New Music

Miss Mojo – “Fly Me Up”

May 4, 2018

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”

May 4, 2018

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”

May 3, 2018

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”

May 3, 2018

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”

May 2, 2018

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”

May 2, 2018

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”

May 2, 2018

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

The Ninth Wave – “Swallow Me”

May 2, 2018

Gothy, 80s vibes permeate this new track from Glasgow quartet The Ninth Wave. “Swallow Me” dives deeply into the darker side of human nature, exploring all the nooks and crannies of a manipulative relationship through reverb-laden drums and sharp, vintage synth work. About the tellingly-named track, The Ninth Wave says: “For the victim, the realization of the situation they are in is hard to swallow…”  Like what you hear? Buy it here.

Lonely Benson – “Let It Go”

May 2, 2018

Lonely Benson is all about crafting music to relax to – case in point, his new single “Let It Go.” Boasting beachy vibes, groovy guitar work, and modulated vocals, this feel-good-jam is perfect for the burgeoning warm weather. Benson’s million+ streams on Spotify don’t lie – give “Let It Go” a spin, sit back, and enjoy. Lonely Benson has a Bandcamp – be sure to swing by if you’re interested.

River Whyless – “Born in the Right Country”

April 27, 2018

North Carolina folk four-piece, River Whyless, stop by with the topical first single off their upcoming album, Kindness, A Rebel. Featuring a lighthearted folk-rock beat with spirited vocals, “Born in the Right Country” is a track about class division and the struggles of chasing the American Dream that everyone can relate to. Take a break from the rat race and kick back with this thought-provoking listen below. Kindness, A Rebel is out June 8th and available for pre-order here. River Whyless will be touring all summer and making a stop in Buffalo on June 19th. For tickets and dates, check out their official website here.

Hit Bargain – “Hell Is Real”

April 26, 2018

Los Angeles punk rockers Hit Bargain’s “Hell Is Real” comes at you with breakneck speed and its power in full bloom. The guitar line running through the track is remarkably catchy, while every other role being played here is fulfilled to unflinching, magnificent effect. Listen to the track below:

okaywill – “pretend”

April 26, 2018

okaywill’s new track “pretend” is certifiably a choice cut. The tune balances its heaviness instrumentally, brought on by popping drums and penetrating bass, with a gentle, angelic vocal presence. Listen to “pretend” below:

Iain Belcher – “Becomes Us”

April 26, 2018

Iain Belcher creates a wave of relaxation with the down-to-earth alternative rock glory of “Becomes Us.” Shades of Real Estate and Modest Mouse abounding, the song is perfect for a warm-weather hangout. The lyrics fit the mood, acting as abstract visions and phrases that could be interpreted freely, like the sway of the song’s melody. The last 30 seconds change the tone a bit, offering up an eerie but interesting conclusion that takes the listener back into reality after three minutes of utter bliss. Check out “Becomes Us,” from the album Clear Future, below: Clear Future by Iain Belcher

The Hats – “Nobody Does It Like We Do”

April 26, 2018

“Nobody Does It Like We Do,” a new track from The Hats, carries the torch of great training montage soundtracks, with a dramatic and retro-sounding opening of keyboard and guitar that would get anyone pumped up. The song transitions into a section of computerized wonder, with automated vocals bringing in a more modern spin about a minute into the runtime. “Nobody Does It Like We Do” doesn’t contain much variation or progression throughout in regards to its melody, but no matter—the feel is beyond exhilarating and doesn’t ever even remotely close to the territory of boredom. Listen to this riveting jam below:

Julien Earle – “The Ones”

April 26, 2018

Julien Earle, an up-and-coming house producer from Washington, D.C., has recently let the public in on a new tune entitled “The Ones.” The song sustains an effervescent vibe despite lyrics of heartbreak and hatred. Chopped-up and pitch-altered vocal samples run in abundance here and give the track extra character, as do the crisp beat drops featured throughout. Check out “The Ones” below: