If you’re feeling dark and mysterious, Giant Party might just be your new favorite band. “Nighttalk” is a trudging, dark-wave jam full of bubbling swamp synths, cave-echo vocals, and a clear 1980s approach to songwriting. Don’t get us wrong, all this moodiness doesn’t undercut their strong attention to melody – quite the opposite in fact. Give “Nighttalk” a listen below and see what we mean. Add them to your Spotify playlist if you’re feeling moody.
Let’s just say this is one hell of a collaboration… By combining the baroque-pop of London act Gold Spectacles with the panache of NYC producer duo Lick Twist, we get the otherworldly “Lights On Lights Out.” This tune features a dank beat from Lick Twist and the organic instrumentation of Gold Spectacles, a combination that must be heart to be truly understood. We think this has a particular fall flavor – perfect for the current changing of seasons. “Lights On Lights Out” is available through a bunch of different platforms, check them out via the aforementioned link.
Local darlings, Passed Out are gearing up to shake things up with their new single, “Bukouski & Brautigan”. The new single comes off their upcoming EP, The Aforementioned and How it Pertains to Absolutely Nothing. The song is a strong showing for the band. Their sound continues to solidify form into a cohesive ball of punk rock force. “Bukouski & Brautigan” is full to the brim with wailing guitars over a twitching, fast paced set of drums. Acting as the cohesive glue, the vocals are in your face while staying poignant. Take a listen to the single below, and check out more of Passed Out over on their Bandcamp.
Cheem‘s nimble instrumentation and unique song structure has us straight-up jazzed. They just released an impressive fifteen-song release under their belts; “Jacuzzi” is our recommendation for where to start, falling somewhere on the spectrum between mathy emo and something a little more experimental. The musicians in Cheem are deliberately pushing themselves to explore new sonic territory, and it shows. Fans of Dads, toe, and American Football will find common ground here, check it out for sure. Cheem is on Bandcamp. You know what to do.
The retro flavors of Cults are definitely hitting home for us, specifically on their latest single, “Right Words.” The NYC-based duo wrote the song about not letting abstract ideas of success cloud your brain, profound in its own right. Beyond the deep meaning, this song is fun, synthy, and flavorful, reminiscent of 80s masterminds like Cyndi Lauper, Tears for Fears, or Cleaners from Venus. “Right Words” can be consumed via a variety of platforms, all of which can be accessed here.
We’re happy to feature the latest single from singer/songwriter Janet Kim, the tellingly-named “Lovely.” This little nugget of sparkling indie-pop kicks off with a unique violin riff, showcasing Kim’s training in classical compositions and all their complexity. This is followed by Kim’s own brand of high-gravity pop melodies which are sure to get stuck in your head… Especially recommended for fans of HAIM or Daft Punk. “Lovely” is available on Bandcamp if you’d prefer a digital download.
Hip-hop mogul MC Bravado opens up a dialogue on mental health and coping mechanisms with the video for his track “Try-Polar.” Marrying a rapid-fire vocal delivery with haunting guitar motifs and vintage R&B beats, he invites the listener to explore another person’s point of view and a struggle that is not always the easiest to perceive. The track comes from MC Bravado’s second album “Hip-Hop*” which was released this past March via Soulspazm. Experience the world through MC Bravado’s eyes with “Try-Polar” below.
Cina Polada is a shimmering indie-pop combo from Helsinki whose “July 13th” is one of our newest, favorite obsessions. We’re particularly drawn to the frantic drumming on this tune, which reminds us of The Walkmen’s iconic drum work in 2004’s “The Rat.” Beyond the drumming, beautiful guitar work, breathy vocals, and icy synth work peppers the track. Recommended to fans of TOPS, Ra Ra Riot, or Tame Impala. Check it out on iTunes too.
With the bright idealism of a kinetic sunrise, Los Angeles duo Loud Forest forge their latest indie pop heart-wrencher, “Wake Up.” The song muses over a lover that is always just beyond reach, where dreams and reality blur, indistinguishable. Despite the elusive dreaminess, the track calls for a return to the real world as running drum lines, paired vocals, and buoyant guitar chords hint towards an optimistic outcome. Rachel and Bernard Chadwick have been long-time partners in music and life, playing together under various aliases for over a decade. “Wake Up” is Loud Forest’s second single out this year, following up their self-titled album released in May 2016.
LA band Sure Sure once again provide the perfect indie rock soundtrack that you never knew you needed with this latest single, “Hands Up Head Down.” The track goes in an eerie direction with the help of rhythmic distortion guitars, fuzzy vocals, crawling synths, and an ominous bass line. It dances precariously on the line between a ‘cooler than you’ party anthem and a socially anxious manifestation. With a forecast of more single releases and a touring debut this winter with Hippo Campus, we’re likely to hear a lot more from Sure Sure in the coming months. For now, take a walk on the dark side with “Hands Up Head Down” below.
We are for sure recommending the latest downtempo, ambient-pop from Superheart. “Count On Me” combines layered synths, dark-wave vibes, and breathy vocals into something very chill and relaxing. The underwater vibes are undeniable here – sit back, close your eyes, and let the waves of smooth electronica sweep you away. Fans of Future Islands, Jamie XX, or Washed Out should give this one a spin. Superheart could use some love on the IG – drop them a follow.
For the past year or so, solo-act Rees Finley has been a staple on buffaBLOG. Last time we checked in with him, we were digging the feel-good, frenetic pop of “Talk To Me.” This time, we’re highlighting the fuzzy pop of his latest single, “I Don’t Want To Walk Away.” Falling somewhere on the spectrum between Weezer, Pavement, and American Football, there’s plenty for fans of the 90s, fuzz rock, and emo sentiment to get behind. Rees has his own website… Check it out.
Melbourne’s latest singer/songwriter aficionado Handkerchief Thief sends shivers through the airwaves with his debut track “Salted Skin.” Brimming with underlying intensity, the single centers on the restlessness and deep sense of longing derived from separation. Through a heady mix of finespun falsetto, deft guitar lines, and kinetic drum tracks, the song acts as quicksand, slowly sinking you deeper with each instrumental track added and each vocal part layered. Handkerchief Thief seems to fit right in among other stirring indie-folk influencers like Bon Iver, Daughter, and The Paper Kites, paving the way for a full emotional journey within the song’s 4-minute frame. This is the first track off of Handkerchief Thief’s upcoming debut EP, Hunting For Hummingbirds, set to released later this year.
U.K artist Piers James takes lucid dreaming to a new, commanding level with the video for his track “Samurai.” The video plays on the stealth and ferocity of the warrior, incorporating James’ own aesthetic ideals to bring to life the narrative of his subconscious. Featuring a well-blended mix of grime, hip-hop, and even a bit of reggae, Piers James maintains a fervid flow over a bed of jangly percussion, jazz-inspired bass lines, and eccentric electronics. Over the course of a few months, he has built a reputation for his thought-provoking lyrics and inspiring messages throughout the U.K. With recognition on BBC Radio 1 and Spotify playlist curation, the future is looking bright for Piers James. Take in the striking visuals of “Samurai” below.
Panama Jane straight up slays it on her new song, “Bags.” Beyond the fact that there are some seriously hilarious lines in this song, Jane has some sick flow. Her particular style of hip hop comes from a deep appreciation of Three Six Mafia and Jack Daniels… Give this one a listen and you’ll never forget your hoe bag ever again. Fans of Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Rihanna are gonna love this one. Jane’s got an Instagram too – slam that follow button.