Latest Posts

Rosetta West – Night’s Cross

It’s not too often you hear a band like Illinois’ Rosetta West. The prolific duo specialize in blues rock with unique flairs – think Romani folk music and psych rock – that pushes the limits of what one might consider “blues.” Their latest offering is the disarming Night’s Cross, a twelve-song collection that explore themes of death and mortality without ever feeling somber. The album is stuffed with raw and unfiltered rock ‘n roll that’s gritty, rough, and wild – just like rock music was meant to be.   Immediately, Rosetta West kicks off with the drunken swagger of “Save Me.” Slinky slide guitar moans and groans throughout this song, laying down a woozy backbone for frontman Joseph Demagore’s gravel-throat vocals. Structurally, “Save Me” is pretty traditional, at least from a songwriting perspective – laying down a twelve-bar-bluesish chord progression with a rock solid bass/percussion presence. That tried-and-true build is really[...]

T.F. Gambon – As We Dreamt

For the last six years and change, T.F. Gambon has been a mainstay of the NYC indie scene with his band Meyru. As any prolific songwriter knows, sometimes you come up with a batch of songs that just doesn’t quite fit your current project, so Gambon funneled his creativity into a folksy eight song album he’s calling As We Dreamt. Recorded in a Brooklyn apartment, Gambon teamed up with his friend and pryor Meyru producer Cal Maro to bring these songs to life. The result is an introspective, heartfelt, and most importantly, sincere collection of songs – a perfect debut for T.F. Gambon, the solo-artist.   “Eyes” is the opening track here and an excellent introduction to Gambon’s sound. A gently-strummed acoustic guitar will be the star of the show throughout the course of this LP, strumming a constant hum through your speakers. A gentle harmonica whines softly in the background,[...]

Lala Salama – “Kuva Susta”

Helsinki-based trio Lala Salama embody the quiet/loud dynamic perfectly on their latest single, “Kuva Susta.” The Finnish band transition seamlessly between percolating verses and overblown choruses, channeling shoegaze greats while never losing sight of indie-pop melody and accessibility. The vocals here are ethereal and mysterious, and fit just as well in the massive, fuzzy chorus tones as they do in the beautiful, understated verses. Here’s a bit from singer Rosa Jules about where they’re coming from on “Kuva Susta:”   “‘Kuva Susta’ represents Lala Salama’s more sensitive side; it’s an emotional depiction of longing, memories of the past, and the difficulty of letting go.”   “Kuva susta” is available on all your favorite platforms. Be sure to click the bandcamp embed below, then add it to your Spotify jams.   Kuva susta by Lala Salama

Kylie Rothfield – “Old Man”

Kylie Rothfield lays it all out on the line for us on her latest ripper, “Old Man.” Written alongside queer indie alt-popper Mothé, “Old Man” is a biting attack on the sometimes nefarious motives behind dating with an age difference. Rothfield’s lyrics are ruthless but fair, and she bolsters them with plinking keyboard sounds and chunky guitar, cooking up a fantastic, simmering indie rock backbone. Rothfield herself is the shining star here – her vocals are soulful and filled with sincerity.   You can find “Old Man” on your favorite streaming service (we recommend Spotify). Preview using the YouTube embed below.  

From Harm – Arcane Pardon

Fort Worth-based act From Harm (FH) have something to say – their newest offering, Arcane Pardon, is a six-song EP full of hardcore punk that grinds out an important social message inspired by pagan hysteria. Feeling oppressed? Tired of the way the world’s being run? So is the project’s lifeblood, Jon Chapman – he uses From Harm as his vehicle to express his disappointment with the world. Expect throat-shredding screams with a yelping timbre; hard-and-fast drums pounding rhythmically in your ears; and angsty instrumentals that inspire emotions from anger, to urgency, to straight-up fear.   From the get-go, From Harm impress with their unique blend of brutality and melody. Intro track “And You Shall Receive” is only a minute long, but with a unique 11/4 (?) time signature, it’s an immediate ear-catcher. Stabs of discordant guitar leap into your eardrums with prickly, staccato melodies as another guitar smashes out a doom-inspiring[...]

Scott Clay – Aurora – Remixed

Scott Clay has been a featured artist on buffaBLOG before (see here). While you might be used to the “complex but uncomplicated” Americana that he’s been crafting over the course of his six full length releases, Clay has stepped outside of his twangy comfort zone to release something different. Clay enlisted producers Josh Richins and David Murray for a re-imagining of a song off of his 2022 LP Let It All Lay Bare, “Aurora,” which marks his first foray into electronic music with a trip-hop/downtempo approach to an ol’ classic.   Inspired by a friend, Britt Warner, and her experiences viewing the northern lights for the first time, “Aurora” came together eerily quickly, and was a fun challenge for Clay to write from the perspective of someone else. Britt also applied all the video treatment and editing for the song’s stunning visual accompaniment, captured by cinematographer Spencer Johnson. Filmed at[...]

Herbert Walker – “I’m Not Sorry”

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Phoenix-based act Herbert Walker (pronounced “Herbert Walker” as per their official bio, also, see here), but this “blue collar chamber pop” act is at it again with their latest single, “I’m Not Sorry.” The band deploys lots of their trademark jank and jaunt on this latest song – syncopated guitar/bass riffs, a haunting organ, and baritone-esque vocals that specialize in eloquent and lightly quirky lyrics. My favorite aspect of Herbert Walker’s songs is that they’re full of really cool musicianship that feels like its about to explode, but always keeps that about-to-boil-over intensity, leaving you perpetually excited to hear what’s next.   “I’m Not Sorry” is out now – check it out via the YouTube embed below, or, add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.  

Deleo – “Suppose”

Get ready for Deleo to warp your mind with the wavery indie-pop of their latest offering, “Suppose.” Tape aged mellotron is the star of the show here, pairing otherworldly string sounds with thumping bass, clashy drums, and heartbroken male/female vocal harmonies. Fans of Arcade Fire will find lots to sink their teeth into here – this could fit comfortably amid any track on Neon Bible, even though at a fleeting 1:51, it’s over before you know it.   “Suppose” is available on all the familar streaming services – or, follow the YouTube link below to check out their  

Club 8 – “ooo”

Club 8 was one of our favorite finds in 2024, including two of our favorite features of the year (see here and here). Happy to report they’re still putting out excellent indie pop tunes at an astonishing rate, and their latest single, “ooo,” may just be their finest yet. Expect the neurotic drumbeats and airy melodies you’ve come to know and love with a hint of extra urgency this time around. An ever-descending chord progression sets the scene for icy guitars leads to shine through too.   You can find “ooo” as well as Club 8’s illustrious catalog on most streaming services, including bandcamp (below), Spotify, and Apple Music.   ooo by Club 8

VIDA – “Jump In Whole”

VIDA is an explosive band from Ontario whose latest single, “Jump In Whole” had us reeling from the get go. Opening with discordant jabs of stinging guitar anger, “Jump In Whole” feels like an amalgamation of all your favorite heavy bands – think Drive Like Jehu meets Pile meets Converge. You might be surprised to hear, but “Jump in Whole” is actually a love song… Through the sour chords and throat-shredding screams, VIDA denounces the pressures of Western society on relationships – you might actually hear a message of hope:   “We’re stronger together.”   Peep “Jump In Whole” via the bandcamp embed below. VIDA is also on Spotify, if you want to check out their catalog thus far.     The Nature Of How We Live by VIDA

otsyuda – “resin”

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Toronto-based shoegazers otsyuda, but they’ve done it again with their second single, “resin.” Impossibly fuzzy guitars wallop your eardrums with unexplored ferocity, while delicate vocals soar overtop of the chunky instrumentals. Deceivingly upbeat and, dare we say, catchy, “resin” eschews the downtrodden mystery of typical shoegaze for something bombastic and energizing. With wonky guitar solos and bonkers feel changes, this one’s a real emotional roller coaster in the best way.   Check out “resin” via the Bandcamp embed below, or, add it to your favorite shoegazey Spotify jawn.   resin by otsyuda

Goodnight House – “Existence”

Goodnight House originates from Portland, Oregon, and is the musical outlet for Joel Lane. Lane creates an incredible amount of noise on his latest offering, “Existence,” a fuzzed-out romp that combines ’90s era fuzz with modern-day indie rock… Think Weezer or Pavement mixed with Speedy Ortiz or Great Grandpa. He creates a conglomerate of emotions – a dark and sardonic take on the world mixed with chunky and energizing music. His dry and wry view on current events might even bring a smile to your face, even if he’s joshing around about some heavy stuff.   Check out “Existence” via Bandcamp below, or, add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.   Existence by Goodnight House

Lucas Player – “More Than You”

Lucas Player knows the meaning of sacrifice, and his passion for his craft certainly comes through on his latest single, “More Than You.” A somber, piano-driven ballad, “More Than You” is a juxtaposition of classical influence and modern sensibilities from a former music composition student, falling more in line with bedroom-pop than your favorite symphony. Lucas claims that this song keeps him up at night and we have to admit it’s having the same effect on us – a heartfelt, heartbreaking, and haunting melody that sticks with you.   Check out “More Than You” via Spotify below.  

Holy Void – All Will Be Revealed in Time

Holy Void has one of the best band bios we’ve ever read – it’s only fitting to start out this psych-rock journey with such beautiful prose. See below:   “A psychedelic hexad emerges from the nidus that is Winnipeg, charting sonic dimensions with a fervour that captures the depth and complexity of the human psyche”   A nidus, by the way, is a place where bacteria flourish and thrive… Or the epicenter where something may develop or be fostered (yes, we had to look that up). But we digress, whether their hometown of Winnipeg is a sludge factory or the perfect petri dish, this crew has certainly spent a significant time culturing their latest offering. The album’s roots started way back during the COVID-19 pandemic – a story you’ve probably heard a thousand times by now… But their patience and persistence has paid off – they’re now sitting on a[...]

Pompeya – “Yes”

Moscow-based act Pompeya might just have the perfect, post-holiday hangover cure. Their new song, “Yes,” is a blast of tropical, poolside energy, impossibly sunny and upbeat with a bassline built to get your body moving and grooving. If you’re feeling the back-to-work grind extra hard this week, give “Yes” a whirl and feel its rejuvenating beat reverberate through your body… Our bet is you won’t be able to help but dance along.   You can check out “Yes” via Soundcloud (below), or on Pompeya’s Spotify. Pompeya · Yes