Latest Posts

Gabe James – “FLICKER”

October 6, 2021

Viral TikTok sensation Gabe James struck it big with a flip of Olivia Rodrigo’s smash single “good 4 u…” Now he’s trying his hand at his own stuff and it’s going remarkably well. “FLICKER” is our latest recommendation – beyond the flashy music video treatment and Gabe’s unmistakable 20-year-old charm, “FLICKER” is a surprisingly understated indie-pop nugget full of smart melodies, acoustic guitar, and lots of well-timed obscenities. Watch the music video for “FLICKER” below – if you like it, you can also find his music on Spotify.

Abbreviations – “Turn On You”

October 5, 2021

Dallas-based quartet Abbreviations nailed it on this hush-hush indie rocker they’re calling “Turn On You.” Rather than stick to a traditional love ballad, this is a song about realizing you have feelings for someone else outside of your relationship… Or as they put it, “Are these feelings real or am I just bored?” Whether you’re experiencing love, guilt, or both equally, those emotions come to the surface on this shoegaze-tinged tune – it’s a perfect quartet of delicate guitars, vocals, drums, and bass to help you make sense of it all. Check out the music video below, then swing by your preferred streaming service: Apple Music or Spotify.

Varsity Star – “Pipes”

October 5, 2021

There’s something to be said about a visceral song like “Pipes” by Varsity Star – rather than try to make a melodic/traditional song, “Pipes” is all about being an “extremely physical” listen. The textures in the song seem to pop out of the speakers; Varsity Star suggests that it sounds like, well, pipes, or a percussive, wooly pipe organ… But we’ll leave that up to you. This isn’t the first time we’ve clicked with the Brooklyn-based instrumental glitch-master either – we previously recommended his 2020 single, “Headphones Kid” for a similar reason. We think you’re gonna like this palate-cleanser – check it out below and then check out his unique discography via Spotify. Varsity Star · Pipes

VANT – “All I Need To Get By”

October 5, 2021

There’s something delightfully raucous about the latest offering from VANT – “All I Need To Get By” is an ode to OCD, addictions, and insecurities set perfectly to a chaotic-but-enjoyable palate of synths and guitars. For all the pre-existing VANT fans out there, this one goes out to you – the energy here seems to adequately scratch that old-school VANT itch. You can listen to “All I Need to Get By” on YouTube first (below), followed by Spotify (here).

Dave Monks – “Can’t Put My Fire Out”

October 5, 2021

Buffalo is a Tokyo Police Club town, so hopefully our friend Dave Monks needs no introduction – he’s here with a super-catchy solo-outing called “Can’t Put My Fire Out.” This one has a lot of positive, upbeat energy, starting in the jaunty-but-simple guitar backbone and truly coming out in Monks’ iconic and endearing vocals. The song acts as sort of a mission statement from Monks; a declaration of his independence from the grind of the world and justification that what truly matters can never be taken away from him. Check out the lyric video below – you can also listen on Spotify and Apple Music.

Sam Wright – “Closer”

October 5, 2021

Sam Wright is here crafting the kind of swirly, lo-fi pop that truly matters – case-in-point, the groovy whirl of “Closer.” Jangly guitar stabs; noodle-y bass lines; and spiraling riffs are jam packed into this tune… Fans of Crumb, TOPS, and and Unknown Mortal Orchestra are going to love this one. There’s even an ethereal, near-jazzy breakdown around the three-minute-mark – stick around and see where he goes with it. If you like “Closer” as much as we did, you’ll also be able to find it on Spotify. Sam Wright · Closer

Air Devi – “Air of a Masterpiece”

October 5, 2021

It’s been a bit since we’ve heard from Philly-based artist Air Devi (we previously featured singles “No Clearances” and “Mosquitos in the Backyard“) – we’re excited again about their latest single, “Lint of a Masterpiece.” Mixing equal amounts slacker rock and dream pop, this tune should appeal to fans from Pavement; to early Liz Phair; to Men I Trust. Fun fact: this song features a sitar around the 1:50 mark – Air Devi’s first use of the iconic instrument. About “Lint,” Air Devi says: “This is a song about wanting so badly to believe in someone who keeps letting you and themselves down.” Check it out below via Soundcloud – you can also stream it using Spotify. Air Devi · Lint of a Masterpiece

Runners Club 95 – “Apricot”

September 29, 2021

Runners Club 95 bring their end-of-summer vaporwave aesthetic to a new jam they’re calling “Apricot.” While this Swedish duo typically sticks to a more effervescent feel, “Apricot” finds them experimenting with a more vintage pop appeal this time around… There’s a bit of Fleetwood Mac running through “Apricot’s” veins, as much as this still feels and listens as 2021. This would feel right at home on a summer on the water as it would during a happy winter morning – listen for yourself and spin your own opinion of this not-so-hidden gem. If you like “Apricot” as much as we do, check it out on Spotify too. Ｒｕｎｎｅｒｓ Ｃｌｕｂ ９５ · Apricot

Freedom Fry – “Be Your Man”

September 28, 2021

Our friends in Freedom Fry are no strangers to buffaBLOG – we’ve previously featured the LA duo’s work in articles about “Party Down” and “Smile” respectively. They’re back with more of the excellent, nu-disco tinged synthpop we’ve come to love, this time in the form of a song called “Be Your Man.” Lyrically, “Man” is a tune about embracing the good feelings you get from having a crush on someone – expect nimble, funky basslines; lots of feel-good energy; and an inexplicable urge to get out of your bed/chair and start dancing wildly. If you enjoy “Be Your Man,” check it out on Spotify too along with the rest of their excellent discography. freedomfry · Freedom Fry – Be Your Man

Steven Bamidele – “Other Side”

September 28, 2021

We’ve been loving the latest offering from UK-based singer/songwriter Steven Bamidele. “Other Side” is a neo-soul/bedroom-pop hybrid, full of airy oohs, a tight drum sound, and Bamidele’s omni-pleasant vocal delivery. “Side” is super chill with a deep, deep groove that will please fans across the spectrum from Mac Demarco, to Gorillaz, and all the way to Thundercat. Lyrically, “Other Side” was written as an anthem for the oppressed. Bamidele says: “I wanted to make a song that anyone who has been subjugated can resonate with, whether that be due to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion etc…The video needed to reflect this too.” Check out the stunning music video for “Other Side” below via YouTube – if you like it (and we know you will), be sure to swing by Steven’s Spotify and add it to your favorite playlist.

Malcolm Forbes 70th Birthday Party – “Heppy”

September 28, 2021

The tellingly-named Malcolm Forbes 70th Birthday Party have created something that should be played at parties for the rest of eternity. “Heppy” is a squiggly banger, full of wiggly synth leads, disco beats, and a charmingly upbeat vocal performance. They describe it as the “goofiest” song on their album, but we couldn’t imagine it any other way – they say: “We wanted to create a song that felt more cheeky and fun than trying to be too much else. It’s that wild friend at a party that is funny and energetic but really doesn’t care if they are noticed or not.” Mission accoplished MF70BP. This one is going to get your blood pumping, your head bobbing, and your foot tapping for sure. Check it out below via YouTube and then peep the rest of the EP on Spotify.

No One and the Somebodies – “Break it Down”

September 28, 2021

Sometimes you need something raw and raucous to kick off your day, so our latest recommendation comes from Bronx-based quartet No One and the Somebodies. “Break It Down” sounds like a band who just doesn’t care what you think – rough and tumble indie rock with unbridled energy, lots of guitars, and a no-effs-given attitude. Fun facts: NOATS is made up of four brothers (the Yankous) and this is their twentieth (!) year as a band. You can find “Break It Down” on Bandcamp below – they also have a decent discography to explore on Spotify. Break It Down by No One and the Somebodies

Hands Down – “Never Been That Happy”

September 27, 2021

Hands Down (aka songwriter/producer Filip Sjörgren) caught our ears with the melancholy indie pop of his latest creation, “Never Been That Happy.” Falsetto vocals that would make Thom Yorke blush carry this one along – they sit atop Sjörgren’s epic brand of dark electronica, layered thick with arpeggiated synths and gauzy, reverb-drenched atmosphere. About “Happy,” Sjörgren says: “What I like about this song is the double meaning. It can mean ‘I’ve never been that happy’, as in ‘I’ve always been sad’. Or it can mean ‘I’ve never been that happy’. It’s open to interpretation. I like that, because it means people can listen to the lyrics and interpret them in their own way.” If you like “Never Been That Happy” as much as we do, you can find it on Spotify or Apple Music. Hands Down · Never Been That Happy

Bjorn Rydhog – “Let’s Not Get Old”

September 26, 2021

Our Swedish friend Bjorn Rydhog is known for his uplifting indie-pop tunes – we’d like to draw your attention to one of our new faves, a tune he likes to call “Let’s Not Get Old.” Rydhog is expanding his sound by experimenting with a more electronic-based feel… Expect a bouncing, nu-disco backbone, layered lush with sparkling synths and Rydhog’s charming vocals. About “Let’s Not Get Old,” Rydhog says: “[this song is] trying to express the beauty and love that’s all around. Music that’s perfect for listening alone under the starlit sky, as well as accompanying the warm and sweaty post-pandemic party nights. A musical companion guiding us over troubled water.” Preview “Let’s Not Get Old” using the Soundcloud widget below – if you like it, make sure you add it to your next Spotify playlist. Bjorn Rydhog · Let’s not get old

Basement Revolver – “Transatlantic”

September 19, 2021

Are you paying attention?! We’re very clearly obsessed with our Canadian friends in Basement Revolver (we most recently shared their previous single, “Skin” back in August). They’re back with another amazing dream-pop reverb-fest, this time called “Transatlantic.” Again, the Hamilton quartet has seemingly perfected their slow-burn-shoegaze-meets-dreampop sound. About the song, BR says: “[‘Transatlantic’] is a pop bop that evokes the feeling of a bright, glowing love – so big it hurts, but in a good way.” If you like “Transatlantic” as much as we do, be sure to add it to your favorite dream-pop playlist on Spotify. Basement Revolver · Transatlantic