Latest Posts

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’

Bikini Trill – “Dead Friends”

August 26, 2020

Los Angeles surf-pop trio Bikini Trill has spent the better part of the year dropping single after single after having announced that 10 new tracks would be shared before the calendar turns. Whereas some of group’s new singles have been laced with electronics and dub beats, the three-piece goes for straight forward catchiness and layered harmonies on “Dead Friends,” the band’s sixth new track of the year. The sugary sweet tune would not sound out of place on a Springtime Carnivore album. Fans of the Dum Dum Girls, Santigold and Local Natives should all hear something they like in “Dead Friends.” Give it a spin below. Bikini Trill · Dead Friends

Orchid Mantis – “within and apart”

August 26, 2020

Experimental Atlanta act Orchid Mantis, the solo project of musician Thomas Howard, has followed up its ambient spring-released compositions on midi and tape with a slice of dream-pop that feels perfect for summer’s weary final weeks. Set to be included on a forthcoming release later this year, the fantastic “within and apart” is a languid track about breaking up and moving on. Dreamy undercurrents and jangly melodies add a sense of longing and nostalgia that fans of DIIV, Beach Fossils and Wild Nothing should eat right up. Keep an eye out for a proper LP by the year’s end, and in the mean time, stream “within and apart” below. orchid mantis · within and apart

Lawn – Summertime”

August 26, 2020

New Orleans art-punk act Lawn is reading the release of its sophomore outing Johnny, set to drop on September 4th. The 90’s influenced recordings, featuring splashes of post-punk and hook-heavy college rock, are headlined by the bouncy new single “Summertime.” The jagged and timely art-rocker details an unfortunate racist encounter Venezuelan-born singer Rui DeMagalhaes experienced as a service in NOLA. Fans of Ava Luna, Art Brut and the Feelies should. Watch the video for “Summertime” below.

The Hails – “Heartbeat”

August 26, 2020

Gainesville, FL band the Hails continues to push its eclectic debut EP “He Seems Upset” with the funky new single “Heartbeat.” Shared on the August 25th, the 8-track offering is a bouncy collection of soulful alt-pop. The band names Frank Ocean as a major inspiration for the freshman collection, but this writer also hears a fair share of Rhye’s sultry R&B in the peppy new single. “Heartbeat” is a great gateway into the Hails confident blend of soulful indie pop. Give it a spin below. The Hails · Heartbeat

Jimkata – “Wait for You”

August 26, 2020

Following a near three year break, the Ithaca-bred trio (and local favorites) Jimkata has returned with its first batch of new music in four years. After sharing the single “Wanna Go” back in July, the now Los Angeles-based act has dropped another slice of ear candy in the track “Wait for You.” The vibrant and energetic song, led by a catchy hook that is a trademark of the electro-rock band, is accompanied by an equally impressive animated video. No word on whether the new singles will be a part of an upcoming release. Until then, watch the clip for “Wait for You” below.

Naked Giants – “Turns Blue”

August 26, 2020

Seattle rock outfit Naked Giants shared its second full length offering this month with The Shadows. If released a couple decades ago, the grunge-indebted collection of post-punk would have been a perfect addition to band’s hometown label Sub Pop. The album’s blissful lead single “Turns Blue” begins as contemplative head nodder until an arena-made riff lifts the track right into the rafters for its reverb heavy conclusion. Fans of the Horrors, Slowdive and the Smiths would all enjoy the band’s latest offering. In the mean time, check out the hypnotic clip for “Turns Blue” below.

dad sports – “name & place”

August 26, 2020

Ottawa indie outfit dad sports recently signed with Grand Jury Music following a catchy run of singles shared this spring, and to commemorate the team up, the trio shared the video for dreamy “name & place.” The easy-going track of hazy jangle-pop should immediately grab the attention of fans of Day Wave and the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, acts that seem to tap into the innocent nostalgia that dad sports does so well. The coming-of-age clip certainly owes some inspiration to John Hughes. Check it out below.

Josh Taffel – “No Cure”

August 21, 2020

To Kill A King member Josh Taffel dropped his debut solo EP Shimmer this week. Written and recorded in the British artist’s kitchen during lockdown, the soulful folk tracks are filled with breezy melodies and laid back vocals that manages to bridge the lo-fi gap between Sufjan Stevens and Mac DeMarco. An airy ambience floats throughout the release, creating a pleasant dream-pop listen. The 4-track’s closing number, the groovy “No Cure,” is a good place to start, capping off a pleasant collection of dream-pop. Check it out here.    

dr. p – “ravers”

August 21, 2020

Collaborative Canadian pair dr. p shared its oddly intriguing debut collection “alter egos” earlier this month. Comprised of Toronto poet Paul Bali and Montreal producer Geoff Pye, the duo’s blend of spoken word singing over low-fi beats and instrumentations give the record shades of slacker rock era Beck. The off-kilter numbers also have shades Eels and even Serge Gainsbourg. “ravers” is a good starting point if that mixture of artists caught your attention. Spin below. alter egos by dr.p

JWestern – “Call You Right Now”

August 21, 2020

Leeds artist JWestern has shared a smooth cut of alt-pop earlier this week with the new single “Call You Right Now.” The slinky bedroom number, the debut track from the young musician, is laced with influences of soul, R&B and hip-hop. Fans of Rex Orange Country and Yellow Days would be wise to give the track a spin. Keep an eye out for future releases from the promising talent, and in the mean time, stream “Call You Right Now” below. JWestern · Call You Right Now