Virginia Beach native Gary Watson sometimes goes by Jack Moody… And when he does, he writes unique lo-fi rock compositions with elements of jazz, fuzz, and bedroom-pop. We were drawn to “Touch You” for it’s left-field instrumentation, aloof vocal delivery, and genuine slacker vibes. Fans of Mac Demarco to Ceremony to Salvia Plath will find something to like here. You can preview “Touch You” on YouTube below – if you like it, it’s also available on Spotify now.
Upon first listen to Dakotas, you wouldn’t immediately think the trio hails from the southern US (or maybe one of the two Dakotas)… But surprisingly, their most recent release, Pretty Lights, was recorded remotely during 2020 between Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia. We’d like to highlight the song “IKYHAHT” (aka – I know you’re having a hard time); with its dark, calculated guitar work and emotive vocals, they’ve formulated a mix of emo sentiment and post-punk flavor that’s all their own. You can find “IKYHAHT” and the rest of Pretty Lights on Spotify now – out now on Telephonic Records.
If you’re an avid reader of buffaBLOG, you know we stan JW Francis… From his Christmastime covers to his hooky bedroom-pop singles, there’s just something about Francis’ warbly sound that gets us going… We’re happy to share another amazing tune called “John, Take Me With You” – you’ll find all the hallmarks of a JW banger here… Sun-melted warbling, a driving beat, and Francis’ omni-pleasant vocals. Check out the extremely colorful video for “John” below. You can find all his stuff on Bandcamp, Spotify, or Soundcloud.
Oxford, Mississippi-based singer/songwriter Anne Freeman recently caught our ears with the wistful indie-country drawl of “When I’m A Wreck.” Bringing to mind Rilo Kiley or Lucy Dacus with an alt-country twist (and maybe a bit of vintage, 70s melodrama), “Wreck” finds Freeman playing with jangly guitars; dramatic strings; and the comforting warmth of her timeless vocals. It’s clearly a personal song for Freeman and hits on a smattering of tender feelings – it definitely tugged on our heartstrings. “When I’m A Wreck” can be found on Freeman’s upcoming release, Keep It Close, due out on Muscle Beach Records on June 25.
Justus Proffit is here with a brand new single, fresh off the heels of a collaborative EP with Jay Som. Proffit’s “Burning The Ground” brings to mind acts like Field Medic or Hovvdy while still embodying hints of haunting Elliott Smith flavor. With plenty of ghostly keyboard flourishes, angular guitar plucks, and a strong acoustic backbone, this fits perfectly into the moody modern bedroom-pop canon. “Burning The Ground” is the first single from Justus’ upcoming LP, Speedstar, due out August 20th on Bar/None records. Until then, enjoy the lo-fi chic of the music video below.
Rochester-natives The Demos are no strangers to buffaBLOG. Their brand of sunny, energetic garage rock is infectious and fun, including their latest offering “Private Eye.” With slacker-esque (but engaging) vocals, squiggly synth leads, and jangly stabs of guitar, you can certainly hear a bit of current-era The Strokes influence on this tune. “Eye” is perfectly produced too – it feels like every little space in this song is jam packed with something interesting to the ears. We think “Private Eye” has unbeatable, upbeat summer energy that’s perfect for these pre-summer heatwave days. Check it out via Soundcloud below, or swing by Spotify to stream it there. thedemosmusic · Private Eye
Brighton based act Thrillhouse create crushing, synth-flavored indie-rock that’s right up our alley – we recommend their latest single “Take Care.” The song is full of varied musicianship (think bouncing bass keyboards, a fuzzy guitar solo, sparkling guitar atmospherics) and a hush-hush vocal delivery reminiscent of 80s-era post-punk… Stick around for the ethereal bridge before the final chorus. We think you’re gonna like “Take Care” – preview it on Soundcloud below and then swing by Spotify to add it to your playlist. Thrillhouse · Take Care
Sister duo King Willow (aka Amanda and Julianna Salguero) recently caught our ears with the laid-back indie pop of “Kiddie Pool.” Born in the Northeast but currently based in San Francisco, the Salgueros combine sultry harmonies and vintage vibes into their simple, contemporary sound. As accessible as “Kiddie Pool” is, it’s also eclectic – alongside acoustic guitars there’s a swirly keyboard riff and shotgun sample (MIA style) tossed in. This one is a cool, summertime jam – check it out via YouTube below and then swing by Spotify to add it to a playlist.
Ottawa-based duo Paragon Cause have us reeling over their latest offering, “Think I’m Going Crazy Over You.” The duo, Jay Bonaparte and vocalist/keyboardist Michelle Opthof, craft dark and mysterious synthpop tunes with an ever-so-slight industrial tinge. We’re particularly drawn to the chorus here – it’s simple, repetitive, and it feels like we’ve known it forever. Check out the psychedelic visuals of “Crazy” below – if you dig it, be sure to swing by their Spotify.
Here’s a cool one from Toronto-based singer/songwriter Kirty. Reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers or Soccer Mommy, “Turn You On” is a fuzzy, mid-tempo indie rocker with a prominent, buzzy keyboard lead. The song also comes with a stunning music video that finds Kirty literally on the menu for a gluttonous royal; the juxtaposition of 2021-esque music against medieval visuals is certainly something we’d recommend watching. Check out the video below – you can also find Kirty on Spotify.
We’ve been loving on this single all the way from Ukraine. Kiev-based band HeartBlanch just released “Slow” – an ethereal mix of post-punk and indie rock. Full of haunting vocals, mechanical and calculated guitar strums, and an emotional delivery, we think “Slow” would slot well into any playlist next to Coldplay, Interpol, or Bloc Party. Preview “Slow” via Soundcloud below – if you like it, add it to your Spotify playlist. HeartBlanch · Slow
Not too long ago, we were raving about the psychedelic dream-pop of “All The Rage” by Hotel Decor. What can we say – we’re on a HD kick, this time with the summery 80s vibes of “Could It Take Me Any Longer.” While “Rage” was a bit more Tame Impala inspired, “Longer” feels more like a Still Woozy or Mac Demarco song. With Casio-drum-machine vibes, warbly synths, and wavery guitar shimmering, this one will make a perfect pool side jam for the upcoming months. Check out the bedroom-y DIY music vid for “Longer” below – then add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.
Pale Moon is a unique, multi-continental duo who hail from Iceland and Siberia respectively. They’re inspired by the music of the 1970s (think Fleetwood Mac), but make distinctly 2021-flavored feel-good indie-pop. “Parachutes” is one of those songs that instantly puts you into a good mood – with hints of psychedelic sunshine and a bit of magical retro energy, we think “Parachutes” will find it’s way onto your favorite upbeat playlist. Get familiar with “Parachutes” via the YouTube video below. After that, you can find Pale Moon on Spotify.
Amos the Kid (otherwise known as singer/songwriter Amos Nadlersmith) hit us hard with the laid back swagger of his latest tune, “Alright.” Sounding like a mix of Phoebe Bridgers and Manchester Orchestra, “Alright” plods along with a mid-tempo groove, sounding semi-anxious and quasi-relaxed all at once. The cherry-on-top here are the shared vocal duties with Jensen Fridfinnson, who provides a lovely lilting presence to Amos’ distinct drawl. Check it out below – you can also find Amos the Kid on Spotify. House of Wonders · Amos the Kid – Alright
Here’s a unique slice of freak-folk-inspired indie rock from the Nielsen Family Band. In the lyric video for “Act of Love,” the band places faces (animation by Jordan Capizzi) on the photography of Michelle Johnsen… The result is a bunch of talking mushrooms, flowers, and mountains mouthing the words to this otherwise chill indie rocker. Borderline haunting-falsetto and alt-country-tinged guitar help to keep this one moving along at a pace that keeps things interesting. We really dig this one – check out the lyric video below or swing by the Nielsen Family Band‘s Spotify page for more.