Latest Posts

The Internet – “Following the Logic”

September 17, 2020

California group the Internet (no not that one) is back with an easy going new single “Following the Logic” Since forming in 2010, the group has shifted its lineup and sound, moving away from its early shoegaze beginnings to a revised dreamlike pop vibe. Tailor-made for an end of summer playlist, the band’s first offering of new music since its 2019 album Semicolon Forward Slash is a breezy, lo-fi number that somehow finds a comfy middle ground between Ariel Pink and the Sea and Cake. Check it out below.

oddnesse – “Summer’s Almost Over”

September 17, 2020

Indie-pop artist oddnesse has delivered an appropriately titled new track “Summer’s Almost Over” just before the season turns over. The wistful number is a nice addition to the post-chillwave cannon as slinky guitar lines and warm synths give the single a soothing retro vibe.  Fans of acts like TOPS and Springtime Carnivore should all hear something that they dig in the track. “Summer’s Almost Over” is just another highlight in what has been a rather busy year for oddnesse. Keep up with the act’s output on Spotify and in the meantime, check out the single below. oddnesse · Summer’s Almost Over

Ahli – “Ghost”

September 17, 2020

New to the scene pop artist Ahli recently shared their latest single “Ghost.” The follow up to the act’s debut offering “Past Life,”  “Ghost” finds Ahli delivering a reflective number that recalls acts like Flock of Dimes, Maggie Rogers and even Regina Spektor. Fusing elements of hip hop and electro, the beat-driven track is a raw and passionate slice of dream-pop. Both singles will be featured on Ahli’s forthcoming freshman EP. Until then, give “Ghost” a spin below.

Good Kid – “Drifting”

September 16, 2020

The spirit of early 2000s indie rock is very much alive in the latest offering from Canadian act Good Kid. “Drifting,” the third single shared by the Toronto indie four-piece this year, is a bouncy slice of pop-rock that will most certainly leave you bobbing your head. The track’s super clean production makes for a welcome listen. Fans of the Strokes and Tokyo Police Club would be wise to give the track a spin. Check it out below. Good Kid · Drifting

Hoofa – “Brother”

September 16, 2020

UK indie act Hoofa continues to pump out the singles this year with the recent release of “Brother.” The bouncy, nostalgia-dripping track is a great sunny entry to summer’s final days of music. Retro melodies and a strong falsetto make the track sound like Temper Trap goes jangle-pop. After the epic crescendos of Hoofa’s early 2020 track “Alone,” the new single’s welcome change of pace shows off the band’s chameleonic flare. Check out “Brother” below. Hoofa · Brother

Ferdishenko – “Vanishing Spark”

September 16, 2020

Aukland-based experimental act Ferdishenko has shared its first slice of music with the debut single “Vanishing Spark.” With a building groove and an impending sense of dread, the hypnotic track is a fantastic blend of meticulous Krautrock beats and Radiohead’s atmospheric menace, and would not have sounded out of place on Ed O’Brien’s recent record Earth. No further releases are available from the duo but keep an ear open for upcoming tracks from this very intriguing new project. Listen to “Vanishing Spark” below. Ferdishenko · Vanishing Spark (Edit)

Ellyn Woods – “Tangerine”

September 16, 2020

Recent House of Youth signee Ellyn Woods has shared her debut track “Tangerine.” Hailing from Montreal, the dreamy singer/songwriter kicks off the woozy track with a slinky intro and wispy vocals which initially recalls fellow Canadian act Rhye. The song will eventually switch gears as synth-pop textures lift the chorus to glittery new heights. The track will be included on an upcoming EP from Woods. While no release date has been shared, you can listen to “Tangerine” below until further news surfaces. House of Youth · Ellyn Woods – Tangerine

Honor Scouts – “Subterranean Feels”

September 16, 2020

West Coast indietronic pair Honor Scouts, or hs., recently shared its radio-ready new single “Subterranean Feels.” The track, which appears to be a part of an upcoming collection of new music called Magic Realism, finds the Southern Oregon bred alt-pop outfit fusing elements of rock, dance and electro beats. Never reaching the bombastic levels it lazily could have, the subtle restraint is certainly welcome. “Subterranean Feels” genre-hops with the best of them, recalling some of alternative rock’s current heavy hitters, as well as an indie-leaning act like Local Natives. Look for the duo to soon find its way into regular radio stations. Check out the lyric video below.

14 trapdoors Shares “Love” Music Video

September 2, 2020

Offbeat hip-hop trio 14 trapdoors has shared music video for the new single “Love,” the third single from the group’s forthcoming new album Eileen. The laid-back track is complimented by heady visuals via Mi6fit and includes guest verses from DNTWATCHTV and Medusa. Comprised of local MCs Short Moscato, Bendyface and Wza, the threesome is set to drop the record on September 11th. The 10-track release features guest appearances from Bille Esco, Benny the Butcher, Che Noir and more heavy hitters from Buffalo’s hip-hop community. Check out the clip below.

Elemantra Drops Live Sessions EP

September 1, 2020

Local indie rockers Elemantra are back with their first collection of new tunes in two years with G Camp Live Sessions. Recorded and filmed last fall while camping Seneca Allegheny Territory, the 3-track EP finds the Salamanca foursome continuing to mine the early emo / post-rock / shoegaze  hybrid sound that has made them a favorite of this blog.  The group’s range – from delicate melodies to crescendoing riffs – should appeal to fans of Hum and Sunny Day Real Estate. All of the songs are accompanied by a live, river-backed clip, a nice reminder that the best season in WNY is right around the corner. The audio files can all be found on the band’s Spotify. In the mean time, watch the video for “Sun Hugs” below. G Camp Live Sessions by elemantra

Velvet Bethany Shares New Video for “She’s So Mean”

August 28, 2020

Local garage punk quartet Velvet Bethany is busy prepping for the unveiling of its latest album Abuse Paradigm. While no release date has been given, the record’s first single “She’s So Mean” dropped earlier this month and has already been given the music video treatment. The clip for the peppy surf rockin’ tune finds front person Alison Mitchell performing the song on one of Buffalo’s beautiful beaches. The video’s lo-fi quality reminds me of an old family outing to Crystal Beach my dad captured on VHS. Anyway, the track, recorded at Lockport’s Watchmen Studios, is currently available for purchase via Bandcamp while the full length should assumingly surface sometime this fall/winter. Watch the video for “She’s So Mean” below.

Moni Grace – “Jack + Rose”

August 27, 2020

Boston alt-pop singer musician Moni Grace recently shared her third studio effort, the conceptual HOW TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CONCEPT OF FORGETTING, earlier this month. The 3-track release focuses on the periods trauma, heartache and healing that follows from a failed love. The EP’s single and closing track “Jack + Rose,” a cheeky nod to Titanic‘s doomed lovers, specifically tackles PTSD related grieving process. Grace’s pop-punk influences shine on her raw take on the heartbroken singer/songwriter role. Fans of Julien Baker, Vanessa Carlton and even Saves the Day may want to give the track a shot. Give it a spin below. HOW TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CONCEPT OF FORGETTING by Moni Grace

Rust Belt Brigade Preps Upcoming Album, Shares New Single

August 27, 2020

Buffalo roots unit Rust Belt Brigade has announced the release of its forthcoming new record Howdy Hallelujah, Here’s The Thing, set to drop on September 18th. The album’s first single “Roll Call” plays heavily into the band’s bluegrass roots, once again employing local violinist Sally Schaefer to add some old timey sheen to the tune. As always, the group’s raspy vocals and foot stomping melodies highlight its rustic punk charm. Recorded at Mammoth Studios, the album finds the busking foursome embracing a more electric sound versus its normal live band studio work. Speaking of foursome, the makeup of RBB will soon change as founding member and vocalist Victor Castillo relocates the project out west to pursue future music opportunities in Colorado. In the mean time, the single is currently streaming on Bandcamp while all proceeds from track sales will be donated to Black Love Resist in the Rust. Listen to[...]

Empress Carnelian – “The Only Human in the Room”

August 26, 2020

Just a year after dropping its debut album,  Swedish alt-pop artist Empress Carnelian has returned with the Lynch-ian new single “The Only Human in the Room.” With lavish production normally uncommon for a bedroom recording,  the transportive track is dripping in nostalgia with just a hint of eeriness floating in the distance. If Twin Peaks comes back for another season, don’t be surprised to see Empress Carnelian on the Roadhouse stage. Fans of Flock of Dimes and even Orville Peck should also give the spellbinding track a shot. Listen below. Empress Carnelian · The Only Human in the Room

che bark – “SNOOZY CRUSIN'”

August 26, 2020

Chicago multi-instrumentalist and producer Jay Park recently came out of his songwriting hiatus to unveil his EP August, the debut effort from his nimble and rebranded musical persona che bark. Shifting from upbeat, dance-floor ready jams to  cuts of old school soul, the intriguing 9-track release is highlighted by smooth single “SNOOZY CRUSIN’,” a track that fans of bass maestro Thundercat may immediately gravitate towards. Park’s entire August EP can be streamed here. You can also listen to “SNOOZY CRUSIN'” below. che bark · SNOOZY CRUISIN’