New Music

Self-Evident – “The Cutter”

Citing influence from across the post-rock, punk, and math rock spectrum, Minneappolis’ Self-Evident evade the ordinary with their track “The Cutter.” The shifting time signatures and weaving guitars lines give the track a disjointed, yet calculated feel, trading off between clarity and distortion both instrumentally and vocally. This track comes in hot off the band’s upcoming album Lost Inside the Machinery. As their sixth full length release, the band has amply honed in on their sound, which shines through with stark clarity in the song’s contrast in dynamics and seamless style changes. Get a taste for Self-Evident below, and keep an eye out for the full album, set for release January 18.

Joy Downer – “Plastic Wrap”

L.A. electropop duo Joy Downer get wrapped up in the throes of materialism in their track “Plastic Wrap.” Blossoming synth lines and steadfast vocals bind the track together, while the lyrics mull over the artificial, money-driven motives of high society. It’s playfully tongue and cheek with a glimmer of cynicism that we can all get behind. This is the duo’s latest single, with a follow up to their 2017 EP Radio Dreamer in the works. Until then, tune into “Plastic Wrap” below.

Me Like Bees – “Run”

Joplin, Missouri-based indie rock quartet Me Like Bees have a new single titled “Run” which is playing on repeat throughout the buffaBLOG office in the beginning of 2019. The track is about two people butting heads, heading their separate ways, then coming back and realizing it was dumb. We hear a bit of an anthemic Les Savy Fav pop feel or the gritty sing along stylings of Static Jacks on this one. Overall, Me Like Bees have a genuine ear worm that you should check out yourself.

A-Skinny – “Limousines and Weed”

Budding Colorado hip-hop act A-Skinny plays with pitch and repetition in his track, “Limousines and Weed.” His laid back approach and infectious synth loops give the track a lackadaisical vibe, playing up clear-cut lyricism and sharp percussion. It’s a commentary on self-actualization and following your own path regardless of what other people think. This song comes off his recent 12 track album entitled “WHATEVER YOU WANT.” Find this release and much more from A-Skinny here.

Oberhofer – “Dreamt I Was Gonna Be Your Man”

Enticing synthpop act Oberhofer harness the best of pop through the decades with their latest release, “Dreamt I Was Gonna Be Your Man.” The L.A. troupe channels 80s pop domination in the video for the track, playing with hyperbolic storytelling and analog-style video recording. Frontman Brad Oberhofer’s sound hints towards his Brooklyn-DIY beginnings while testing the limits of timeless pop domination and lasting melodic hooks. This track signals a new beginning for the band, with promise of new releases following their current stint in the studio. Test the waters with “Dreamt I Was Gonna Be Your Man” below.

Soy Milk Boy – “Where’s the Leak, Ma’am?”

Nashville’s Soy Milk Boy drum up a bit of grungy indie rock in their track “Where’s the Leak, Ma’am?” For fans of Speedy Ortiz, Lady Lamb, or Hop Along, this punk driven four-piece play with a cocktail of distortion and clarity that makes for a heady mix. This track mulls over classic themes of fleeting youth and feeling lost in a way that’s both engaging and universally relatable. Alongside the band’s other recent single, we can expect a full length album from Soy Milk Boy in the not-so distant future. Until then, brood along to “Where’s the Leak, Ma’am?” below.

Silent Forum – “Robot”

Deemed Wales’ most promising band, Silent Forum provide a cinematic take on broody indie rock with their latest track, “Robot.” Produced by R.E.M’s Charlie Francis, the band melds thrumming guitar lines and emphatic vocals with an unwavering beat. The video for the track takes on playfully psychedelic imagery, with the dauntingness of normalcy personified in an ever-present paper mache head. With the glimmer of classic Brit-pop intricacies and their tenacious energy, this band is likely to find a bright future ahead of them. Experience it in full with “Robot” below.

Luboku – “Closer”

Luboku puts his own dreamy electropop spin on a Ne-Yo classic in his new single, “Closer.” The Melbourne native has racked up numerous producer credits and touring bills since his 2014 outset, with nods from notable media outlets across Europe and North America. Luboku’s momentum has seemingly peaked this past year, with a slew of singles making waves. This track itself is a drowsy electro-dance number that brings a new flavor to the original 2008 hit. Give the tune a spin below, and find more from the budding producer here.

The Nursery – “Human Race”

Toronto trio The Nursery sprinkle plenty of alt-rock gusto into the video for their track “Human Race.” A hint of 80’s synth pop influence weaves its way throughout song’s harmonic structure, taking shape in the video’s retro, analog TV projection. There’s an earthiness to their sound that cements the array of styles together, combining post-punk grit with celestial dream pop. Their cited influencers, ranging from The Cure to Queen, hint towards an appreciation for time-tested melodies and instrumental soundscapes. Mull over The Nursery’s classic themes of angst and apprehension in the video below.

Too Soon Jokes – “Santy Don’t Visit the Funeral Homes, Little Buddy”

There just simply aren’t enough tongue-in-cheek holiday songs out there. Too Soon Jokes is here to remedy that with the sharp indie rock of “Santy Don’t Visit the Funeral Homes, Little Buddy.” They want you to look the other way when it comes to cold, depression, bills, and knotty Christmas lights… Instead, get that warm, Christmas feeling with their unique brand of guitar-driven, nostalgia-inducing holiday cheer. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has enough fans – give Too Soon Jokes some support instead by checking them out here. Santy Don’t Visit the Funeral Homes, Little Buddy by Too Soon Jokes

Stray Fossa – “Commotion”

Fans of shoegaze or swirly chorus tones will dig Stray Fossa‘s 3rd single, the warbly “Commotion.” Full of dreamy bridge sections, layered vocals, and a powerful drum track (fun fact: drums were recorded in one take on a fateful, lonely evening), this one certainly embodies Stray Fossa’s ethos. Give this one a shot if you’re into Slowdive, Beach House, or the latest Title Fight album. Like what you hear? Give Stray Fossa some support via Bandcamp. Commotion by Stray Fossa

Ruby Bones – “Hook Line Sinker”

“Hook Line Sinker” is a classic, punchy indie rock jam from New Jersey-based trio Ruby Bones. After charting on Billboard with their last release (nice!), the trio wanted to put something more lighthearted and fun… They wound up releasing something nostalgic, full of thoughts about fading youth and romanticizing the past. Give this one a listen below, especially if you’re a fan of passionate, fun-loving punk like Cloud Nothings or The Thermals.

Dream Reporter – “Everything Means Something to Me”

London solo act Dream Reporter is certainly a captivating presence, especially on her newest single, “Everything Means Something to Me.” Punctuated with plodding basslines, delay-ridden guitars, and haunting synths, Dream Reporter’s ethereal vocal presence lays eerily on top of the mix. Overall, it’s a strikingly beautiful song, worthy of a few minutes of your time – check it out below. Dream Reporter is on Spotify too – be sure to add her to your playlist.

A Place To Wash My Hands – “Insufficient Funds”

A Place To Wash My Hands is a mysterious act, but we couldn’t help but enjoy their latest effort about doing nothing, “Insufficient Funds.” A simple indie ditty about literally doing nothing, APTWMH fills it with sparse percussion, male/female harmonies, and a generally sunny disposition. Listen to this lighthearted one if you need a quick pick-me-up. A Place To Wash My Hands is on Bandcamp too… you know what to do.

Private Agenda – “Instinct”

Bedroom-pop duo Private Agenda has been pumping out simmering, stuttering synth ditties for lovers – case in point, our new obsession “Instinct.” Drums ebb and flow throughout this mid-tempo, mid-intensity gem, full of funky synth squiggles and moody electric piano chords. We suggest you put this one on if you want to get in the mood… Or if you’re simply just trying to chill face. Like what you hear? Buy it here.