Here’s a swimmy bedroom-pop collab between Freak Slug (UK) and niquo (Denmark). “Care” sees the latter contributing a woozy, chorus-laden jam to the table while the former’s smooth vocal stylings take this one to the next level. Dreamy, atmospheric, and most importantly, cool, this one is sure to appeal to fans of Mac Demarco, Slowdive, or even Alvvays. Check it out below – if you dig it, these two can also be found on Spotify. Nice Guys · Freak Slug & niquo – Care
EMÆL are tough to categorize, so we’ll settle with just calling them “great.” Their latest jam, “3/4 In” is synthy without diving into 80s camp, but doesn’t need a guitar backbone to achieve that organic, indie-rock feel. Their left-of center categorization will appeal to fans of Yeasayer, M83, or Radiohead – check out the video below or swing by their Spotify for extra goodness.
F.N. is wearing his heart on his sleeve on his latest jam, “IHYN.” Short for “I hate you now,” this one examines how profound it is to go from loving someone to totally despising them. It’s all performed over a super smooth indie-pop jam, full of somber guitar chords and nimble basslines. This one goes out to all the recently-broken-up with – check out the lyric video below or swing by Spotify to add it to your playlist.
Here’s a slice of grungy greatness from the wunderkinds in Milly. “Star Thistle Blossom” brings to mind grunge greats like Smashing Pumpkins or Hum with a more contemporary twist a la Superheaven or Citizen. “Star Thistle Blossom” is exactly what you’d expect from this ever-evolving crew – forlorn vocals croon overtop fuzzed-out grunge guitars and huge drums. Check it out below, or peep the YouTube video here. Dangerbird Records · Milly – Star Thistle Blossom
We think you’re gonna like this one from Geiz – the relatively mysterious act astounded us with the powerful electronica sounds of “Wasted Days.” Full of arpeggiated synths, nimble guitar theatrics, and an absolutely unique vocal delivery, “Wasted Days” could sit comfortably on a shelf next to Porches, The Prodigy, or M83. Let this unique one captivate you the way it did us – check it out below or on Spotify.
There’s nothing like a wall of dream pop, shoegaze and psychedelia to get you going… That’s UK act Juliper Sky’s m.o… About their sound, they say: “… [we] seek to evoke different themes of escapism through grandiose soundscapes, pulsating rhythms and escapist lyrics intertwined with a wall of shimmering synths and guitars.” Well said! One listen to the galactic sound of “Into the Outer Light” will explain exactly what they mean; taking the atmospheric vibes of Slowdive and giving it an injection of energy, “Outer Light” will appeal to fans of shoegaze and radio-ready indie rock alike. Be sure to stick around for the ultra-epic ending. Check it out below via Bandcamp – they also have a Spotify. Into the Outer Light by Juliper Sky
Loving this jangly one from Denmark’s Kindsight. With it’s prominent, driven bassline and lilting vocal presence, “Terminal Daze” brings to mind indie pop royalty like Alvvays or The Pains of Being Pure At Heart. Just when you think the verses are ultra-catchy, Kindsight outdo themselves with a monster falsetto hook in the choruses. The result is something pretty, fun, and upbeat – sure to put a smile on your face. Check it out below via Soundcloud – it’s also on Spotify. Rama Lama Records · Kindsight – Terminal Daze
TANDM is a Toronto-based Indie Pop duo, consisting of Thomas Franklin and Maxine Beck-Sinderby. We’ve been digging their latest single, the ear-wormy indie rocking “Earthworm.” The Toronto-duo have a knack for intimate indie pop, padded just enough with a fuzzy bass drive, simmering drum intensity, and twinkly sparkles of guitar. Be sure to stick around for the guitar solo – Check it out below; here it is on Spotify too. TANDM · Earthworm (2020 Remastered)
You should all be familiar with Magdalena Bay by now – the buffaBLOG staff is absolutely enthralled by them. The Magbae duo have done it yet again with their latest song, “Hideaway” – an airy and uplifting electronica jam with all the MB calling-cards… In-the-aether synths, a light drumbeat, and a thoroughly warbly atmosphere have propelled this one right into our hearts. Give Hideaway a jam below – they’ve also got a substantial Spotify presence. MAGDALENA BAY · Hideaway
The artists behind Babeheaven, Nancy Andersen and Jamie Travis, have a creative partnership that has evolved over the years… The long-term friends certainly have a powerful camaraderie that extends into their musical endeavor – evident on their latest offering, “Craziest Thing.” This one is vaguely haunting and completely enthralling; we think fans of Crumb, Men I Trust, or TOPS are gonna love this one. Check it out below – they also have an impressive offering via Spotify.
Swiss Portrait here with a frantic and swimmy dream-pop song called “Find My Way.” We can’t help but love the simplicity of the lush, chorus-laden guitar riffs here – it’s also tied together with an urgent drum beat that sounds as neurotic as it does applicable. Swiss Portrait’s omni-pleasant vocals are another highlight here, bolstered visually by the serenity of the song’s mid-woods music video treatment. Enjoy the vid below, and if you enjoy this one as much as we do, add it to Spotify.
Check out this post-apocalyptic jam from LA-act yellowbirddd. “Counting Down The Seconds Til The End of The World (With The One I Love)” is a fuzzed-out bedroom-pop jam full of big melodies and male/female harmonies. With a bonafide guitar solo, organ flourishes, and a lovely lo-fi mix, there’s enough here to keep just about any indie rock fan captivated. Check it out below first – here’s a bunch of listening options once you decide to add it to your playlist. yellowbirddd · Counting Down The Seconds Til The End Of The World (With The One I Love)
Portland act Floating Room (AKA multi-disciplinary artist Maya Stoner) has us vibing hard on their latest offering, “Warm Death (HIFI).” At nearly five mins in length, “Death” certainly sticks around to deliver its message – woozy guitars and sleepy vocals trudge along at a despondent, but oddly comforting pace. Though this has the heart and sentiment of bedroom-pop, it’s truly excellently produced. Fans of Great Grandpa, Palehound, or Deerhunter will dig this one a lot. If you enjoy “Warm Death (HIFI)” as much as we do, keep an eye out for Floating Room’s upcoming EP, Tired and True, due out October 30th. Tired and True by Floating Room
UK act MOY are sure to blow out your eardrums with the bombastic, guitar-driven vibes of “At My Door.” This one brings to mind the fuzzy melodies of the Smashing Pumpkins with the quiet-loud verse/chorus structures of Pixies… All wrapped in a modern indie-rock package. Full of ear-catching vocal melodies, “At My Door” is a dead ringer for any enjoyer of modern indie rock. MOY has also released a uniquely animated music video for “Door,” which you can check out below. It’s also available on Spotify.
Brooklyn quartet Hypoluxo have been through the ringer in the music biz… The fact that they’ve made it out still-standing is testament to their strength as a band. We think one listen to their latest offering, “Nimbus,” will confirm that for you. Beyond a nod as one of Stereogum’s top 5 songs of the week, “Nimbus” is a crushing post-punk jam full of start-stop guitar-based energy and impassioned vocals. Check out the vintage VHS vibes of their music video below, or if Spotify is more your speed, check it out there.