“Closer” is the debut single from Dead Rituals, aka Italian solo-artist Andrea Caccese. Full of frantic strumming and an ear-catching slide guitar moan, “Closer” has the urgent energy of an exciting new act with the pop sentiment that usually comes with years of writing and releasing. Fans of DIIV, Oso Oso, or The Cure will dig this one – check out the charming animation of the accompanying music video below.
We think you’ll love the latest offering from legendary Omaha act, Cursive. “Barricades” is reminiscent of the lurching, turn-of-the-millenium emotion found on 2000’s Domestica, while still sounding fresh and relevant in 2019. Full of squelchy bass tones, spidery guitar lines, and Tim Kasher’s signature social-commentary-via-impassioned-howls, “Barricades” is full of discordant angst and energy… But Cursive has a way of sneaking just enough pop sentiment beneath the rickety surface of their songs to keep us coming back for more. Check it out below before you add it to your Spotify playlist.
“Lonely Michael” starts off with a cascading guitar riff – a perfect intro to this low-key indie pop jam from Alex Bayly. Perhaps it has something to do with buffaBLOG editor Michael’s lovely name… But in actuality, we really dig Bayly’s alt-folk-pop with its use of unique melodies, chord progressions, melancholy lyrics, and mid-intensity emotion. Check it out below before you add it to your Spotify playlist.
We’re digging the sparse, but moving compositions from singer/songwriter Michael Baker. We suggest starting with “Baby Books,” a simmering batch of urgent indie pop that combines swirling atmosphere with a driven bass bounce. Baker’s ethereal voice floats overtop his songs in the perfect way, covering the painful topic of mental health with a somber but soothing delivery. This one is simple, but sweet. Check out “Baby Books” below.
Basement Revolver is a Canadian quartet crafting dreamy and shoegazy indie rock with a tinge of emo flavor for good measure. “Wax & Digital” is their latest offering – a wall of guitar sound punctuated by surprisingly poignant guitar and bass riffs and singer Chrisy Hurn’s distinct, almost angelic vocal delivery. Fans of Slowdive, Pity Sex, or Alvvays will dig this one for sure. The Wax & Digital EP will be out soon – till then, watch the YouTube vid below and get further acquainted with “Wax and Digital” on Spotify.
Hikee Bikini is an Austrian act whose “Bubble” certainly rubbed us the right way. Combining a frantic marimba-esque keyboard with tight pop vibes, “Bubble” is an effervescent jam that combines lighthearted lyrics with straight-up pop sensibility. It is accompanied by a kitschy music video full of pastel pinks and greens, choreographed dancing, and striking imagery. Get down to their shoo-be-doo-laden Austrian pop via the YouTube embed below and if you dig it – add it to your Spotify playlist.
Brigt is a 20-year-old Norwegian specializing in simmering and romantic indie pop. His latest offering, “May,” really caught our ears with its bouncing bass, excellent synth-work, and Brigt’s surprisingly soothing vocals. At just over two minutes, this one comes and goes before you know it – a fleeting ode to love with just the right amount of retro 80s warmth. Check out May below and be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.
Alright, alright, we admit it… We’re Pizzagirl fanatics. “Dennis” is the latest offering from this multi-talented multi-instrumentalist from Liverpool – it’s full of funky vibes, driven by a quirky, chorus-soaked guitar and even quirkier lyrics. Tastefully kitschy, totally hooky, and fully danceable, we think you’ll enjoy “Dennis” for sure – check it out below.
There’s something delightfully simple about “Somebody Like Hugh,” the latest song from Brighton act BEACHTAPE. Pairing jangly guitars with slacker-vibe vocals and a warm and fuzzy mix, “Somebody Like Hugh” could sit comfortably on a shelf next to any 90s guitar pop act. There’s a great chorus and cool guitars throughout this one… even if we’re not totally sold that this one is literally about someone named Hugh. Make sure you check it out below.
Matthew Squires caught our attention with the quirky indie rock of his latest jam, “Visions of America.” Alongside a thought-provoking video, Squires unleashes his stream-of-consciousness style lyricism with the same aural aesthetics as Built to Spill, The Flaming Lips, or even Modern Baseball. We think his “ba-da” filled choruses will get your head bopping – check out the vid below.
We’re digging this latest jam from London indie rockers CHILDCARE. “The Smell of Souchong” brings the same sort of intensity as Arctic Monkeys or Spoon with a touch of nuance. Unique “uhns” and “yayayayayas” pepper this track throughout – it always seems as if frontman Ed Cares has something unique up his sleeve. Listen for yourself via the widget below.
Mmmm, we’re digging “Room To Breathe,” a frantic (but dance-able) jam from Californian electro-pop duo isle&fever. Pairing a bell-tone synth line with urgent drumming and distant audio samples, “Room To Breathe” is sure to get you amped up and vibing no matter what time of day. Put this one on in the AM to get your day off right via Spotify.
“If You Still Love Me” is one of those songs full of inherent longing… We think Nick County nailed it on his particular brand of alt-country tinged bedroom pop. “If You Still Love Me” smarts of The Killers meets Mac Demarco in a good way – “If You Still Love Me then you gotta let me know” over a perfect chord progression should be replaying through your head all day. Check out the YouTube vid below.
We think you should listen to this new jam from LA-based solo act, Antoine Diligent. You might recognize frontman Anthony Polcino from his Epic Records act, Low vs. Diamond, but we’re currently jazzed on his latest output. “Get In On It” pairs a bumping bassline with tight indie rock hooks. Fleshed out with psychedelic synths and sharp guitar flares, “Get In On It” should appeal to fans of The Strokes or The 1975. Check it out below.
“Matrimony” is a spacy and ethereal take on electropop from Florida project Odd Relics. You might also recognize Odd Relics as Brian Squillace of Sub Pop act Yuno and also half of indie-pop duo LANNDS. This time around though, we’re highlighting his solo work – full of strong and memorable vocal hooks and the perfect amount of atmosphere, we think “Matrimony” would make a great addition to your Spotify playlist.