Big rock n roll vibes all the way from The Netherlands here on “Belt of Orion.” Fun-filled quartet Spiny Norman takes a bunch of retro rock n’ roll vibes and pairs it with a slick, contemporary production value… Think The Dandy Warhols-meets-Arctic Monkeys. With psychedelic riffs and la-la-las aplenty, this one has plenty of soaring energy to keep you going for days. Check it out below – its also on Spotify if that’s more your thing.
Seattle’s Worse In Person know a thing or two about writing an indie rock gem – just take one listen to the jangly “Mouth Breather” for proof. This one is full of late 90s slacker rock energy with a hint of mid 00s indie rock bombast… Think Pavement-meets-Band of Horses-meets-Built to Spill. With lots of gang-vocal flavor and blue note guitar leads, this one definitely got us going. Have a listen for yourself below and see if it does the same for you… They’ve also got a Bandcamp if you prefer to listen that way.
Here’s a somber indie rocker from Boise, Idaho-based solo act Butch Wifey. Colloquially known as Chloe Ponder, she’s been crafting tunes since she was 15. We’re drawn to the longing of “Wallet” – mining forlorn feelings of loves-now-lost, it’s brought to life with squiggly guitar leads and a jangly guitar backbone. Wifey’s lilting vocals will appeal to any Phoebe Bridgers fans out there for sure. Check it out below, she’s also got a few more jams on Spotify. butch wifey · Wallet
Great energy here on “Knuckle Tattoo” by girlhouse. Driven by simple guitar licks and a pounding rhythm, this one goes down smooth upon first listen, almost like you’ve known it your whole life. With great, rhythmic lyrical delivery and chorus-drenched guitar leads, this has a wide appeal – fans of Girlpool, Hole, or even Men I Trust will all find common ground here. Check it out below, they’ve also got a Spotify. girlhouse · knuckle tattoo
Here’s a dope one from San Francisco’s Ha Vey – does “PYT” really need an introduction? Michael Jackson’s classic gets the indie-pop treatment in Ha Vey’s cover version, featuring sassy vocals, an organic-sounding drum mix, and retro-sounding instruments that honor the song’s origins. Let’s be real… You already know “PYT,” so why not give Ha Vey’s version a chance? Check out the at-home video treatment below – she’s also got a discography to check out via Spotify.
Here’s a dope jam from bedroom-pop solo-act Joe Vann. “Age” is a super gauzy jam, full of swells, vintage synth flavor, and Vann’s tasteful bedroom-appropriate falsetto. With it’s low-key energy and tasteful tape-aged flavor, this one should appeal to fans of Ariel Pink, Craft Spells, and Tame Impala. Check it out below (and on Spotify too). Joe Vann · Age
“Bitter-sweet, which is why it’s called CranMango. Bitterness of cranberries, sweetness of a mango.” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves – there’s just something endearing and heartwrenching about this dreamy jam from Florence, Alabama crew, WILLIS. Combining elements of bedroom pop, shoegaze, and a bit of dreamy jazz, “CranMango” feels soulful and heartfelt without ever dipping into melodrama. Fans of Turnover, Men I Trust, or Crumb are going to love this one… Check it out below or swing by Spotify for more WILLIS action. WILLIS · CranMango
Drens are no strangers to buffaBLOG – we previously loved the raucous surf-punk of their previous single “Heat” and the pistolero-punk of previous-previous single, “Yellow Teeth.” Lo and behold, the Dortmund-based act has struck again, this time with new single “M vs. D.” This German quartet would feel right at home on the US West Coast with bands like Wavves or even Cloud Nothings – full of jaunty surf riffage and just-the-right-amount of snottiness in their vocals, “M vs. D” will chase away your winter blues with its fiery, heartwarming energy. Check it out below or head over to Spotify for their discog. Drens · M vs. D
Digging this unique one from Miami, FL quartet, Jaialai. Upon first listen, you might think “Victor’s Belt” is a jazz standard, as it employs a distinctly jazzy bass tone… Quickly, it evolves into something a bit more in the indie rock stratosphere, with plenty of chimy guitars and hush-hush vocals. While most of Jaialai’s stuff leans dreamy and shoegaze-y, this one has a super tight jazz-tinged vibe that’s just as much Radiohead as it is Local Natives. We dig it a lot – check out the music video below… Here’s their Spotify too.
Roller Derby started earlier this year (2020) and they are already creating excellent indie pop reminiscent of genre greats like Alvvays or Men I Trust. “Flying High” is a dreamy stunner with vaguely romantic lyrics that are sure to resonate with any forlorn heart. There’s something timeless about Roller Derby’s sound – it could sit as comfortably on a shelf next to The Cure as it would next to the latest Angel Olson release. See what we mean via Soundcloud below – they’re also on Spotify. Roller Derby · Flying High
Loving this live session from 17-year-old wunderkind Alfie Templeman. The young Bedfordshire native caught our ears with the springy, nu-disco-tinged “Wait, I Lied.” The professional video shoot helps for sure, but there’s just something captivating about Alfie himself. His music is all self-written and self produced… Best heard for yourself. Check out the live sesh below – you won’t regret it. You can also peep his recording on Spotify if that’s more your thing.
Last time we checked in with trans-continental duo Walboom, we were jamming out to their excellent indie-popper “Vultures.” The Canadian (Andrew Shier) and the Australian (Rhys Lintern) have done it again, this time with the hazy alt rock of “Young Love.” Starting out with some irresistible ba-ba-bas, “Young Love” is full of rolling tom beats, noodly guitar flourishes, and lovelorn lyrics. COVID may have forced this talented duo apart… But at least it’s not affecting their affinity for writing amazing indie rock. You can check out “Young Love” below via Soundcloud, or feel free to enjoy it via Spotify. Walboom · Walboom – Young Love
Digging this heartfelt indie rocker from Austrian quartet My Ugly Clementine. “I’m Boring” is a waltz, which gives it a dreamy and hypnotic feel… But a surprising amount of its appeal comes from the heartfelt, self-deprecating lyrical content (featuring the perfect amount of f-bombs). This Vienna-based crew explores themes of miscommunication and disillusionment through a dreamy, but visceral guitar-based sound reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers, Haim, or Mazzy Star. Check out the video below – they’re also on Spotify.
Crystal Canyon are here to take you on a shoegaze journey; we couldn’t help but be mesmerized by their latest offering, “Every Little Star.” At 7+ minutes, this one is definitely a commitment… But it’s certainly worth it. This Maine-based act stuffed this one full of an amazing juxtaposition of guitar jangle and wall-of-sound fuzz, plus a pleasantly ghostly vocal track. All in all, this one will appeal to fans of My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Pity Sex for sure. Check it out via their Bandcamp below or through their Spotify here. yours with affection and sorrow by Crystal Canyon
Digging this fun indie rocker from San Francisco act Faux Canada. Inspired by the early 00s indie rock scene (think Metric, Arcade Fire, etc.), “Glass Is a Mirror” is a bouncy blast of staccato guitars, thumping bass rhythms, and dreamy vocals. Fun fact: this one was composed 100% remotely (thanks COVID). It’s a fun, dreamy jam that we’ve been going back to over and over – check it out via Bandcamp below, it’s also on Spotify if that’s more your thing. Glass Is a Mirror by Faux Canada