Latest Posts

L.A. EXES – “Skinny Dipping”

July 21, 2021

L.A. EXES are essentially a supergroup (dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover an excellent pedigree), so it’s not too surprising we’ve been digging their latest offering, “Skinny Dipping.” With plenty of retro rock vibes, effervescent lyrical content, and lots of surf-y riffs, the EXES are here to get you feeling good and staying loose while the rest of our summer days trickle away. Their music video features a backyard shindig with lots of animal masks – the perfect feel-good imagery for this lighthearted tune. Watch the fun-filled music video for “Skinny Dipping” below – if you like it, add it to your Spotify playlist.

Doug Tuttle – “Weak Ends”

July 19, 2021

There’s something lovely about “Weak Ends,” the new song from Doug Tuttle. With hints of Wilco, Tom Petty, The War on Drugs, and his own brand of dreampop flavor, “Weak Ends” comes out swinging with an immediately catchy and wholesome melody. Doug really has an ear for catchiness – it’s borderline impossible not to bob your head along to this one. “Weak Ends” is out now on Wild Honey Records – you can also find Doug’s entire discography on Spotify. Wild Honey Records · Doug Tuttle – Weak Ends

Sea Glass x Sky Adler – “Pinecone Alley”

July 19, 2021

Brooklyn’s Sea Glass and Sky Adler teamed up for this cool collab titled “Pinecone Alley.” Sea Glass is a unique collaborative project where each track features a co-writer/vocalist. The electronic backbone here is bolstered by organic guitar strumming and catchy guitar twinkling – Adler’s vocal contributions, however, is what really got us hooked. A uniquely rhythmic chorus about dropping everything and moving to the woods (at least from what we could glean) should be enough to get you sucked in too. You can find “Pinecone Alley” on YouTube (below), Bandcamp, or Spotify.

Bye Beneco – “Red Dress”

July 19, 2021

The last time we checked in with South Africa’s Bye Beneco, we were really feeling their single, “It’s Not True Love” (and its hot-n-bothered music video treatment). They’re back with another synthy dream-pop tune in the form of “Red Dress;” The video highlights a passionate dance routine, but we think you’ll be smitten by the intense synth work and bubbling rhythms here too. Watch the video for “Red Dress” below – you can also stream it on Spotify.

CBKtrxx – “Slowly”

July 19, 2021

Sweden’s CBKtrxx knows how to write a lo-fi pop tune, as evidenced by their latest single, “Slowly.” Airy synths, plodding bass rhythm, and heavenly vocals give this one it’s personality, not to mention a tasteful retro flavor that sounds as timeless as it does contemporary. This song is about taking things day-by-day – and the mood of the music perfectly matches that sentiment. If you’re feeling it as much as we are, “Slowly” can be found on Spotify too. cbktrxx · Slowly

VVARD – “Touch You”

July 19, 2021

VVARD is a Dutch/Indonesian singer, songwriter, and producer whose latest jam, “Touch You” has been blasting in the buffaBLOG offices as of late. With a subtly-swung beat, airy vocals, and catchy indie-pop sentiment, “Touch” reminds us of the best parts of bands like Now, Now; Men I Trust, or Sylvan Esso. If you’ve been feeling lonely and looking forward to the touch of your loved one, this tune was tailor-made for you. If you like “Touch You” as much as we do, check it out on Apple Music or Spotify.

Novaa – “I’m Hungry”

July 19, 2021

CW: eating disorders Here’s a super powerful one from Germany’s Novaa – “I’m Hungry” perfectly encapsulates the struggles of having an eating disorder and does it with fantastic, honest, and powerful story telling. Lyrically this one is best heard for yourself, but otherwise, this excellently-unassuming slice of electropop (think Sylvan Esso, Phantogram) highlights Novaa’s soothing voice and penchant for relaxing and sophisticated instrumentals. This one moved us – listen below and if you like it, swing by Spotify to add “I’m Hungry” to your playlist. Novaa · I’m Hungry

ANNNA – “Sunburn”

July 19, 2021

We just couldn’t resist the ultra-cool electropop from Netherlands-based ANNNA here on “Sunburn.” If the song’s title wasn’t hint enough, this tune is the ultimate summer jam – try it out poolside or at your next family BBQ. We guarantee your mom will like the retro disco flavor without sacrificing any of the 2021-era production value that your cool cousins crave. Laid back, catchy, and summery – the perfect way to kick back and relax as we enter these upcoming dog days. Preview “Sunburn” below – you can also find ANNNA on Spotify. ANNNA · ANNNA – Sunburn (Official Master)

The Volclays – “Fell For You”

July 19, 2021

California quintet The Volclays caught our ears recently with their latest jam, “Fell For You.” They make a unique mix of psych rock, surf-inspired music, and new wave flavor, reminiscent of The Growlers or Allah-Las. Right away, you’ll notice a buzzy keyboard wiggling it’s way through the track – the cherry-on-top of a groovy, reverb-drenched, goth-tinged good time. We think you’ll like “Fell For You” too – check it out below via Bandcamp (on their EP, Talk It Over), or swing by their Spotify to check them out there. Talk It Over by The Volclays

Doo Crowder – “Gratitude (feat. Celie Dailey & Shana Vorhauer)”

July 14, 2021

Doo Crowder specializes in “avant/traditional music” or “praying in the dark-core” (their words, not ours)… But somehow, these genre amalgamations make total sense when you listen to his latest offering, “Gratitude.”  Crowder (and his accomplices Celie Dailey and Shana Vorhauer) have crafted a borderline freak-folk, electronica-flavored tune with a pure and honest sunny disposition. This one would sit comfortably on a shelf next to the output of early 2000s Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens, or Electric President. We’re totally smitten with the squiggly synth splashes throughout “Gratitude.” Check it out below via YouTube or swing by Spotify for a streaming option.

Lucky Idiot – “Nice Day”

July 14, 2021

Loving this warbly new jam, all the way from Australia. Lucky Idiot is a brand new three-piece specializing in dreamy indie pop with a pleasant punch. We recommend “Nice Day” as the perfect place to start – with it’s omni-pleasant guitar twinkle, thick drum flavor, and it’s ultra-catchy “yeah-yeah-yeah” refrains, we think this tune is anything but idiotic… They just want everyone to try to have a nice day, and we can totally get behind that. “Nice Day” is available via Soundcloud below, but you can also find Lucky Idiot on Spotify. Lucky Idiot · Nice Day

Crooked Steps – “Try Try Try”

July 14, 2021

We’ve been feeling this summery, surf-rock jam from Belgian trio Crooked Steps. Their newest jam (and the fun music video for) “Try Try Try” has that feel-good, sunshiny aura that makes summertime so special. With plunky guitar flavor, retro-flavored backup vocals, and lyrics about persevering despite all odds, we think “Try Try Try” is going to make it onto your summer playlists. PS – stick around for the full-fledged guitar solo. Watch the music video for “Try Try Try” below – you can find the song on basically any platform by following this link as well.

Lola Scott – “Jogging Shoes”

July 5, 2021

Last time we checked in with Sydney-based singer/songwriter Lola Scott, we were gushing over the magical vibes of her then-latest single, “i wanted to call her but i’m tragic & she’s overseas (8 months) [sic].” She’s back, this time with another lovelorn single called “Jogging Shoes.” Swimmy flourishes, bouncy basslines, fun chord progressions, and heart-on-her-sleeve lyrics all come together to make this an irresistible listen – this feels like where indie pop should be here in 2021. Check out the fun, lo-fi music video for “Jogging Shoes” below.

Griffith James – “Market and Black (feat. Tennis)”

July 5, 2021

LA-based singer/songwriter Griffith James teamed up with indie pop luminaries Tennis for his debut single, “Market and Black.” Featuring vocals from Tennis’ Alaina Moore (Tennis also produced James’ upcoming album), “M&B” is a buoyant indie pop jam with hints of psychedelic rock, acoustic folk, and retro rock. It’s tight and urgent, while also letting James’ surprisingly soothing vocals shine through. We loved this debut – watch the video below and be sure to check him out on Apple Music or Spotify.

Ring Finger No Pinky – “Girl Tsunami”

July 5, 2021

Ring Finger No Pinky defy categorization – precisely why we found ourselves so drawn to the lo-fi-ish vibes of “Girl Tsunami.” Equal parts post-punk, garage rock, and modern indie rock (and with a touch of math rock and hardcore), “Tsunami” changes from angular, robotic verses to a guitar-bomb chorus, complete with throat-shredding screamalongs. There’s a lot to take in here, and yet, it feels familiar and digestible all at once. Have a listen for yourself and see what’s up. If you’re interested in more from RFNP, check out their Spotify. Ring Finger No Pinky · Girl Tsunami