New Music

Sonic Løland – “Up To You”

The fizzy bop “Up To You” by Sonic Løland sounds like a musical merry go round. Hailing all the way from Oslo Norway, Sonic Løland sent soundwaves across the Atlantic Ocean, and boy did they hit us hard. Sounding something like the next Jack Johnson with a psychedelic twist, Sonic Løland is gearing up for the release of his debut album. About the song, Sonic Løland says, “Soon after I bought my first piano and moving it into my small apartment in downtown Oslo, I came up with the idea for the piano part which forms the basis of the song. It is also the piano recording from the living room this particular day we hear in the final version.” Some wholesome words from Sonic Løland. Check it out on Spotify too. Sonic Løland · Up To You

Skinny Dippers – “Wedding Ring”

Brooklyn-based band Skinny Dippers‘ most recent single, “Wedding Ring,” bears a smoothly satisfying build-up, especially considering how soft it starts and how hard it crescendos. The lyrics “can’t say I love you so I’m looking for a synonym” hit the ear with such a charismatic breathy tone, they stay there with the same permanence as an actual engagement ring. The song was notably produced by buffaBLOG featured artist TOLEDO, whose trademark warm-and-comforting brand of indie rock is on full display here. The story being told entails a steamy love affair gone wrong and is told like it’s coming from a script. “Wedding Ring” hit the public February 11th, 2022 and I think it will stay here a while. Check it out below via Bandcamp or on Spotify: Wedding Ring by Skinny Dippers

Loose Buttons – “What’s On Outside”

Conquering a cold concept with style, the New York four-piece band known as Loose Buttons brought the title track of their sophomore album What’s On Outside to the big screen. The five-minute motion picture shows Loose Buttons righteously performing their unique guitar-pop in their natural habitat. “What’s On Outside” speaks to those who have lost something or someone and struggled to save themselves, which I think is a lot of us. Loose Buttons provide that second half missing from your glass whether it’s half full or empty. This isn’t the first time we’ve dug a Loose Buttons song either – check out “First to Know, Last to Understand” too. Check it out on YouTube below:

Fletcher Gull – “HAPPYSADSONG”

If you’re sad, fear not; Fletcher Gull is the first artist in history to simply slap the word “happy” in front of “sad” and see results. Well, it wasn’t that easy, he converted that concept into a song titled “HAPPYSADSONG” and it sincerely brought a smile to my face. The song’s actual meaning is about feeling gloomy with these intermittent flares of optimism, promise, and a bittersweet love for life. I highly recommend watching the music video to visually see the familiar feeling inside all of us. Besides, the truly captivating aspect of Australian singer-songwriter Fletcher Gull is how unapologetically expressive he is behind the mic and evidently in front of the camera Check it out below via Soundcloud – it’s also on Spotify and Apple Music. Fletcher Gull · HAPPYSADSONG

Georgia Harmer – “All In My Mind”

Similarly to the cover art of “All In My Mind,” Georgia Harmer floats on the lush licks laid down on the guitar. The Toronto-based singer-songwriter broke free from all forms physical on her most recent EP “All In My Mind,” released by Arts & Crafts Productions. Her voice is the vehicle of each song, with a velocity ranging from a monarch butterfly to a tidal wave crashing ashore. The intro/title track off the EP is undoubtedly the most energy Georgia Harmer has gifted the public up to date, so make haste and get a taste. Preview “All In My Mind” via Soundcloud below – you can find it on Spotify and Apple Music too. Georgia Harmer · All In My Mind

Bottler – “You’re Old”

The truth is, Bottler got started before they put together electronic symphonies out of Brooklyn… Bottler really got started with Legos and lightsabers, and you can certainly hear it in their music, which brings whimsical soundwaves to life. I’d be lying if I said their latest single “You’re Old” didn’t make me spin around in my swivel chair three or four times while typing this. However, don’t let the deep concept of “You’re Old” fly over your head, the lyrics of the hook sing “You’re old, you’re gonna die” in the back of a bubbly electro-disco track to make you feel as if you’re dancing in purgatory. Perhaps it’s only right that such a dark message would be relayed by Bottler in some way you could vibe out to. Check out the video for “You’re Old” below – you can also find it on Spotify and Apple Music.

SUPERFLUSH – “Yoga”

We think California-based act SUPERFLUSH nailed it on the slacker-pop vibes of “Yoga.” The shiny production and gauzy synths paint a picture of an affluent, Californian life, juxtaposed perfectly against the glassy-eyed vocal delivery about… Well, just not really caring. Right off the bat, some of the lyrics include: “I’m not gonna do this, I don’t give a fuck about your yoga class… I just want to sit alone, throw away my cell phone…” Relatable. You can find “Yoga” on Soundcloud (below) – you can also find it on Apple Music and Spotify. SUPERFLUSH · Yoga

Le Big Zero – “Beach Séance”

Right off the bat, you’ll notice there’s nothing else quite like “Beach Séance” from Brooklyn-based trio Le Big Zero. Sure, the guitars bring to mind raucous acts like Pile or Meat Wave, but LBZ specialize in sunny harmonies and a surprisingly pop-minded approach to their otherwise discordant compositions. This song is janky and angular at times, but feels sunny and warm at others… Truly a listening experience you’ll need to have for yourself. “Beach” is out now via Know Hope Records. You can preview “Beach Séance” via YouTube below, but if you like it, be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist for future listening.

Scrounge – “This Summer’s Been Lethal”

South London duo(!) Scrounge pump out an incredible amount of energy for a two-piece act – “This Summer’s Been Lethal” caught our ears immediately for it’s spindly opening guitar riff. It’s full of frantic drumming, brash guitar work, and a sassy vocal delivery that spins a web of anxious, all-consuming energy. About the song, Scrounge says: “This Summer’s Been Lethal’ is a retrospective track rooted in uncertainty, desperation and disappointment despite all the excitement of summer… Recorded on the hottest day of the year, we wanted to make something dismal yet danceable.” Check out their homemade music video below – you can also find all the varied ways to listen to “This Summer’s Been Lethal” via this link.

Highline – “Enough For You And Me”

Digging this indie rocker from Sydney-based indie rockers Highline. You can expect swimmy guitar leads and nimble basslines from their latest single, “Enough For You And Me,” which would pair nicely on any playlist next to any Strokes and Arctic Monkeys singles. Stick around for the “oooh-ooh” saturated chorus that drips with as much reverb as it does urgency. “Enough For You And Me” is out now via Peach & Sons – it is embedded below via Soundcloud, but you can also find them on Spotify. Peach & Sons · Highline – Enough for You and Me

Kicking – “Hate//Sex”

The doom-pop/shoegaze band known as Kicking, based out of Jackson, Mississippi, kicked down the doors of buffaBLOG with their latest single, “Hate//Sex.” Bobbie Flanders pushing the vox; guitars being shred by SG Shepard and JD Burns; former Buffalonian Lacy Ellinwood holding it down on bass; and newest member, Lexie Gay, are who make up Kicking – their songs are heavy and delicate simultaneously, full of sludgy guitars and an impassioned vocal presence… Don’t be fooled, the unity between the hurt vocals and dropped-tuned guitar gothiness is strong enough to break bricks. “Hate//Sex” appears on their latest EP, Goodbye Party, out now on Candlepin Records – check it out below via Bandcamp or find it on Spotify and Apple Music. Goodbye Party by Kicking

Goon – “Fruiting Body”

It’s been a bit since we heard from our friends in Goon, but we’re so happy they popped up in our inbox once again. “Fruiting Body” is their latest offering, an evolution in sound that could sit comfortably on a shelf next to your well-worn Pinback and Alex G vinyls. Inspired by a walk through nature, “Fruiting Body” refers to a patch of mushrooms that caught singer Kenny Becker’s eye… Unsurprisingly, this feels like the perfect song to put to a mushroom growth time-lapse video; its lo-fi guitar presence and otherworldly vocal atmosphere feels warm and nostalgic, with just a hint of decay. We loved this one – check out the music video below and then add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.

Langkamer – “Teeth”

Falling somewhere on the indie rock spectrum between Pavement and CCR, “Teeth” is a delightfully jangly jam from Bristol-based rockers Langkamer. The song is a verified barnstormer, pairing the bounciness of alt-country with the glassy-eyed delivery of modern day slacker rock… Not to mention that irresistible refrain. About the song, the band says: “Teeth is a song about envy and disillusionment. About happiness and nihilism. About grinning. How two people can look at the exact same scene and see it completely differently. Wishing you could see the beauty of a moment, and not just its odiousness.” We’ve been really digging this one lately. Check out “Teeth” below via the Soundcloud widget – you can also find it on Spotify and Bandcamp. Langkamer · Langkamer – Teeth

James Leonard Hewitson – “Stable”

“I’m emotionally unavailable, I’m just doing what I can to keep myself stable.” A sentiment any gen Z or millennial could agree with… Maybe even a few boomers. Either way, we think James Leonard Hewitson hit it right on the head with his latest song, “Stable.” Unsurprisingly, this song was written during the peak of COVID restrictions and you can hear that nervous energy bubble throughout the entire song. Most of the song is a quirky and ruthlessly-catchy earworm, but the emotional apex comes mid-song with a surprisingly raucous burst of garage rock angst. Check this one out via Soundcloud (below) – be sure to add it to your favorite Spotify playlist too. James Leonard Hewitson · Stable

The Save Nines – “2 AM, Newport”

Long Island act The Save Nines crafted this dreamy indie rocker – “2 AM, Newport” has a laid-back, swirly aesthetic that feels perfect for a hazy night out (or a warm night in). Pairing slacker-esque vocals with swirling guitar riffs and a nimble bassline, “Newport” would fit comfortably on the shelf next to any Mac Demarco jam or even the breezy, nautical indie rock of Alvvays. The song utilizes an almost jazzy chord progression, especially in the chorus, which gives extra emphasis to the hook – “You’re the thing that’s killing me.” You can listen to “2 AM, Newport” on YouTube (below), or, stream it using Spotify.