.” Just like “All Too Soon” (which we featured on the blog last year), “Kissing” is an expansive, dark-pop composition that utilizes synth leads, gauzy textures, swelling guitars, and lots and lots of reverb. Bringing to mind a synthier version of Slowdive, “Kissing” plays with somber-but-hopeful emotions, exploring themes of darkness vs. light. The music video is a fitting accompaniment, showing the doldrums of daily life juxtaposed against the importance of having someone important to experience them with. Check out the music video for “No More Kissing In The Rain” below – you can also find the song on Spotify and Apple Music.

Dust Bunnys – “Where You’d Go”

January 26, 2022

Dust Bunnys is the moniker of multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter/producer Nick King – he caught our ears with the infectious melodies of “Where You’d Go.” King (smartly) comes out swinging with the earworm chorus of “I wanna know where you’d go;” it’s a sugary-sweet melody sung over a vaguely lo-fi instrumental spine. “Where” hits that perfect mark of slackerish, effortless bedroom-pop that may have come out of nowhere… But is more than likely a carefully-crafted composition meant to reside in your brain rent-free. Stick around for the dueling guitar/synth solo, it’s drenched in distortion and reverb. Check out “Where You’d Go” via Soundcloud below – you can also find it on Spotify and Bandcamp. Dust Bunnys · Where You’d Go REMASTER 2022

Kindsight – “Sun Is Always In My Eyes”

January 26, 2022

Let’s just say we know what we like! This time, we’re revisiting another tune from Denmark’s Kindsight (last year we featured their single “Don’t You Grow Up“). They continue to put out excellent jangle pop in the vein of Alvvays, Beach Bunny, and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart; from “Sun Is Always In My Eyes,” expect lovely vocal melodies, a guitar-driven backbone, and a warm hazy mix that will warm even the coldest of hearts. The song even has a cheeky background story that bolsters its sonic palate of sunny optimism: “[‘Sun In Always in My Eyes’ is about] stealing money from your mother and feigning to run away from home. Being blessed and unable to see because you’ve got too much sun in your eyes.” “Sun” will appear on Swedish Punk, out March 25th on Rama Lama Records. Until then, you can enjoy the song via Soundcloud[...]

The High Water Marks – “Fantastic Machine”

January 20, 2022

American/Norwegian act The High Water Marks are sure to entice you into their indie/psych swirls with their latest single, “Fantastic Machine.” After meeting at an Apples in Stereo show in Oslo, Norway, Hilarie Sidney (of Apples in Stereo and Elephant 6 Recording Co. fame) and Per Ole Bratset formed the band in 2003 to much critical acclaim. They appear courtesy of Minty Fresh and with good reason – their all-encompassing brand of noisy indie-rock is both melodic and consuming, full of frantic drumbeats; sugary harmonies; and electrifying guitar work. Check out why we dig “Fantastic Machine” via the Soundcloud widget below. You can also find the song on Spotify. Fanatic Promotion · The High Water Marks – Fantastic Machine (Single)

Dead Leaf Echo – “Milk.Blue.Kisses (Foil In Motion)”

January 20, 2022

Brooklyn-based shoegaze collective Dead Leaf Echo are no strangers to the proverbial spotlight – they’ve been featured on KEXP and have consistently topped the CMJ top 20 indie tracks throughout their career. We’ve found ourselves captivated by the absolute wall-of-sound approach on their latest moody offering, “Milk.Blue.Kisses (Foil In Motion).” Inspired by gothy 80s legends like Depeche Mode as well as legendary shoegaze acts like My Bloody Valentine, DLE manage to jam their songs full of their influence’s footprints while simultaneously trailblazing a sound of their own. Expect an impassioned vocal delivery; guitars dripping with wet chorus textures; and stadium-sized drum tones. “Milk.Blue.Kisses” is available on Soundcloud (below), but we also encourage you to support their work via Bandcamp. dead leaf echo · Milk.Blue.Kisses

Ugly Twin – “Crabs are Crustaceans”

January 20, 2022

Ugly Twin are certainly embracing the seasonal affective disorder here on their latest song, “Crabs are Crustaceans.” Falling somewhere on the spectrum between sludgy grunge and melodic emo, “Crabs” crawls at a dirge pace, giving time and space for both their instrumentals and melancholy lyrics to shine. When they’re not singing in a soft , the gigantic, fuzzy guitar presence is highlighted with a squiggly synth line and a surprisingly pop-minded, four-chord progression that’s pleasant on the ears. Fans of Hum, Weezer, and Sunny Day Real Estate are all going to find lots to love here. Check out the lyric video for “Crabs’ below – you can also stream the song via Spotify and Apple Music.

Ozbear – “i’m breaking up with u”

January 20, 2022

Breaking up doesn’t always have to be a bad thing! After all, Ozbear wrote this fun jam after… Well, a break up. “i’m breaking up with u” is meant to be a kiss-off to your soon to be ex; a plucky amalgamation of vintage synth bleats, swung hi-hat percussion, and Ozbear’s endearing lyrical content. After all, rather than an emotionally devastating event, a break up can actually be that “kick in the butt you need to move on and start living your best life…” The lighthearted sonic palate here should be evidence enough that Ozbear’s making the best of it. We think you’re going to enjoy Ozbear’s effervescent vibes as much as we did. Preview “breaking up” via Soundcloud below and then add it to your favorite Spotify playlist. Ozbear · i’m breaking up with u

Ronjo V – “Short On Love”

January 20, 2022

Ronjo V is a South-African-born, raised-Texan who captures the beauty of the open road on his latest single, “Short On Love.” Flush with a southern-esque instrumental palate and an ever-so-melancholy sense of longing, “SOL” pays homage to Ronjo’s commitment to van life and that omnipresent yearning for adventure. It’s done with a super-polished take on indie folk that will stand out especially to fans of Wilco, The War on Drugs, and Kurt Vile. See if you like “Short On Love” as much as we do by previewing via Soundcloud below – it is also available on Spotify. Ronjo V · Short On Love

Yes Kid – “Too Much Feeling (Not Enough Screaming)”

January 19, 2022

LA-based act Yes Kid sent in her brand of indie-rock-meets-emo-pop to our inbox and we’ve been hooked on its charm ever since. You can really feel the awkward, youthful approach (in a good way, we promise!) on “Too Much Feeling (Not Enough Screaming)” as it bubbles and seethes with her anxious-kid energy. If you’re looking for extra explanation, she did “play flute in high school” and has quite an affinity for tuna sandwiches… But fun facts aside, there’s no denying a great emo-pop jam when you hear one. Fans of Adult Mom, Lucy Dacus, and Frankie Cosmos are going to love this. We’ve included a handy Soundcloud widget below for your listening pleasure – “Too Much Feeling” is also available on Spotify and Apple Music. Yes Kid · Too Much Feeling (Not Enough Screaming)

Yot Club – “Deer Island”

January 19, 2022

For all you Buffalonians (and beyond) who are currently frozen solid by this brutal winter vortex, TikTok sensation Yot Club has a springy, summer-y new single to thaw your chilled bones. “Deer Island” is about a real place, a “creepy and liminal” island that once supposedly housed a singing hermit… Yot Club matches those eerily-familiar vibes with a haunting vocal performance of his own, but does it overtop a backbone of comforting drum machines and warm, bedroom-pop guitars. “Deer Island” appears on Yot Club’s newest EP, Santolina, available now on Spotify.

FonFon Ru – “Manicure Manager”

January 19, 2022

Our friends from Portland, ME, FonFon Ru, have just put out a fantastic new single called “Manicure Manager.” The band’s loud, maximalist style juxtaposes interestingly against “MM’s” lyrical content – gnarly punk-meets-glam compositions and full-bodied vocals sing about the intricacies of male grooming, specifically, the pleasure of getting your nails done and feeling handsome having done so. Stick around for the chaotic tempo change at the end – fans of METZ and PUP are going to lose their minds. “Manicure Manager” is available for purchase via the Bandcamp link below; if you prefer to stream, it’s also available on Spotify. Collapse Of The Silver Bridge by FonFon Ru

Ciao Lucifer – “Trip”

January 19, 2022

Here’s a fun one all the way from the Netherlands – indie-pop duo Ciao Lucifer have crafted this dance-in-your-living-room gem (their words, not ours, but perfectly-said!) called “Trip.” The duo, who unabashedly flaunt their bromance, urge you to live in the moment and let your freak flag fly – with an infectious beat; stabs of afro-pop guitar; and a literal kazoo, “Trip” is the epitome of upbeat, sunshine-y energy that’s impossible to ignore. Fans of Vampire Weekend, Scissor Sisters, and Kassav’ are going to love this… Warning: this one WILL make you want to move and groove. Peep “Trip” below via the convenient Soundcloud widget. Ciao Lucifer · Trip