New Music

Arctic Death Re-Releases 2009 Demo

February 15, 2017 Nick Sessanna

The year was 2009… A then 19-year-old me was excited to catch Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltisn at the Rathskellar, the on-campus bar at St. Bonaventure university. Little did I know, I would receive a local band’s demo that night, one full of still-relevant tracks with a fresh take on urgent indie rock. That band was Arctic Death, and the magical EP in choice was what they now refer to as DEMO 2009. My copy was burnt on a blank cd and hand-decorated with some abstract doodles and what I originally thought was the EP’s title… Tropical Life (Arctic Death/Tropical Life – it’s like opposite day). Don’t get me wrong, SSLYBY was great, but the true treat of the night was blazing this short and sweet EP over and over on the two hour drive home. Immediately, the plodding bassline of “Handprints?” had me hooked. Arctic Death specialized in angular rhythms, wonky guitar and bass[...]

Shayla McDaniel – “Losing You”

February 14, 2017 Nick Sessanna

Shayla McDaniel is walking the line between jazz and alternapop in her latest single, “Losing You.” The Tennessee native’s latest release, 26 Letters, features the gentle indie rock of “Losing You,” which we dig a lot… It’s reminiscent of the female singer/songwriter scene of the mid 1990s with a 2017 twist. Give Shayla some love – add her stuff to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292007822″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ruby Empress – “Escapism Deluxe”

February 13, 2017 Nick Sessanna

Swedish electro duo Ruby Empress are no stranger to viral success – their first single, “Deluca” spent some time on Spotify’s top viral tracks playlist. The group is back, this time as a “Debussy Disco” act with their latest single, “Escapism Deluxe.” In true Ratatat fashion, Ruby Empress build “Escapism Deluxe” gradually until it explodes in an epic, disco fashion. Give them a follow on Instagram while you’re at it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305841813″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Charlotte & Magon – “The Game”

February 12, 2017 Cassandra Dailey

Looking for some indie psychedelica to get you through the day? Look no further than Charlotte & Magon’s latest track “The Game.” The Parisian duo’s single features hazy synths, wispy vocals, and delicate guitar lines as they journey through a gender-bending, dusky afternoon in the track’s video. It’s authentically eccentric, channeling the likes of Ariel Pink and Mac Demarco. Delve into more Charlotte & Magon through their various EPs on bandcamp.

Sweet William – “My Connection”

February 12, 2017 Cassandra Dailey

New Hartford’s Sweet William delves into some feel-good indie rock in their track “My Connection.” The band consists of Mike Cotter on various instrumentation, with Sam Goodwin on vocals. It’s as grassroots DIY as can be, all recorded from the guys’ basement, and features commanding guitar fills, light percussion, and catchy hooks. The song embodies the happy-go-lucky lifestyle, encouraging acting on gut feelings and letting go. For more good vibes make sure to check out Sweet William’s album What You Feel. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304207474″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lottery Odds – “3:16”

February 11, 2017 Matt Moretti

Lottery Odds’ single “3:16” has one of the most exciting intros to a rap song of all time. The WWF’s Stone Cold Steve Austin delivers a blistering promo directed towards Chris Jericho, Booker T and Vince McMahon setting up a steel cage match on Monday Night Raw, the crowd is charismatic as hell and SCSA delivers quotable line after quotable line. As the promo dies down, a bombastic beat takes over and Lottery Odds time begins. Channeling his inner Stone Cold, Odds takes a confident delivery into his verse, sounding like he’s at the top of his game. This is just an incredibly fun and enjoyable track. Perfect parts rap and wrestling, and that’s a fusion that’ll never fail. Drink it in below.

Nick Menn – “So Ill”

February 11, 2017 Matt Moretti

Fairview Heights, Illinois’ Nick Menn covers all the bases in being a well-rounded emcee on his single “So Ill.” The wordplay is there in spades, ridiculously so when he’s talking about a chick doing some coke and spins it into “She was fingering up the ‘ye like her name was Amber Rose.” In addition to his skill with words, Menn’s flows are off the charts. He starts off with a straight on flow, but goes into chopper mode on his second verse and acapella to close out the track. It’s in this outro where Menn gets especially serious about his career. “Fuck Netflix and chill, I’d rather talk net worth and build.” With his sphere of approaches, Menn makes “So Ill” a must listen. Give it a play below.

Ran Reed – “Pathetic M.C.s” ft. Bumpy Knuckles

February 11, 2017 Matt Moretti

Tri-state rapper Ran Reed teams up with Long Island wrecking ball Bumpy Knuckles to create the blunt, bruising call-out “Pathetic M.C.s.” Ran Reed’s nasty delivery gets its flavor immediately with the opening line “Rappers ain’t rapping no more they straight mumbling, give them a year their career starts crumbling.” Bumpy Knuckles comes in on the second verse, succinctly describing his presence on the track with the line “Even when I’m quiet, my voice starts riots.” Reed also takes on production duties for this track, flipping the soulful opening into a knocking, standout beat. These two deliver intimidating and intense verses that leave their fellow emcees shaking. Listen to “Pathetic M.C.s” below, and peep the project it comes from, Still Commanding Respect.

Cynic the Apache – “Ham on Rye”

February 11, 2017 Matt Moretti

Cynic the Apache’s silky rhymes prove to be killer on Get the Gringo 2 opener “Ham on Rye.” The Millennium Jazz Music artist has a knack for transitioning seamlessly between lines. One leads right into another, as Cynic recounts the person he’s been and the path he’s on currently. With his personal drive, his parents’ help and assistance from friends he’s able to push out a cut with head-bobber flows and fitting production. Jazzy drums and guesting horns carry a perfect instrumental for Cynic to lay down his verses. “He’s the kind of kid who can beat you in Connect 4 in just three moves.” Press play on “Ham on Rye” below.