New Music

SLVCKR – “Park Bench (Freestyle)”

October 15, 2024

Over a whimsical flute sample, alternative/lo-fi rapper SLVCKR brings a raw, unfiltered, and airtight flow to his latest single “Park Bench (Freestyle).” Tapping south Florida rapper Pouya, SLVCKR’s effortless on the mic, switching up rhyme schemes and providing that authentic freestyle feel. With an ear for bright, Sega Genesis-type instrumental samples, SLVCKR’s beat choice provides a good juxtaposition with his venom-tinged delivery as he spits through his clock-and-dagger rhymes. Production features cartoon-y and over the top vocal samples sprinkled in, giving the track an air of “I’m just fucking around, but it’s nice, right?” Check out more releases from SLVCKR on Spotify, where he raps into darker influences that’ll resonate with fans of $uicideBoys$ and dungeon crawlers.  

Bolt Seminar and DJ MATCH – “BRAVE”

October 15, 2024

Bolt Seminar vocalist Dell Wells teams up DJ MATCH for “BRAVE” – a track where Wells takes us around the world in 141 seconds. Starting in Te Waiponamu in Māori, Wells ventures down familiar roads like Route 66 and into the barren lands of Uzbekistan in an empowering track that reminds you that new travels and discoveries are always worth it. Wells delivery is high energy, charming, and without fear as he tries out flows and bellows out the hook with with his whole chest. Production from DJ Match is a throwback boombap beat, with some 90s vibe instrumental samples and tasteful turntables. Bolt Seminar is a Brooklyn-based, four-piece hip hop art project that includes scratching, visuals and graphic design in their list of roles. Follow Bolt Seminar on Spotify and take a look through some of the past artwork from members John Sarastro and Ephemerel.

A Days Wait – “Long Lines”

October 14, 2024

A Days Wait returns with their new indie pop single “Long Lines.” The band is no stranger to buffaBLOG as we’ve covered this project’s alliterative 2022 single “Tongue Tied” and 2023’s “Signals.” “Long Lines” continues with accessible college radio rriendly style that A Days Wait mastermind Adam Alfano has close to perfected. The latest single is all about trying to be a positive person, but constantly encountering negativity and hoping to bust through it.  A Days Wait continues its charitable mantra by donating proceeds for “Long Lines” again to a cause. Please don’t ask me what the charity is because I don’t know. I hope its a good one. A Days Wait · Long Lines

My Friend Noel – “Will Somebody Love Me?”

October 14, 2024

NYC -based quartet My Friend Noel have a new self-doubting single, “Will Somebody Love Me?” The premise of the track is highly relatable to all growing up and searching for happiness. Am I annoying? Will anyone find my quirks attractive? Does the person I bump into at the bodega four times a week getting my AM Celsius even notice me? The band formed in 2023 after the core trio of Katelyn Barr (vocals/guitar), Anna Young (bass), and Ivy Wang (drums) decided to flesh out their sound and head to the internet to get a lead guitarist. After numerous inquiries from online weirdos, the band found the refreshingly normal Kyle Redd. Since the expansion, My Friend Noel has been rising in the underground indie scene across Brooklyn and Manhattan. Fans of Snail Mail, Beach Bunny, or Diet Cig would be into these guys. Check out “Will Somebody Love Me” below and[...]

Orchid Mantis – “Dead Malls (ft. Cathedral Bells)”

October 14, 2024

Dreampop act Orchid Mantis returns with the hazy new track “Dead Malls.” Mantis, the moniker for Atlanta-based experimental musician Thomas Howard, has been cranking out lo-fi earworms since 2014. With the new single, Orchid Mantis combines creativity with Orlando bedroom-pop project, Cathedral Bells, on this collab. The track uses the metaphor of dead malls to parallel old memories and nostalgia which lands strong with these shoegaze elements. Fans of DIIV, Film School, with a touch of Future Islands rhythm section would be into this one. Check it out on Spotify and give Orchid Mantis a follow to keep up with their promising 2025. orchid mantis · Dead Malls (feat. Cathedral Bells)

Phat Kat – “Still Bubblin'(14KT & Tall Black Guy Remix)”

October 14, 2024

Soul sample specializers 14KT and Tall Black Guy reimagine Detroit rapper/hip hop historian Phat Kat’s 2023 track “Still Bubblin'” for a spacey boom bap remix. Over soulful, ethereal production that could fit in on the Space Jam soundtrack, Kat talks about mature men problems, like exchange rates and checking mail, and cutting out friends. Kat’s bars have the same sharpness that made him a difference maker in the 90s Detroit scene. 14KT & Tall Black Guy reframe Kat’s slick rhymes with especially soulful vocal chops and floating Steve Miller Band-esque keys. You may recognize Kat’s work from his collaborations with other midwest legends, most notably J.Dilla, Slum Village and Black Milk. Listen to this track and more boom bap from Phat Kat on Spotify – and check out soulful chops from 14KT and Tall Black Guy while you’re there.

Virgins – “g l i s s”

October 13, 2024

Irish rockers Virgins have been described as “deafening dream pop” (aka, shoegaze) – either/or is a perfect descriptor of their newest single, “g l i s s.” With fuzzed-out guitar that would make the 90’s version of William Patrick Corgan salivate, Virgins slam through this near six-minute anthem with an impossible amount of noise. Winding guitar riffs whirr as reverbed-out vocals soar in a perfect amalgam that will please fans of My Bloody Valentine, Smashing Pumpkins, and everything adjacent. Be sure to add “g l i s s” to your favorite Spotify playlist.

money sign sheed

Money $ign $heed – “In Your City”

October 13, 2024

Rapping wasn’t Money Sign Sheed’s first profession. The Virginia rapper tells tales from the trap with a matter of fact delivery on his latest single, “In Your City.” Over a hazy, spacey, twinkly beat $heed reflects on his prior professions – reminding us that he does not need rap to make money. $heed’s shared the stage with Buffalo-bred tastemakers Griselda – and you’ll find common ground in their brutal honesty and authentic depictions of their life outside of the booth. Check out $heed’s Spotify page for more of his recent gangsta rap/boom bap releases.

Stripes – “Operation: No Hell”

October 13, 2024

NYC based Stripes, a four piece lead by Izzy MK, bring us their latest with “Operation: Not Hell,” a raucous affair that’s filled to the brim of… just plain ole fun! Jangly guitars feature heavily that get taken over with MORE furiously attacked guitar that just feels like an amusement park ride that goes up and down and sideways and upside-down. I got some Phoenix-meets-Alvvays-with-a-shot-of-adrenaline vibes here, but neither have the copyright on fun, as that seems to currently belong to Stripes (not to be confused with that other stripe-themed band). You can watch the music video for “Operation: Not Hell” on YouTube  below or add to your zany bops playlist on Bandcamp or Spotify. This track really sang out to me and if you’re into bouncing obnoxiously around whatever room you’re in, this is the song for you! Their other tracks vary, but be sure to also check out[...]

Ferrn – “Drowned”

October 12, 2024

“Drowned” is the latest from Ferrn; a Chicago-based band that seems to be the brainchild Ryan Joseph Fernandez Backman (based on what I found in song credits). Self-described as “Chicago swamp pop,” we’re greeted with a delightful synth intro that gives way to fuzzy guitar and Backman’s vocals. The synth really goes into some interesting places throughout the track and shares the spotlight 50/50 with the guitar. I was disappointed I didn’t hear more swampland creatures featured, but I’ll forgive that for such a tight sound – plus, swamp creatures are notoriously difficult to work with (and are on a strike last I knew). Fans of Day Wave or Local Natives would find a lot to enjoy here, as would anyone with an ear for synth and guitar pop. You can hear “Drowned” below from YouTube or over on Bandcamp and Spotify. With two singles and a decent number of[...]

wolfbabycup – “The Last First Time”

October 12, 2024

Minnesota based duo wolfbabycup brings us their latest single “The Last First Time.” Made up of Gerard Garramone and Wendy Sorquist, I’m reminded immediately of Beach House as a close comparison as far as sound and composition goes. Written after hearing of the passing of a good friend’s mother, they wrote it as a “vision for her next chapter, a wish that she can start over but with the hope that this time it will be lasting and fulfilling.”  This synth forward track is appropriately mournful yet hopeful and combines with the electric drums for a dirge-tinged atmosphere. Sorquist’s vocals simmer below the surface of the droning synths, but still manage to cut through to make you feel something… and we buffaBLOGgers are all about our feelings. You can hear “The Last First Time” below from YouTube, or over on the band’s Spotify page. Be sure to check out the[...]

Croix – Self Soothe

October 11, 2024

Rochester’s Croix has proven riot grrrl to be alive and well with their debut album, Self Soothe. The punk band delves into the reality of heartbreak, self-discovery, and one’s worth through a rawness reminiscent of 70’s sensations like The Runaways or Heart. Each of the eleven tracks offer a unique sound that fuels listeners with an energy that can only be described as a “lighter-waving-type-of-head-banging.” The grittiness of “Howl” opens the LP with an ode to trans struggles written by lead guitarist and backup vocalist Jennifer Wameling, with the help of lead singer Carmen Lewis: “I won’t stop Until my breath Leaves my body My existence is resistance” In true punk nature, the song was written as a response to a transphobic speech given at conservative political convention in 2023. Now, Wameling hopes it can be a reminder of worth to other members in the trans community. Throughout Self Soothe,[...]

Izzy Spears – “HEY THERE ft. Jack Powers”

October 11, 2024

Izzy Spears performs live from a BDSM Hell chamber in his latest single “HEY THERE.” The LA-by-way-of-Atlanta alternative artist brings a dark, frenetic, red-blooded energy to this highlight track from his latest EP BLOOD, SWEAT, AND DAMNATION. The genre bender chooses a post-punk guitar groove and a demonic delivery to whisper aggressive nothings in an intense growl – straight into your ear and your loins. It’ll have you feeling nervous and horny and curious what else he’s got in the chamber for the rest of this EP. Check it out on Spotify and for more audio damnation:

Dress Kit – “Front Lawn”

October 8, 2024

Dress Kit is a three piece based out of Los Angeles and “Front Lawn” is their latest (and first) single available for streaming. The brainchild of Gabriel Krischer, “Front Lawn” is a melodious shoegaze tinged indie track that evokes DIIV vibes as well as The Dandy Warhols (if you’re bohemian like me). The beginning riff made me think that I was getting into a Stone Temple Pilots type track (“Dancing Days,” for the uninitiated) but it quickly switched gears (and clowned me in the process – well done). It’s three minutes of blissfully whining guitars combatting the chill, clean guitars and Krischer’s down to earth vocals and well worth the listen. Definitely a more contemplative piece but maybe that’s what we need today, hmm? You can hear “Front Lawn” below from YouTube, as well as Bandcamp and Spotify. This is the first of many to come, so be sure to[...]

phat panda say what you want

Phat Panda, Quick cp, SamWyze & Nano2Hype`Say What U Want…”

October 8, 2024

Detroit producer Phat Panda transports you to a 1993 Queens corner and brings 3 talented emcees with distinct styles with him on his latest cypher-styled single “Say What You Want..” On top of Panda’s subtle horns and tasteful chops, Nano2Hype serves as the host for this track, introducing Quick.cp first. Quick’s deep molasses flow hammers the track’s theme, “Say what you want, pay what you owe” as he emphasizes the hustle and the importance of putting in the work – in the same spirit of hip hop legends who forged their own path through relentless grind. Phat Panda continues shouting out his hip hop forefathers, namedropping Tribe and the Beasties before SamWyze switches up the flow, stretching words and punchlines in the manner of a Rhymesayers emcee as he tests the listener’s critical thinking with some impressive wordplay. The trio brings distinct styles and personalities, serving the spirit of a[...]