New Music

Been Stellar – “Midwestern Holiday”

December 9, 2017

Michigan five-piece Been Stellar conjure up wintery images a la Home Alone in their latest single “Midwestern Holiday.” Stitching together elements of indie rock, lo-fi, and garage rock, the band knows how to make an impact by way of distorted group vocals and interwoven guitar lines, just in time for the most wonderful time of the year. What starts out as a subdued, almost listless long distance serenade, gradually transitions to an energetic and angsty ode to growing pains and lost love. It’s lends itself as a reminder that coming home for the holidays can be both a blessing and a curse. Check out the single below, and find more from Been Stellar here for additional jangly tracks to carry you through the season.

Joe Russell-Brown – “Post-Youth Depression”

December 9, 2017

Lo-fi songster Joe Russell-Brown makes producing a breezy hit sound easy in his title-track single, “Post-Youth Depression.” The 19-year-old may be new to the bedroom pop scene, but he’s already captured the seeming effortlessness of the lethargic vocals and twangy guitar melodies synonymous with DIY greats like (Sandy) Alex G and early Porches. Russell-Brown explores a fondly nostalgic lyricism well beyond his years, smiling back at those simpler days that were hard to appreciate until now. His knack for piecing together instrumental components into a tightly bound, united sound is what takes this track a step further towards a refined and carefully crafted single, worthy of radio play. Is Joe Russell-Brown the next Day Wave? Only time will tell. In the meantime, get hooked on his recently released EP under the same name.

Michael Jablonka – “I Found You”

December 9, 2017

Sometimes there’s nothing more therapeutic than a bluesy guitar riff blaring out of your speakers… We think Londoner Michael Jablonka might be your latest fix, especially his latest single “I Found You.” Blending modern day indie rock feels with bluesy and soulful backbone, “I Found You” pairs a noodly guitar riff with an explosive chorus. Give it a whirl below. If you dig it, do Jablonka a solid and head over to iTunes.

Light Orange – “Hypnotized”

December 9, 2017

Mmmm, what a groove! We’re digging the funky pop vibes of Swedish producer Light Orange on his debut release, “Hypnotized.” The rolling rhythms and lush harmonies bring to mind equal parts Beck, MGMT, and Prince. With a pedigree like that, it’s no wonder this got the buffaBLOG offices dancing… Oh, and be sure to stick around for the blistering guitar solo at the end. Check ’em out on the IG too.

Scared of Girls – “Waihi Beach”

December 9, 2017

Does anyone else miss the summer yet? Scared of Girls are here to remedy your seasonal affective disorder woes with their summery new single “Waihi Beach.” According to the New Zealand based quartet, they are here for a good time, not a long time… and that sentiment is echoed pretty well through “Waihi Beach’s” peppy vibes. Lots of reverb-soaked guitar and bass shreds within. You can visit “Waihi Beach” too… Via Bandcamp that is.

JNNA – “Feel So Alone”

December 6, 2017

The last time we checked in with lilting songstress JNNA, we were gushing over the left-field instrumentation of her last single, “Waking Up With You.” Her latest offering is the equally-gushable “Feel So Alone;” again produced by electronica mastermind Tyzo Bloom (who we’ve also blogged about in the past), “Feel So Alone” explores the profoundness of being with someone and still feeling alone. Learn more about JNNA from her website.

Sonny Baker Returns with “Reluctant Thief”

December 5, 2017

Long-serving Buffalo musician Sonny Baker’s solo single “Reluctant Thief” is a 5-minute meditation on withering relationships perfectly suited for play at maximum volume. Sparse rhythm and slackened guitar accompany soothing, softly sung verses, while bursts of raucous guitar join in on the song’s tortured, soul-bearing choruses. With a command of both raw and reserved stylings vocally and instrumentally, Sonny Baker’s newest offering harkens back to the heyday of Dinosaur Jr. as well as bands who hit the music scene in the 21st century, like My Morning Jacket and Broken Social Scene. Check out Baker’s newest single, due out December 15th via Admirable Traits Records.

Satin Jackets – “Mirage”

December 2, 2017

Satin Jackets’ new track “Mirage” encompasses a feeling that evokes the sound of perhaps a more pop-oriented version of Lorde. With danceable keyboard jabs and impassioned singing, it’s a tune tailored for a freewheeling atmosphere, such as a discotheque. The song is the follow-up to the group’s successful summertime collaboration with David Harks, which amassed a million-plus Spotify plays. “Mirage” is to be released on Friday through Eskimo Recordings but is now streamable on Soundcloud.

Gil Hockman – “Untitled”

December 2, 2017

South African musician Gil Hockman’s newest tune, which is either legitimately untitled or titled as such, is a relaxing ditty riddled with loose advice about letting things be and letting things go. Hockman lyrically and voice-wise can be compared a bit to how Damon Albarn would sound if he were maybe more into meditation. The song builds to a slightly more momentous conclusion as it approaches its last 30 or so seconds. Gil Hockman’s latest album, Becoming, on which “Untitled” was the second track, saw release on November 10.

Anteros – “Bonnie”

December 2, 2017

The new song, entitled “Bonnie,” from British pop group Anteros, bounces on a sleek beat, adding up to a boisterous, fun and ridiculously catchy tune stressing the idea of “dancing in the meadow.” The track is accompanied by a music video showing the band performing in a boxing ring while two women attack punching bags. The video, however, contains quite the twist ending.

Chow Mane – “Mooncakes”

December 2, 2017

San Francisco Bay Area rapper Chow Mane contemplates his obstacle-addled adolescence and heritage on new song “Mooncakes,” the title track from his six-song EP released in October. He spent this time in the care of his family, which consisted of Asian immigrants and Vietnam War refugees. He talks of sleeping on the floor, sharing space with eight in a house later seized by the government and his father leaving his mother. Nonetheless, Chow and his family managed to maintain a sense of hope in the face of adversity. The music video released for “Mooncakes” depicts Chow rapping beside his grandparents in between clips of old home video footage.

Raised by Dinosaurs – “Sleepless”

November 29, 2017

Mysterious San Francisco trio Raised by Dinosaurs has us feeling existential after listening to their spacey new single, “Sleepless.” Tackling the everyman’s problem of feeling essentially irrelevant, “Sleepless” explores the concepts of coming of age and gradually growing wiser as one’s youth fades away. Beyond their lyrical ennui, RBD has composed a fantastic indietronica song here, with singer Sol Diaz’ voice fading in and out with the song’s gentle use of synths and atmosphere. Give it a listen via the widget below.

YIP YOPS – “Sugar”

November 29, 2017

YIP YOPS are buzzing hard right now, particularly over the raw indie-pop energy of “Sugar.” Having formed within earshot of the Coachella music festival, these dudes were inspired by the best-of-the-best and have thus crafted some great indie rock music. Pairing a persistent bleep-bloop, traffic-signal background synth with a dancy drum beat and undeniable vocal hooks, “Sugar” might just be the next big thing… We think fans of The Rapture, Phoenix, or MGMT will agree. Don’t be stingy! If you dig “Sugar” (and we think you will), buy it on Bandcamp. Sugar by YIP YOPS

Loframes – “Real Life (Original Mix)”

November 29, 2017

Anglo-French synth-pop disco-house duo Loframes are back with their first new single in over a year. Having successfully remixed songs for the likes of M83, Erasure, and many more, “Real Life” continues their trend of deeply groovy house jams that pulse ever-so-pleasantly. Fans of the aforementioned bands will find solace in this one, but be sure to give it a listen via the widget for good vibes regardless. “Real Life” is available to download for free. Check it out here.

CLAWS AI – “Signs (You’ll Come Around)”

November 29, 2017

Check out this new jam from Tempe solo act CLAWS AI (aka producer Chase Leslie, formerly known as MVEMNT). “Signs (You’ll Come Around)” is a fun electronica jam that pairs Leslie’s pleasant indie-rocker vocals with blippy electronica atmospherics. Peep CLAWS’ facebook page for some dank memes while you enjoy his lighthearted brand of electronica below. Who doesn’t love a free download?