Latest Posts

Borito – “Song for Dawn”

February 12, 2021

We’re loving the squiggly, swimmy indie pop from Tel Aviv-based duo Borito. They aim to bring you back to simpler times with their music, think, “summer vacation… bringing back innocence, the freedom of loving, living and creating without the obligations and disappointments of adulthood.” We think they nailed it on “Song for Dawn,” which is full of sunny vibes, plucky guitars, and lovestruck lyrics. Check it out below… And then swing by Spotify to add it to your playlist.

balloon maker – “m.boy”

February 12, 2021

Here’s one that goes down real smooth from Swedish quartet balloon maker. Their latest single “m.boy” is a chimey and jangly tune with arpeggiating guitars, airy synths, and a metronome-esque acoustic guitar strum. Reminiscent of the ultra-pleasant, mid-aughts output of Death Cab for Cutie or The Shins, this Göteborg-based quartet “offers a comforting fiction in a mundane reality“(their words, not ours, but we can’t help but agree). This one is sure to put you in a good mood – check it out below, it’s also on Spotify. balloon maker · m.boy

Whiner – “Dog”

February 9, 2021

New Jersey act Whiner caught our ears with the shimmery, almost-uncategorizable indie rock of “Dog.” Is it pop? Is it experimental? Yeah, it’s a little bit of everything (there’s even a hint of shoegazy 90s flavor) and it really works for this particular quintet. Fun fact: you might recognize singer Cameron J. Castan from his stint in previous buffaBLOG mainstays Slowshine. About “Dog,” Whiner says: “Dog is about that nostalgic melancholy feeling when you smell a certain kind of perfume or find a box of old Polaroid photos in your room when cleaning. Your heart aches for that moment.” This one is truly soaking in sincere, heart-on-your-sleeve sentiment with an amazing instrumental behind it. Check it out below – it’s also on Spotify. Whiner · Dog

Juniper – “Daydream (Brake Lights)”

February 9, 2021

We think you’re gonna love the smooth indie R&B of young Boston trio Juniper. Fresh out of college (they’re collectively 21 years of age), they’re relative newcomers to the scene but craft carefully-nuanced indie-pop with strong jazz and bedroom-pop influences. There’s obviously some delightfully noodly guitar here, but beyond that, “Dayream” is full of tasteful keyboards and a super-tight drum groove that’s sure to get you feeling smoothed-out. Check it out below, it’s also on Spotify. Juniper · Daydream (brake lights)

Bad Western – “Sun In Yr Eyes”

February 9, 2021

Always love getting some good jams from our Canadian neighbors – Bad Western is a Toronto quartet who’ve just released a new single called “Sun In Yr Eyes.” It’s a sunny, heart-on-your-sleeve song with lots of quirky lyrics and fun, jangly guitars. Reminiscent of indie rockers like Tokyo Police Club or Hollerado with the emo sentiment of bands like Modern Baseball,  “Sun In Yr Eyes” is a feel-good indie pop tune that reminds you to cherish the people in your life that make you feel good. Oh yeah, and it’s ruthlessly catchy. Check it out below or on Spotify. Bad Western · Sun In Yr Eyes

Dark Hedges – “Cassie”

February 9, 2021

Dark Hedges is a Gainesville, FL-based rock band whose “Cassie” has been on repeat at the buffaBLOG offices as of late. On first listen, this might remind you of early-Weezer or Foo Fighters (which is good on it’s own), but an added treat comes in the form of the vocals. “Cassie” is full of a borderline-slurred swagger that truly separates DH from their alt-rock contemporaries. It’s infectious and ascendant – just how we like to consume a healthy dose of rock n roll. Check it out below – they’re also on Spotify. Dark Hedges · Cassie

JUICYPEAR – “Keep Your Love On”

February 8, 2021

SoCal married duo JUICYPEAR specialize in nu-disco-flavored electropop – the kind of stuff that makes you just feel better. Their latest jam “Keep Your Love On” is the perfect kind of pick-me-up song – the lovebirds sing about the need for open and honest communication within the context of a relationship. It’s done so over bassy, reverb-drenched synths and guitar plunks… With just enough mystery to ward off that sunshine-soaked, happy-go-lucky vibe. We think “Love” has some omni-appeal potential. Check it out below – here’s a link to find it on your favorite streaming service as well.

Dreams on Tape – “Tonight”

February 5, 2021

Dreams on Tape is an experimental bedroom-pop project from Miami. DoT is actually the moniker for Jake Benfant, who has been writing and recording tunes in the safety of his apartment. “Tonight” sounds vintage and contemporary all at once – far-off vocals pair nicely with plunky guitar strumming and hazy synth pads. This one is dreamy, nostalgic, and relaxing, but could also function as a late-night car ride anthem. Check it out below, DoT is also on Spotify. Dreams on Tape · Tonight

Thala – “takemeanywhere”

February 5, 2021

Here’s a beautiful, airy slice of synthpop all the way from Germany – Thala‘s “Takemeanywhere” has a retro 80s-pop sound (think Cyndi Lauper or Madonna) mixed expertly with 2021-era dream-pop vibes. Her voice is padded with soft reverb for a sincere and hypnotic delivery – perfect for her cloudy and dreamy aesthetic. You can listen to “Takemyeanywhere” on Bandcamp below or find it on Spotify if that’s more your thing. Takemeanywhere by THALA

Benedikt – “Head on a Spike”

February 5, 2021

Benedikt is a nine-piece (!) indie folk act from Norway – we’ve found ourselves particularly drawn to their newest offering, “Head on a Spike.” The baroque-tinged folk tune is padded with subtle strings and guitars, reminiscent of the music of Elliott Smith or Sufjan Stevens. The warm, vintage-sounding mix and breathy vocals are juxtaposed nicely against the otherwise morbid lyrics. This is a must-listen, check it out below or swing by their Spotify. Benedikt · Head on a Spike

Azure Wolf – “Honey Rush”

February 5, 2021

Check out this cool indie rocker from Virginia-based quartet Azure Wolf. “Honey Rush” plays with a quiet/loud formula – its verses are full of dream-pop guitars and a funky bassline, whereas its choruses take a bit more of an aggressive approach. They’re layered thick with distorted guitars, but it’s where the powerful vocals from frontwoman Victoria Backle really take the spotlight. Check it out below – it’s also on Spotify. Azure Wolf by Azure Wolf

LUXXURY – “Don’t Give Up (I Believe in You)”

February 3, 2021

LA-based LUXXURY wowed us with the great energy of this absolute dancefloor banger  – “Don’t Give Up (I Believe in You)” is a raw and funky nu-disco jam the vein of Daft Punk or Justice. Lyrically simple, this one is optimistic without being too sunshine-and-rainbows… The vocals read more like a mantra to have a good time, which is perfect for an undeniably groovy song like this. Beyond that, a huge bassline and flashy, retro Rhodes tone give this one a timeless vibe. Check it out below, LUXXURY is also on Spotify. LUXXURY · Dont Give Up (I Believe in You)L

Mothica – “forever fifteen”

February 2, 2021

Oklahoma City’s MOTHICA has just released a new single – a powerful, indie-meets-electropop song called “forever fifteen.” Mothica, also known as McKenzie Ellis, is commemorating the 10-year-anniversary of her suicide attempt with “fifteen.” After an adolescence marked by both affliction and growth, Mothica began channeling her pain into music… Here on “fifteen,” Ellis explores themes of suicide, mental health, and sexual abuse. It’s done over somber strums of bass guitar and a subtle drumbeat that encapsulates the anguish of Ellis’ lyrics perfectly. Check it out below or check out her Spotify. MOTHICA · forever fifteen

Chad VanGaalen – “Samurai Sword”

February 1, 2021

Here’s a fun one from Sub Pop solo act Chad VanGaalen – “Samurai Sword” is a folksy strut about, of all things… Losing your good friend’s samurai sword. There’s something pleasantly strange about a Calgary-based folk artist writing a twangy song about an ancient Japanese weapon. Our favorite part? The clangy, pots-n-pans percussion. Check out the quirky, Adult-Swim-esque music video below.

Phaeic – “Feeble Man”

February 1, 2021

Here’s a dark and grungy jam from LA-based trio Phaeic. “Feeble Man” simmers with bubbling energies – it’s fleshed out with fuzzed-out bass presence, jangly guitar angularity, and a powerful vocal delivery soaked in emotion. Simple and digestible without sacrificing any of its poignancy, fans of Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, or Manchester Orchestra are gonna dig this one a lot. Check it out below – “Feeble Man” is on Spotify too. Phaeic · Feeble Man