New Music

Kevin J.B. O’Connor – “Follow Me”

December 1, 2024

Transplanted Buffalonian Kevin J.B. O’Connor, currently in the warmer climes of Kentucky, is someone we’re quite familiar with here at the Blog. From his original moniker of KO (here, back in 2021, so long ago) or Buffalo band Coral Collapse, which he was also part of (here, slightly less longer ago). O’Connor has crafted here an incredibly mellow yet strong guitar forward track here. It takes a real musicians musician to throw down with just their vocals and an acoustic guitar and that’s exactly what happens here. You can hear “Follow Me” below at no extra charge on YouTube below. You can also add to your slightly mournful yet kind of uplifting Buffalo based playlist on Soundcloud or Spotify. If you like what you’ve heard with “Follow Me,” be sure to check out the other nine tracks on his 2023 album “Alternatives.” Once a Buffalonian, always a Buffalonian – sorry[...]

Tents – “Light Breaks in the Middle of the Night”

November 29, 2024

Portland-based act Tents delivers a delightful slice of indie-pop with their latest offering, “Light Breaks in the Middle of the Night.” Lush harmonies, bouncing bass rhythms, and washes of guitar power this one forward, providing a perfect backbone for the sweet and slightly somber lyrical presence. The best thing about Tents, particularly in this song, is the way they effortlessly combine upbeat energy with an underlying melancholy… Perfect for those pensive, music-listening moods where you don’t want to wallow.   Check out “Light Breaks” via the YouTube embed below, or, add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.  

Boy Jr. – I Love Getting Dumped

November 29, 2024

Boy Jr. is back in a big way with their new record I Love Getting Dumped. A collection of 13 breakup songs, frontperson Ariel Allen-Lubman (they/them) commands your attention as strongly as ever with their trademark genrefluid style. They speak to us on a heartfelt level, connecting with us in a nostalgic, at times comical way that speaks to anyone who has ever dealt with the death of a relationship.   The album opens with the haunting “Your Mom Is Disappointed In You.” The vocals are delivered so earnestly, you can feel the pain in their voice, expertly underscored with sparse electronics.  “I Hope You Feel Terrible” is truly a standout, easily drawing parallels with “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo, or contemporaries like Kim Petras or Billie Eilish. Allen-Lubman sets the scene with a fuzzy, bouncing riff that really lets the vocals shine. Slowly building the texture, by the[...]

Adam James – “Rock N Rolla”

November 27, 2024

We’ve been (healthily) following Adam James’ work since he came on our radar with his last single “Morose on Melrose,” a sad song about trying to pick yourself up after the world kneecaps you. Luckily, James has a new single that is a tad more “all occasions” rather than drowning oneself in the saddies. “Rock N Rolla” is a ride-along for James’ nationwide road trip from New York to Los Angeles. The sound is a bit of a 60s influence with more contemporary comparisons, think an amalgamation of The Beach Boys, Father John Misty, and Andy Shauf. Check out the track below and follow Adam James on Instagram, like we do.

Mirrorball – “Condo Pond”

November 27, 2024

West Coast haze-pop duo Mirrorball dropped a new track late last week that’s setting the tone right for a carefree four day vacation. “Condo Point” is a dreamy synth driven track reminiscent of a Blondie b-side, or more contemporarily Architecture in Helsinki’s fun, upbeat compositions. The song haze a feel of nostalgia, the vibe of spacing out at your favorite adolescent haunt or activity. Since 2019, the creative partnership consisting of Alexandra Johnstone and Scott Watson has been delighting fans with their consistent bops and garnering airplay from Spotify Fresh Finds and indie radio heavyweight KXLU. Check the track out Mirrorball‘s latest below and meander through your hometown’s abandon side streets where you used to play Jacks. mirrorball · Condo Pond

Delacey – “Losing A Whole Year (Third Eye Blind Cover)”

November 25, 2024

I’ve been noticing as of late that more and more musicians have been citing Third Eye Blind as a major musical influence to their current musical tastes or are an inspiration to their musical stylings. Back when you maybe received one CD for Christmas and had to listen to it the entire fourteen track album on the way to Grandma’s house on a SONY Discman, you really learned to appreciate the album.   Enter Delacey, a delicate singer/songwriter who unveiled their cover of “Losing a Whole Year” a few days ago via Three Sirens Music Group. The original Third Eye Blind track was the first song off the band’s self-titled 1997 breakout release. Delacey’s slowed down version is a part of the Every Way Possible compilation, a release aimed at gun violence prevention. Delacey truly makes this track her own with her re-imagination and reworking of this one. Check it[...]

Nico de Luz – “Midnight Drive”

November 25, 2024

Twinkly shoegaze act Nico de Luz has a new single, aptly titled “Midnight Drive.” This track’s lyrics are on-theme, with de Luz reminiscing on a late night drive with a romantic interest. The track is the perfect for soundtrack to hop in the car on a clear night, navigating down winding roads in the countryside and escaping the city life to reflect. With the inclusion of a slide guitar on this, “Midnight Drives” gives a floating, ethereal feel. Check out the track below and make sure to give Nico de Luz a follow over on Instagram to keep up with this up-and-coming musician.

DAOx3n – “In Ice”

November 25, 2024

Emerging experimental hip hop artist DAOx3n creates a sound all his own on his latest single, “In Ice.” Boasting a seemingly wild, but carefully crafted sing-songy delivery, DAOx3n is one of one. His sound will resonate with fans of off-the-wall melodic rapping pioneers like ILoveMakonnen, and in his more conventional moments, $uicideboys$ and Bone Thugs. Lyrically, “In Ice” touches on DAOx3n’s journey from an early age to his current output – “I make this melodies to touch the soul, keep it ethereal.” “In Ice” closes out the Dialing 0ut EP – three tracks showcasing DAOx3n’s artistic vision, featuring his challenging delivery, precise triplet flows, and brooding, evil carnival-flavored production. Check out the track on Spotify, Apple Music, or another platform of your choice.

The Breakables – “Stonehenge”

November 24, 2024

“Stonehenge” is the latest from Toronto based four piece The Breakables. Counting at least one Buffalo Bills fan among them, they were obviously alright in my book (before I even hit play on the track). After I hit play though, I’m happy with what I hear, as I’m greeted by a smooth-as-butter bass line that is featured throughout. The rest of the track is jangly, with almost frenetic guitar picking, set off by some random piano and bell-tone effects thrown in. Fans of Grandaddy, Pinegrove, or even Arcade Fire would find a lot to enjoy here between the instrumentals and lyrics, as would anyone who is a Buffalo Bills fan who wants to support another Bills fan.   You can hear “Stonehenge” below from YouTube, as well as the usual Spotify and Apple Music. With a new album album on the way December 6 and ANOTHER single coming soon, you’d[...]

see through person – “girl talk”

November 24, 2024

“girl talk” is the latest from Fort Myers based emo band see through person. Emo comes in all different shapes and sizes and, no, it wasn’t just a phase. “girl talk” trends toward the faster paced, mathier flavors of Cap’n Jazz or Algernon Cadwallader but forges ahead well enough that they stand on their own. You’ll find some funky time signatures that ebb and flow with excellently-plucked guitar and bass strings (in a word, melodic). I won’t ruin when you’ll hear the screaming, but it’s there (and whoever does the lyrics absolute nails it, which is no small feat).   You can hear “girl talk” embedded below courtesy of YouTube or add it to your emo revival playlist on Spotify or Soundcloud. If you like what you’ve heard, be sure to check out the band’s debut album every way of living, of which this is the third track. “Stupid Joke” was[...]

Chandeen – “The Bubbles Blown”

November 24, 2024

Chandeen, a German based band that has album releases from the mid 90’s to their name, brings us their latest with “The Bubbles Blown.” Started originally as an experimental soundscape type act, (check out “Lumis” from their 1994 album “Shaded by Trees”) the band has grown and evolved over the years to its current iteration (dreamcore, loud and soft as per their Spotify page). As the band states, the track itself is: “about people on the brink of major changes, moments of solitude, unexpected emotional tidal waves, and the vices that follow us.”   The band remembers their roots in creating an atmosphere and applies those lessons to a more traditional guitar forward affair in a similar vein to more contemporary acts like Girl in Red, Slow Pulp, or The Neighborhood.   You can hear “The Bubbles Blown” music video below on YouTube or add it to your German bands[...]

Mr. Sir – “try ur luck”

November 24, 2024

Brandon Price is Mr. Sir – a solo project based out of Austin, Texas, and “try ur luck” is his latest (and his debut!). Starting off with pulsating drums, I thought this was gonna be a different kind of song, but was more than happy with the result. Price manages to create one of the most impeccably well-crafted bedroom pop tracks I’ve heard in a very long time, and manages to do so under two minutes. From what I can tell, it’s just guitar, drums, and Price’s voice, but damn if everything isn’t just perfect. The whole thing works because he never tries too hard and keeps the instrumentals at a simmer; never allowing anything to boil over. Fans of Elliott Smith’s vocal stylings (with a lot less sadness), early Say Hi, or Midwest emo delvieriess will find a lot to enjoy with this track, as will anyone who enjoys[...]

Laz Lo – “Neighbors”

November 22, 2024

“Love thy neighbor” is complicated for Parisian rapper Laz Lo. On his new single “Neighbors” Laz Lo discusses the human experience and the societal and geopolitic impacts that happen when people from different walks of life continue to cross paths. Seamlessly switching between English and French delivery, Laz Lo crafts an elevated track with politically-charged lyrics referencing Palestine’s pursuit of freedom, and other events he sees closer to home. Lyrics give you a ton to unpack, but a groovy beat and a poppy chorus ensure you’re gonna have a good time listening to this even if you’re zoning out. Fans of MIA’s early work will be into how this combines dance-y beats with more serious themes. Give Laz Lo a listen on Spotify and check him out on IG to keep tabs on his future output.

Gasoline Monk and Burn Herm – “Abacus”

November 22, 2024

Gasoline Monk and Burn Herm create a track equal parts Adult Swim and Aesop Rock for their new single, “Abacus.” Monk’s dizzying keyboard loops and Herm’s cryptic lyricism give the track an uncanny feeling – you know you like it but you’re struggling to wrap your head around what you’re hearing. It’s great for the hiphopheads who love to dissect lyrics while walking dimly lit streets. Gasoline Monk’s gritty, loose drum section will put a rhythm into your step while Herm lets you chew on lyrics referencing heretics, mathematical visuals, and “keeping an abacus.” I wish I was smarter. “Abacus” appears on Hermit and the Monk – a collaborative project from Burn Herm and Monk. You’ll hear more from the oracle of Herm while Monk seamlessly mixes in his psychedelic, jazz and electronic influences into the beats. Take a listen to it and more from these artists on Spotify.

TRiiiPSS – “colorss”

November 21, 2024

The Pacific sun shines bright on “colorss” – the latest single from alternative hip hop triplets TRiiiPPS. The trio, currently based on two different sides of the Pacific Ocean, combine influences from California and Tokyo (among other regions), to create light, bright alternative music that can land anywhere on the music genre spectrum. Their latest jam, “colorss” combines some Julian Casablancas-flavored drawl with radio-friendly guitar section for a good-time indie rock single that feels right at home on a FIFA soundtrack. “Colorss” ponders whether or not a potential mate sees you the same way – the subject of many a good track. See how you like it and check out more of the good vibes from TRiiiPSS on Spotify.