New Music

Chasing Daze – “Teenager”

We can’t help but be smitten by teen-sibling act Chasing Daze. Helmed by bro/sis combo Julia and Ryan Noble, the duo have been crafting smart indie-pop in their small-town Oregon hometown. “Teenager” is their latest – a chill jam built around squiggly, melodic samples. This one really captures the innocence of the teen psyche – imagery of Polaroid pictures, after parties, and garage hangouts are scattered throughout this short, but sweet tune. Check it out below – we think you’ll dig it.

Great News – “Greedy Little Thing”

Last time we checked in with Norwegian act Great News, we were jamming on their fantastic, synthy debut, “TV.”  Their next offering is “Greedy Little Thing,” an equally-raucous good-time full of thick guitar goodness and phat pop melodies. Where “TV” embraced the best of the 80s, “Greedy Little Thing” opts for crunchy guitar leads and soaring falsetto.  Give it a listen below.

argonaut&wasp – “TVS”

argonaut&wasp and buffaBLOG go way back – we’ve featured them multiple times before (for obvious reasons). This time around, we’re digging the impeccable synth-pop of “TVs.” This one is a super contemporary indie rock jam with hints of retro synth flavor, jammed full of sunny pop melodies and a dance-able pulse… All wrapped up in a succinct 2:30 package. Check this one out below, you won’t regret it.

Hex Smokers – “From Beyond”

Indiana act Hex Smokers got us feeling rowdy with their latest offering, “From Beyond.” A retro organ laces this one with hints of creepy 70s horror punk… But there’s more to this jam than meets the eye. Some blistering guitar leads and mysterious vocals really help to bring this one home. Fans of The Denzels, The Stooges, and even The Strokes will find something to dig here. Check it out below via Bandcamp. Hex Smokers by Hex Smokers

Soobie – “Tell Me What”

Soobie is a 21-year-old singer/songwriter from Chennai, India. Her latest earworm is “Tell Me What,” a squiggly synthy bedroom-pop jam about the inner workings of her mind. The chorus of “don’t tell me what to do” pairs perfectly with the quasi-clavi riffing that comes afterward. This one is full of sugary, bubblegum melodies – check it out below and give Soobie a follow on the ‘gram.

Floral – “This Year”

Floral is a California-based math-rock duo whose “This Year” blew us away with its sheer demonstration of musicianship. Pairing math-rock riffing with the sentimentality of midwest emo is a genius move by these two musicians. Hints of American Football can be heard among the otherwise blistering riffing that is reminiscent of Topshelf heroes Toe, Maps & Atlases at their most shreddy, or even post-hardcore greats The Fall of Troy. Despite its lyricless nature, this one has palpable emotion – check it out below.

Phobia Quartet – “1995”

Something about “1995” screams late 90s. Maybe its the charming lo-fi mix or the emo-pop musings of singer Adam Hood, but Phobia Quartet really seem to have captured a moment here. Full of the charming indie rock you’d expect to hear on Vagrant or Deep Elm Records in the early 2000s, “1995” nails it with blistering guitar leads and vaguely nostalgic lyrics – check it out below.

Hanter Dro – “Turtle Man”

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve heard an inspiring slice of post-hardcore angst. Hanter Dro is a talented Swiss act whose “Turtle Man” has been a mainstay on our playlists. Full of discordant guitars, powerfully emotional vocals, and huge drums, “Turtle Man” is perfect post-hardcore for fans of La Dispute, Balance and Composure, or Pile.

Kadeema – “Gotta Get It”

Out of the ashes of Ascot Royals comes Kadeema – the longtime songwriting partnership of Jimmy Chauveau and Tal Vaisman have come together to create “Gotta Get It.” Inspired by the underwhelming monotony of the day-to-day grind, “Gotta Get It” is more about dancing away your problems than letting them get the best of you. This one is certainly full of danceable energy – check out the music video below and see for yourself.

Mint Julep – “Stray Fantasies”

Last time we checked in with Mint Julep, we were jazzed on the lovely synth-pop of “Blinded.” Their latest offering, “Stray Fantasies” is the title track from their upcoming LP – it stays on-trend with pulsing synth textures, ethereal vocals, and a hint of wintry energy. “Fantasies” and “Blinded” are both going to be included on Stray Fantasies, out later this month (1/31/2020). Stay up to date with the married duo via their Instagram.

Stray Fossa – “Are You Gonna Be Okay

If you’re an avid buffaBLOGGER, you know we’ve been paying close attention to shoegazy VA act Stray Fossa for at least a few years now. Their latest jam is “Are you Gonna Be Okay” – continuing their trend of bedroom-pop greatness, the trio pairs hush-hush vocals with blasts of synth, warbled out guitar twinkling, and big snazzy basslines. Stick around for the end of the song for an exceptionally cool aural treat – check it out below or snag it from Bandcamp.

Valentin Marx – “Fair”

Brooklyn based trio Valentin Marx aren’t messing around – their latest banger is “Fair,” a big indie rock jam that owes as much to Wilco as it does Sufjan Stevens. A rip roaring electric piano opener leads into impassioned, wistful vocals before finally breaking into a guitar-based chorus. Full of surprisingly melodic moments, “Fair” is an excellent listen start-to-finish – check it out below or give them a little lovin’ via Bandcamp.

Future Ghost – “Took My Chance”

We think Florida indie pop duo Future Ghost are onto something – their debut single “Took My Chance” is full of sugary melodies and a beautifully sunny disposition. Powered by bursts of crunchy guitar and squiggly synth flourishes, “Took My Chance” is reminiscent of Charly Bliss, Diet Cig, or even Speedy Ortiz with a delightful sheen of shiny pop-minded greatness. Check it out below and then add it to your Spotify playlist.

Eastern Exit – “More Than I Could Know”

Eastern Exit‘s “More Than I Could Know” is a lovely indie rock song that has been rubbing us the right way. It’s washy with just the right amount of ambiance, but still makes you want to dance with it’s funky bass lines and dreamy vocals. Fans of Tame Impala, Phoenix, or Death Cab for Cutie are certainly going to dig this one. Check it out below.

Fanclub – “Tresspassing”

Fanclub caught our attention with the airy, synth-filled vibes of “Tresspassing.” Utilizing a gauzy, almost-shoegaze approach with tight, electronic drums, this one wormed its way into our hearts by fully embracing its simplicity. Fans of Charly Bliss or Girlpool will definitely dig this one – check it out below and give them a follow on the ‘Gram.