New Music

Digisaurus – “A Simple Way”

L.A.’s Digisaurus is not your average electropop project. The handiwork of James Allison, Digisaurus combines years of production and performance experience with electrifying vitality and neon hues. Allison’s storied career boasts tours with Weezer and recording sessions with Phantogram, among a host of others, attesting to his musical mastery. Since his 2015 outset, Digisaurus has garnered a reputation for hard-hitting singles, and his latest, “A Simple Way,” is certainly no exception. The track is part of his monthly single release series, and highlights zippy synth lines, meandering guitar strains, and unwavering falsetto. The song’s production is as experimental as it is ever-evolving, making for an engaging listening experience from start to end. “A Simple Way,” along with its B side track “Detour,” lay the groundwork for the second leg of his upcoming tour, with a number of dates alongside an appearance at Norman Music Festival. Dig in to the track below[...]

Courts – “Tonight”

UK quartet Courts defy genre boundaries and refute definition via their latest tune “Tonight.” This track seems to crack the code for the optimum party anthem, stringing together an anthemic disco-inspired chorus with jangly guitar lines, a soulful backbone, and a rapid verse delivery that gives a nod towards London’s notorious grime scene. There’s something deeply infectious about a healthy dose of Brit culture with a dance-driven, indie rock groove, and we can’t seem to get enough. Lyrically, the track parses through the plasticity of existence these days, grappling with perceptions of reality in the digital age. Courts clarifies, saying the song focuses on “spirituality, love, and the connection we feel to the universe. Everyone is painting false perceptions online, not many people are being real. It’s about tapping into the positive amongst all the negative.” Check out the video for “Tonight” below, where a low-key night at the pub turns[...]

Coastal Wives – “Ramen”

Denver’s ironically named indie rock foursome Coastal Wives meets youthful energy with gritty guitar-ridden angst in their latest single “Ramen.” An ode to the beloved discount noodles/college kid meal of champions, the song digs into some coming of age themes and the clumsy growing pains that come with them. The band identifies their sound as blues rock, however, the full essence of Coastal Wives is much more complicated than that. It’s easy enough to pick up on the band’s folksy influence via their meandering guitar lines, alongside a bit of an emo edge, garage fuzz, and surfy twang. Get a feel for their sound with “Ramen” below, and find the band’s full discography on their bandcamp.

Elohim – “Half Love”

Now this is how you get a party started. Elohim returns and completely blows up the spot with her addictive new anthem, “Half Love,” off her debut self-titled album. This track is dancy as hell and combines the LA artist/producer’s pristine vocals, pulsing synth, bone-rattling bass and the most badass saxophone bridge you’ll ever hear. Check it out below and expect a dance party of one to break out. Lucky for us Elohim’s been very busy this year. Her self-titled debut album is out now and available for streaming on Spotify here. You can also catch her on her current US tour where she’ll be making stops at Bonnaroo and Electric Forest. Check out her official site here for dates and tickets.

PLAZA – “In the Know”

PLAZA, the UK post-indie four-piece, continues to raise their stock and expand an already impressive following with the release of their irreverent new single, “In the Know.” The track lulls you into a melodic trance with gentle riffs and soothing vocals before lashing out in a chorus filled with pent-up energy and frustration. It’s the shot of adrenaline your ears need, so give it a listen below and feel alive. Check out more PLAZA tunes on their SoundCloud here.

Maratta – “Love’s For Real (feat. Kerry Reeve.)”

Budding San Francisco producer Maratta promotes a greater appreciation for the art of dance music in his single “Love’s For Real (feat. Kerry Reeve.)” This track is an homage to Maratta’s assortment of influences, from jazz, to house electronica, to disco. Citing inspiration across the board, including his native Seattle hip-hop, Michael Jackson, and Steely Dan, it’s no surprise that Maratta’s music crosses boundaries and genres in one fell swoop. His pulse on famed dance music of the past makes his music all the more impactful, bringing something both new and nostalgic to the production table that we don’t often see. Stay tuned to find out where Maratta’s next original release takes him.

Juno Disco – “Do What You Want”

Aussie electronic duo Juno Disco bridge genre gaps with their debut single “Do What You Want.” What starts off as tropical take on electro-funk quickly brings in hints of synthwave, indie pop, and house. If you consider yourself an electronic music skeptic, this song just might be the one to turn you. As the title suggests, “Do What You Want” is all about staying true to yourself and letting go, encapsulated through radiating synths, light percussion, and a buzzing bass line. The mellow vocals take a page out of the M83/Vampire Weekend textbook, combining rhythmic delivery with sweeping track layers. Take Juno Disco’s premiere release for a spin below – this isn’t a band you’ll want to sleep on.

Firstworld – “Space”

Everyone loves a good concept album, right? In the age of the hit single, it’s often refreshing to see an artist put in the effort to mold a cohesive listening experience over several tracks. Miami’s Firstworld keeps the dream alive with an upcoming EP chronicling snapshots from each stage of a relationship. The EP features his premiere track “Space,” channeling some 80’s disco, psych pop, and early 2000s club scenes. The track gets its start with the help of thumping bass lines and pulsing synths, meeting brassy tones with ethereal clarity. It’s an invitation to tune out the rest of the world for the song’s nearly 6-minute duration. Our only recommendation is that you settle in for the ride. Tune in to “Space” below, and be on the lookout for the rest of Firstworld’s forthcoming EP, I’m Right Here.

Miss Mojo – “Fly Me Up”

Soulful 8-piece supergroup Miss Mojo lightens the mood with a video for their recently released track “Fly Me Up.” As the leading single from the band’s forthcoming debut full-length album, this song sets the tone for positive vibes and energy to last for miles. This is just about as feel-good as it gets, in a cocktail of pop, R&B, and jazz. The track’s video doesn’t stray far from the theme, featuring colorful landscapes and some vitalizing group dance numbers. “Fly Me Up” promises to brighten up even the darkest of days, so be sure to keep this track on file. Stay tuned for another upcoming single release and the band’s album Love in Time, due out on June 7th.

Tetra – “Weekend”

Tetra, Philly’s latest fuzz rock four-piece give a tongue and cheek take on relationships in the modern age with their debut single “Weekend.” Blending the virtuosity of psych rock with jazz-inspired swinging croons, the track has a little something for everyone underneath the thick haze of distortion. Clever and contradictory lyricism helps to convey some heavy underlying existentialism. The band puts it best, saying “The song is about asking that question — asking if the life we live is the life we want or the life we think we want. And how do you even begin to tell the difference?” Only time will tell what their next release will sound like, but there’s a good chance it’ll be a musing number wrapped up in a healthy dose of satire. Mull over the meaning of life, or just tune in for a raucous energy boost with “Weekend” below.

Djinn City – “Year”

Djinn City came at us with a really unique jam called “Year.” Inspired by a traditional Tatar children’s rhyme, “Year” was specifically crafted to resemble a traditional Tatar pop record. We dig it because it’s truly a catchy track, full of funk, pop, and electronica influences, not to mention the romantic lyrical content. Give it a listen below. Djinn City has a Bandcamp page where you can purchase their music – you know what to do.

Mating Ritual – “Light Myself On Fire”

Mating Ritual has been a staple on buffaBLOG over the last few months, and for good reason. Their upcoming release, Light Myself On Fire, is full of fun, indietronica bangers; case in point, the title-track. The LA duo pairs retro drum-machine stutters with plucky guitar work and whistling synth leads. The resulting sparseness of the arrangement is profound – be sure to have a listen for yourself via the widget below. Light Myself On Fire, comes out May 4, 2018, via Smooth Jaws.

Are You Having Fun Yet – “High as a concept”

Our friends in Scandinavia have acquired quite a reputation for both happy people and catchy electropop, and for good reason. Norway’s Are You Having Fun Yet doesn’t stray far from the status quo, pumping out vibey indie pop to lull us into complacency with their single “High as a concept.” Matching the vocal delicacy of indie crooners like Alvvays’ Molly Rankin or The Japanese House’s Amber Bain with enveloping synths and chipper percussion, the trio sets a dreamy tone while toeing the line between alt pop and shoegaze. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this track popping up all over the college radio airwaves in the coming year. Settle in for “High as a concept” below, and keep an ear to the ground for the release of their debut album. Here’s hoping for a swift follow up.

Parker – “Windmaker”

Energetic alt-rock duo Parker may have only recently made their recorded debut, but their self titled EP is nothing to sneeze at. The band’s standout track, “Windmaker,” harnesses that feel-good joviality that conjures images of a warm day with the windows rolled down. Laced with guitar fuzz, the song takes up a sturdy bassline and churning percussion alongside infectious vocal harmonies. The resulting product is a fresh sip of summertime bottled up and distributed for your listening convenience. Get a taste for the first release from Parker, and check out the remaining four tracks here.

Andrew Younker – “Oracle Girl”

Jangle-popper Andrew Younker is sure to captivate your mind with the ethereal vibes on his latest LP, Well Wishes. We’re highlighting the pensiveness of “Oracle Girl,” which pairs a frantic, electronic drumbeat with ghostly synth textures and Younker’s reverb-drenched vocals. Stick around for the dope synth breakdown mid-song. Well Wishes is available via Bandcamp for a very affordable price. Well Wishes by Andrew Younker