We’ve been spinning this warble-fest by Toy Savoy in the buffaBLOG offices as of late – “Clean Floors” is an ever-so wonky pop song that combines warped guitars, keyboards, and feel-good harmonies into something irresistible. Fans of Magic Potion, Mac Demarco, or The Shins will get down to this one. Be sure to stick it out till they go half-time. If you’re feeling it, add it to your Spotify playlist.
NOLA trio Bent Denim caught our ears with the muffled beauty of their latest single, “All My Friends Are Dead.” Focusing on beautiful, narrative-driven songs, BD jams lo-fi sentiment into a succinct 2:15. “AMFAD” is fleshed out with hush-hush vocals and a hooky piano motif that is sure to please any fan of indie pop, bedroom pop, dream pop, or *insert modifier here* pop. Check out their latest release via Bandcamp.
Los Angeles based RaneRaps drops a song for the heartbroken through the release of his new single “Have To Go.” In question is the rapper’s love interest, who he compares as a cross between Beyoncé and Sasha Fierce. Producer Hirsh creates a confused atmosphere with some jazzy keys as RaneRaps drifts through his experiences with his love interest. RaneRaps changes back and forth from rapper to singer as he progresses through his story. At the close, he is left asking why she wasted his time in the first place. Check out “Have To Go” below on Soundcloud.
Fresh off the press, Albany’s pop punk pride and joy The Plastic Faction releases another gem from their upcoming LP, Trinket. In just over 2 minutes, “Falter” hits the ground running with captivating harmonies, meandering guitar lines, and salient electronic elements. There’s very little this band can’t do, encapsulating a sweet acoustic lament, an electropop banger, and an emo rock anthem over the course of a single song. If this is any indication of what’s to come, you won’t want to miss the rest of the album, set for release on June 22nd via Newlywed Records. Until then, head over to The Plastic Faction’s bandcamp to ride out the wait.
Bringing throwback tunes from the United Kingdom, Hot Collars gets a new take on their song through the remix of “Tongue Tied.” Serving as a collaboration with The Go! Team, the song takes new form as the remix adds to the already jovial single. Kicking off with bouncy steel drums and a blaring trumpet that carries through the entirety of the single, there is a theme of ’80 club dance-pop throughout. Choppy vocal effects melds with the mix of the harmonica in the background. Listen to the remix of “Tongue Tied” below.
Six-piece Glaswegian band Pronto Mama dropped “Cold Arab Spring” to promote their debut album Any Joy out now via Electric Hone. Drawing influences from Bombay Bicycle Club and Dutch Uncles, the song takes a traditional approach to indie with some surprises sprinkled throughout. Buzzy guitars lead into catchy pop hooks that are guided by gentle vocals. Stepping away from tired old sounds, the band drifted into a new direction from cultural influences. Combining influences, “Cold Arab Spring” brings it all together to create a well-rounded piece. Listen to “Cold Arab Spring” off Any Joy below via Soundcloud.
Fuzz rock collective Surrender Signal sends some sleepy sludge our way with their track “Tired.” The Denver based trio have an affinity for experimental meters and a dynamic range, and we get a taste of that throughout this single. “Tired” hits a unique contrast through hearty drumset work and rampant guitars coated in distortion, while listless vocals croon on overhead. The effect is a slow-burning ember, hooking you in from the start but never reaching overwhelming intensity. This track appears at the forefront of the band’s 9-track album Landgrab, released this past spring. Head over to Surrender Signal’s soundcloud for more fiery goodness. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319513479″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Beyond the pleasing pastels and ultimate chill-out vibes that the video for “LA in ’83” exudes is DONCAT‘s excellent songwriting prowess. Referred to as “superbly laid back Laurel Canyon style folk,” “LA in ’83” has just enough sparse guitar and soulful lyrics to have you feeling ever-so-relaxed. If you’re feeling it, add it to your Spotify playlist.
Any fan of the 2000s indie-rock scene should recognize the iconic sound of matt pond PA and his distinct brand of shimmering indie-pop. Pond is back at it again with his 12th full-length album, kicked off by catchy and irreverent lead single “Still Summer,” a song glorifying the fond memories of doing dumb and dangerous things in one’s youth. Sadly, this will be Pond’s last album under the moniker matt pond PA, but long-time fans fear not… There is more music to come from Pond in the near future. Swing by their webstore to pre-order Still Summer.
“Real Love” shimmers with retro synths and lo-fi vibes, perfect for a chill-out sesh or a laid-back Sunday. Greek quartet KENNY FREQ. are the architects of our latest recommendation, a group of guys who push each other to write light-hearted, euphoric pop songs. This one reminds us of The Shout Out Louds or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. If you’re digging it, you can support via a variety of platforms here.
Yo, we’re digging the warbly vibes from new slacker-rock duo Spring Breakers. “Shaking Hands” switches from a Mac Demarco-inspired verse to a dreamy chorus without flinching, which isn’t an easy task. What’s more exciting – this is the first song these dudes have written together. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next. For fans of Kurt Vile, Mac Demarco, or Beach House. Add it to your Spotify playlist too.
Melbourne dream pop duo Bleach Dream sets the season aglow with their song “Fifth & Mainview.” After bonding over a love of music, friends Marty Greensill and Dave O’Kane combined their efforts to pursue the musical effigy they’d always dreamed of. Inspired by artists like The Cure, Wild Nothing, and DIIV, the two gradually honed in on their sound, using spare weekends to construct their album. Debut track “Fifth & Mainview” is pure wistfulness, wrapped up in hazy vocals, echoing guitars, and a prevailing bass line to convey a desire to be elsewhere. This is the first single off of Bleach Dream’s upcoming debut album Saudade, out later this month. Until then, hang in there with “Fifth & Mainview” below as we count the days. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/322263517″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
European experimental folk artist Lorenzo Clerici has the kind of voice that takes you back to a softer, simpler time. Under the pseudonym Barack, he conjures up soaring melodies with delicate instrumentation. Barack’s latest single “Last” is no exception, funneling in saccharine falsetto with rolling acoustic guitar that grows in intensity. Somewhere on the emo-folk spectrum between Sufjan Stevens and Told Slant, this track is a refreshing sip of serenity with a bit of a bite, and he seems to have hit the sweet spot. Check out the video for “Lines” below for a more immersive experience, and be on the look out for Barack’s upcoming full-length album.
Dang Clēts find us at that sweet transition from spring to summer with their new single, “Lines.” The trio seems to siphon breezy rays of sunshine right into the track, highlighting velvety falsetto, golden guitar lines, and sparkling synths, all tied together with a light groove. This is feel good alt rock at its finest, marrying the laidback vibes of Beach Fossils with the neat and tidy refinery of Ra Ra Riot. It’s easy to see this isn’t their first rodeo. The band formed in 2013 at Tufts University where they cultivated their sound, and are making a resurgence with a debut single under their new moniker Dang Clēts. If “Lines” is any indication of what’s to come, we’re hoping for a speedy follow up. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315749948″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
L.A. quartet Beachwood Coyotes has quite a unique story of how they came to be. After a trippy midnight experience involving coyotes on the outskirts of Hollywood, lead singer Jason Nott found his musical muse. Known for their infectious brand of indie rock, the band is currently preparing for their upcoming EP with the release of their single “Face to Face.” Centering on sunny topics as stashing negativity for growth, this track acknowledges challenges while choosing to rise above. Right from the start the melody swoops in, accompanied tasteful harmonies, luminous guitar lines, and relentless percussion. If you’re hungry for more, be sure to check out their EP Scrubby, out later this summer. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319314159″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]