New Music

blondfire – “A Million Miles”

You know the feeling when you start dating someone new and every moment with that person is incredible and magical and lovely and there could never be anything negative ever happening to you two? That’s the inspiration for Michigan indie pop songstress Blondfire with their new track “A Million Miles.” Originally composed of sibling songwriting duo, Erica and Bruce Driscoll, the project evolved into the solo project of Erica. Since 2006, Blondfire (and their previous iterations) have been hitting the scene and gaining new audiences across the United States, sharing the stage on tour with acts like Foals and Surfer Blood,  as well as slots on Lollapalooza and Firefly Fest. Blondire’s sound is easily digestible with upbeat electro-pop tracks that could easily be on the next Metric album. Check out “A Million Miles” below. Blondfire · Blondfire – A Million Miles

En-Vitro – “Bury Me”

Los Angeles based En-Vitro brings us their latest single “Bury Me” off of their self titled album. You get about four seconds of calm before En-Vitro launches into their frenetic, guitar-heavy track and they don’t really ever let up on the gas. The bass and drums barely have any time to breathe as they are absolutely ratioed by the guitar (is it two guitars, forty guitars? Yes). Interestingly, I felt there were some similarities with son of deni; one of the other bands we covered recently (like, also today).   You can hear “Bury Me” over on YouTube below or add it to your prog tinged post punk playlist on Spotify. The rest of their album is out now and well worth the listen if “Bury Me” scratches your musical itch. Be sure to check out the band’s linktree and give them a follow to stay up to date.  

son of deni x eli’s ladder – “Snowly”

A team up betwixt son of deni and eli’s ladder, “Snowly” is the newest single off of son of deni’s upcoming album. This is a math rock track through and through; ridiculous time signatures and enough starts and stops to make your head spin. It also somehow breaks the space time continuum and feels simultaneously longer AND shorter than its sub-three-minute run time. Punctuated by the gentlest of vocals several times throughout, this isn’t simply an instrumental bonanza. Fans of The Fall of Troy or American Football would find a lot to enjoy here.   You can hear “Snowly” below from YouTube or add it to your math rock playlist over on Spotify.   A name wasn’t mentioned for son of deni’s future album, but if you like what you hear be sure to give the band a follow on their socials to stay up to date.      [...]

atlas lane

Atlas Lane – “Perennial”

The days get shorter, the nights darker, but jammy singer-songwriter Atlas Lane won’t let us let go of the light on his breezy new single “Perennial.” Channeling some OAR, 21 Pilots and DIPATCH, Atlas has a jammy alternative hip hop vibe, heavy on the guitar jangle and a sing-songy delivery that feels straight from a San Diego beach. “Perennial” parks you on the bench facing the waves, as Atlas discusses his love of his Steinway piano, his aversions to highway driving, and finding balance between restlessness and impatience. There’s singing, rapping, guitar licks, piano twinkles – it’s a chill track with a lot to offer. Take a deeper dive into Atlas Lane when you’re yearning for those 80-degree July October days.

Heavn – “say you hate me”

Rochester’s up-and-coming indie artist Heavn has proven he is a force to be reckoned with new single, “say you hate me.” His understated blend of alt rock, indie, and bedroom-pop influences features a warm and warbly sound that’s bound to get the vibes just right. While sharing similar energy to artists like Dominic Fike and Steve Lacy, Heavn’s versatility and musical prowess stand out on their own, framing him as an artist with a unique identity and songwriting voice. With a combination of hard-hitting lyrics and a groovy, blown-out instrumental that feels effortlessly slackerish, “say you hate me” is a must-listen.   The track beautifully represents one’s journey to closure after leaving a toxic relationship. It captures the transition away from spiraling emotions and towards recognition of one’s worth. “say you hate me” is an anthem of self-defiance, bearing an empowering message that steers away from mainstream pop while still[...]

Walter The Producer – “Little Lies”

Walter The Producer is on his way to being a frequent buffaBLOG feature – we’re digging his latest offering too, the indie-psych daze found on “Little Lies.” Walter (or Reid as he’s colloquially known as) has a perfect tenor, crushing this lyric-forward jam with his eclectic and energetic delivery. The song itself is wild – expect ear-catching guitar riffs, a rock solid bassline, and a groovy beat that never lets up.  This sounds like Tame Impala, Foster the People, and Portugal. The Man got together to write a tail-end-of-summer hit – one that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and because of that, is effortlessly cool.   “Little Lies” is available now – check it out via Soundcloud (below); the music video on YouTube; or Spotify/Apple Music.   Walter The Producer · Little Lies

georgia, georgia – “things you do”

georgia, georgia jangles her way through a love song on latest offering, “things you do.” Brightly-strummed guitar, atmospheric synths, and georgia x2’s heartfelt vocals power this one forward with an impossibly sunny disposition, bringing to mind The Sundays with a hint of mid-00s power-pop energy. The drums here smash with a surprising intensity, giving the song a bombastic feel that takes “things” from lovey-dovey to fist-pumping. Be sure to keep your ears peeled for the nimble bassline that worms its way through the choruses here… *chefs kiss*   You can find “things you do” on Soundcloud (below), or Spotify. georgia, georgia · things you do

hip hop artist negative shawdy

Negative Shawdy – “2Up”

The spirit of 90s Miami Bass is alive and well on alternative hip hop artist Negative Shawdy’s latest single, “2Up.” With a backbone of drum-heavy production, Shawdy crafts an “I don’t give a fuck” anthem ready for your clubbing playlist. Her vocals bounce from rapping to singing to hyper-pop influenced yips – you’ll feel the substance-fueled wide eyes and sweat dripping down your chest with every hit of the snare. Shawdy inhabits the same lanes as this female led alternative hip-hop/pop movements spearheaded by artists like Pink Pantheress. Explore more of her sound on Spotify.

Adam James – “Morose on Melrose”

New York native turned West Cost Transplant, Adam James, is back with an introspective single that pulls at your heart strings. A long-time scene veteran since 2005, James has had stints in numerous bands like Sleep Bellum Sonno, The Vigilance Committee, and More than Skies. James’ latest single “Morose on Melrose” shows the singer/songwriter’s vulnerable side. The song was written during a bout of hardship, navigating life post-breakup and listlessness. “Morose on Melrose” is an ode to the song’s inspiration, walking aimlessly navigating depression down one of Los Angeles’ busiest streets. Everyone has a purpose and motivation. What is yours? Where is your happiness? Before Summer Ends – Single by Adam James

Roma NYC – “Recover”

New York City’s Roma NYC has a sludgy indie rock number that came across our desk and pairs perfectly well with this rainy day. “Recover” is the latest of the band’s single-a-month series and quickly gaining buzz. The new dreary track is all about motivation and pursuing your dreams. Roma NYC is all about taking chances and pursuing the arts and philosophy, and this is the main theme of “Recover.” This track is deep and not to be taken on the surface level. Check it out below and stick around until the three minute mark, because that’s where Roma NYC really shines.

hip hop artist amp melo

Amp Melo – “Flight Path”

Elevate with Santa Cruz emcee Amp Melo on his latest jazzy grindset single “Flight Path.” The bluesy artist leverages a sharp pen pulling in mathematics, basketball and more references as he discusses the continued work it takes to find success in his day to day. This track is for fans artists like Blue & Exile and Logic – Melo boasts a silky smooth delivery on his rhymes and features jazzy, funky work from production duo Chubby Wallets. “Flight Path” comes of Amp’s latest project with Chubby Wallets, Off the Bench – a hip hop project heavy on the bball references for the hoop heads out there.  Check out the project in full and more in the Amp Melo catalog on Spotify. 

San Gabriel – “Play with Fire”

San Gabriel is the moniker for Texas electro-pop musician James Bookert. The project emerged as the extreme alternate to Bookert’s main band, Whiskey Shivers, a swamp-y bluegrass act that went into hiatus during the pandemic. Since then, San Gabriel has been cranking out blog-friendly singles with the latest “Play with Fire” being no different. Written and recorded in a liquor store in East Austin, the single “Play with Fire” is upbeat big synth-pop sound that could easily be a Chappell Roan track, with Bookert’s hazy vocals over the top. Throw this onto your playlist if you are fan of Goth Babe, Day Wave, or Japanese House. In the meantime, check it out below.

Muscle Memory – “Body Of Light”

Muscle Memory are a NYC based duo (Michael Tapper and Steven Reker) who are already well established DJs separately. Together though? They have crafted an impeccably danceable track with “Body of Light.” It’s a delightful medley of synth, effects, a dash of guitar, and general mayhem. Fans of Passion Pit, Magdalena Bay, or LCD Soundsystem would find a lot to enjoy here, as would anyone looking for some indie music that’s impossible not to dance to. I had trouble writing this blog on time because my hands wouldn’t stop tapping to the beat (sorry editor, please don’t be mad). You can hear “Body of Light” below from YouTube. If you were confused like I was initially by the multiple versions, don’t be, as this is intentional. I highly recommend checking out the Club Mix version here. Find your favorite or enjoy them all (or don’t, I’m not your boss…but you[...]

Two Point Oh – “Jackie Smile”

New Jersey based emo act Two Point Oh not only seems to have a marketing degree and have spelled their name phonetically, but also has a new single out, “Jackie Smile.” Bringing in some raw emo and pop elements is just what the doctor ordered here; the lyrics are heartfelt (about a long lost acquaintance flashing a smile from across the street); the guitars are somber; and the hooks are… well… hook felt. I’d be interested to hear how many vocal cords and guitar strings were destroyed with this intro alone (seriously, try screaming YEAAAAAHHHHHHH and imagine doing several takes of that). If anyone from the band has that number, I’d be interested to hear. You can hear “Jackie Smile” from YouTube below or add it to your cathartic outside feelings playlist on Spotify or Apple Music. This is an easy one to rock the fuck out to, which you[...]

Mondaze – “Son of the Rambling Dawn”

Four piece Mondaze brings us their latest dose of Italian shoegaze with “Son of the Rambling Dawn,” a phuzzed out affair that we’re diggin’ this week at The Blog. Robust guitars wail and whine, only barely ceding to give the vocals room to breathe (and hold their own!). Fans of Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine or their ilk would find a lot to enjoy here. Speaking to the track, the band had this to say: “[It delves into] the fleeting nature of life and the unavoidable fate that accompanies it, where uncertainty reigns and everything is destined to change.” You can hear “Son of the Rambling Dawn” below from YouTube. As always, it can be found on your preferred streaming service (if not YouTube): Bandcamp, Spotify or one of one of eight million others. You’ll also be able to find it on their upcoming album Linger due out November 11.    [...]