Latest Posts

Hearts Hearts – “The Fan (feat. OSKA)”

Here’s an infectious indie popper from Austrian quartet Hearts Hearts and their collab partner OSKA. “The Fan” has a distinctly island-y vibe, perfect for poolside jamming or feel-good get-togethers… But since most of us are trapped inside by snow (and/or socially isolated) right now, rocking out unabashedly to “The Fan” is the next best option! Check out the video below – it’s a colorful, vintage-flavored affair that perfectly matches the song’s happy aesthetic.

Kelly McMichael – “Out The Window”

We like this quirky indie-popper from Canadian singer/songwriter Kelly McMichael. “Out the Window” has enough blips and bloops to bring to mind 80s staples like Cyndi Lauper or The Cars, but bubbles with enough early aughts indie rock energy to please nuanced millennial ears. The video finds Kelly & co. having a good time romping around their homes and playing a show on stage (RIP shows)… Check it out below or via Bandcamp if that’s more your thing.

Causeway Youth – “Small Talk”

Singapore-based duo Causeway Youth recently jangled their way into our hearts with the dreamy indie pop of “Small Talk.” Their particular brand of emo-tinged dream-pop brings to mind Turnover or Real Estate – with a sunny guitar delivery, vaguely romantic lyrics about awkward small talk, unique chord progressions, and a sincere vocal delivery, this one feels timeless while also appealing to fans of the mid-aughts indie/emo scene. Give these two a listen via Bandcamp below, or Spotify if that’s more your thing. Small Talk by Causeway Youth

Kowloon – “Late Last Night”

Ultra-chill, LA-based singer/songwriter Kowloon is no stranger to buffaBLOG – we’ve previously featured his low-key, soundtrack-to-a-nighttime-drive tune “Come Over.” He’s back with another trademark jam, also respectfully understated, called “Late Last Night.” Pairing nu-disco guitar bleats with a super-tasteful, simmering instrumental, “Late Last Night” feels like it would be as great relaxing beachside as it would for a romantic night in. Don’t sleep on Kowloon – check it out below via Soundcloud or at Spotify via the provided link. Kowloon · Late Last Night

Ian Deaton – “An Immoral Brain”

Atlanta-based musician/film-composer Ian Deaton is here with the frantic 80s electropunk of “An Immoral Brain.” Sounding like the offspring of The Misfits, Atom and his Package, and 1980s post-punk, “Immoral Brain” pairs high-octane keyboard bleats with a blistering Casio drumbeat and Deaton’s deranged-but-restrained lyrics: “I’m a serial killer/but I’m never gonna hurt anyone/I don’t want you to die.” This quirky jam really gets our blood pumping – check it out below or at Ian’s Bandcamp page. Ian Deaton · An Immoral Brain (off the upcoming cassette Moon Howler)

Sunroot x Darkwater and Stars – “Ur Face ‘der”

Digging this emotional and cathartic collab between Sunroot and Darkwater and Stars – “Ur Face ‘der” reminds us of early Modest Mouse mixed with elements of modern dream pop and electronica. Sunroot is otherwise known as Mark Richardson, a Houston-based songwriter who has previously played with Daniel Johnston. This collab also features Melissa Shawn Griffin (Darkwater and Stars) – together, they’ve crafted something unique, mysterious, and surprisingly catchy. “Ur Face” defies categorization, it’s best to listen for yourself – check it out below or on Spotify. Sunroot · Ur Face ‘der

Echo Frame – “Red Carpet”

Here’s a dope indie rocker from Echo Frame. The Vancouver-based solo act embodies a very 2021 sound on this latest jam while still nodding toward the garage rock of the early aughts (think The Strokes, etc.). A driving bass line, echo-y guitar splashes, and reverbed-out post-punky vocals move this one forward. We think you’re gonna like this a lot – check it out below via YouTube before swinging by Spotify.

Toby Whyle – “Quiet the Silence”

Singer/songwriter Toby Whyle is here with the powerfully cathartic indie-pop of “Quiet the Silence.” The Austrian songsmith has been writing songs for over a decade, and his well-earned finesse is quite evident here on “Silence.” Snappy drums, immaculate production, and tasteful synth flourishes help to push this one forward, fleshed out with heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics like: “We just talk to quiet the science/Is there nothing left to say?/We just talk to ease our conscience/I might as well just sleep” This one certainly struck a chord with us, pun intended. Check it out below, Toby is also on Spotify. Toby Whyle · Quiet the Silence

Death From Above 1979 – “One + One”

Death From Above 1979 need no introduction… 2004’s You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine is/was an iconic slice of fuzz-dance glory – they also successfully launched a triumphant return in the early 2010s and have been crafting electric dance-punk ever since. Their latest offering, “One + One” continues that successful formula – speaker shredding-bass thunder and ultra-tight drums come together in this video that pairs their sweaty nightclub energy with… Cows and four wheelers? It’s a strange juxtaposition, but this video somehow feels as DFA1979 as ever. We dig this one a lot – watch the vid below before swinging by their Spotify.

Sarah Cicero – “Letter to the Editor”

Brooklyn’s Sarah Cicero recently released a fun. indie-pop kiss-off to overrated height. Here in “Letter to the Editor,” Sarah sings, “The only thing I liked at all/was that you were over six feet tall/but you’re done making me feel small/so please don’t call” Beyond eloquently telling a 6′ monstrosity to buzz off, Sarah’s music embodies that sad-and-lonely twenty-something energy… But does it with phat bass tone, melodic hooks, and most importantly, sincerity. “Letter to the Editor” is available pretty much everywhere – check them all out here.

Tiger Darrow – “MRNG BRTH”

“MRNG BRTH” is an unconventional pop jam… But that’s exactly why we’re digging it so much. NYC-based singer/songwriter Tiger Darrow has packed her new song full of traditional instruments (think string plucks and violin strums) and pairs it with blippy, Postal-Service-esque electronic flavor. Perhaps it’s no surprise – Tiger started her career as a classical cellist… But it’s still an eclectic slice of pop flavor that truly stands out in a crowded field. This is a must-listen, especially for fans of Billie Eilish or Lorde. Check it out below via Soundcloud. If you like it, Tiger is also on Spotify. Tiger Darrow · MRNG BRTH

Phantom Handshakes – “No Better Plan”

Phantom Handshakes is a Brooklyn-based collab between Matt Sklar (Exiles) and Federica Tassano (Sooner, Mônetre). Their latest offering, Be Estranged, houses seven lo-fi, bedroom-pop with lots of dreamy pop sentiment. We’re particularly drawn to the swimmy, post-punk flavor of “No Better Plan.” With it’s plunky, watery guitar lines and earworm na-na-nas, “Plan” will scratch your itch for indie clout AND infectious melodies. Check it out below, they’re on Spotify too. Phantom Handshakes · No Better Plan

HEARTS APART – “Waste Time”

Here’s a fun, pop-punky banger all the way from Vicenza, Italy – HEARTS APART caught our ears with the refreshingly simple rock flavor of “Waste Time.” Bringing to mind punk-ish bands like The Menzingers or Alkaline Trio, “Time” (mostly) bounces between two different notes with an urgency that perfectly reflects the lyrical content. There’s no use wasting time being sad… And for that matter, it’s near-impossible to be sad while you’re listening to this. We think you’re gonna like this one – check it out via Bandcamp below or give them some support on Spotify. Waste Time by HEARTS APART

Lo Talker – “Don’t Hide That Light Pt.II”

Athens, GA-based Lo Talker are here with a brand new single called “Don’t Hide That Light Pt.II.” It’s an upbeat indielectro tune with a jittery drumbeat and a prominent bassline, all emphasized by squiggly synth presence and ultra-pleasant vocals. The band say “Light” is, “a study in optimism at a time when optimism can be hard to come by…” We can’t help but agree. Fans of Stars, Broken Social Scene, or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! are gonna dig this one a lot. Check it out below or on Spotify.

T-Shirt Dream Party – “Pigs”

Manchester quartet T-Shirt Dream Party are back after a long hiatus… They’ve re-introduced themselves with the fantastically shimmery “Pigs,” a dreamy lo-fi rock jam that we can’t help but love. “Pigs” is fleshed out with jangly, spaced-out guitars and heady bass runs… But perhaps most notable here is the soul-crushing falsetto vocal delivery. We think fans of Pink Floyd, DIIV, and even Turnover will all find something to love about “Pigs.” Check it out below or on Spotify. T-Shirt Dream Party · Pigs