New Music

Yoko-Zuna – “Yes”

The squelching electronics on Yoko-Zuna‘s new track “Yes” are enough to set this progressive hip hop group apart from an increasingly saturated pack. Sounding like a mixture between Kreashawn and Missy Elliott (and maybe toss in some of the swamp-gas synth tones that The Locust use), Yoko-Zuna is setting themselves up to be one of the hottest exports from their native New Zealand. The track also features up-and-coming talents Heavy and LarzRanda, who add their own unique flavor to this delightfully oddball track. We think you should head over to Yoko-Zuna’s Bandcamp page and download “Yes” immediately. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/266073240″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Me And My Drummer – “Gun”

Vintage looking beach scenes permeate the new video for Me and My Drummer‘s song, “Gun.” If you’re into La Roux, Lykki Li, or Bat for Lashes, you’re sure to enjoy the sounds of this particular duo from Berlin. An atmospheric-heavy beat lays a perfect foundation for frontwoman Charlotte Brandi’s eclectic vocals. The result is dreamy synth pop, perfect for chill summer vibes. Me and My Drummer’s latest album, Love Is A Fridge, is out now via Sinnabus. Snag a copy by heading over to iTunes.

Valaska – “Spring”

Valaska is a group of Chicagoans making intelligent indie rock. Fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Young The Giant, or The Shins would dig Valaska’s swimmy indie rock swagger. The band is fresh off releasing their newest LP, Inchoate, which came out earlier this month. The whole album is a smooth, expertly-paced listen, but we think you should start with album opener “Spring,” featuring 2002-Gibbard-esque vocals, gentle guitar pop, and a piercing, aquatic lead guitar riff. Inchoate is out now – swing by Valaska’s Bandcamp page and pick it up. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264621617″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dream Cult – “Convince Me”

“Convince Me” is a catchy new dream pop track from Mississippi act Dream Cult. Full of sparkly synth bells and space-case guitars, “Convince Me” tackles the disappointment of screwing up a good relationship. In fact, most of Dream Cult’s canon acknowledges the tough issues one might face as they grow up. Despite the heartache, Dream Cult wants you to keep your chin up. Your young woes might not matter too much later in life. Dream Cult’s full-length, Weekend, will be out on Old Flame Records on July 29th. Till then, soak up the shimmery goodness of “Convince Me” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262469997″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cuddle Party – “Assumption”

Cali sadboyz Cuddle Party have been pulling at our heartstrings with their new jam “Assumption.” Mixing a Tigers Jaw-style vocal delivery with a lo-fi recording technique, the fresh faced duo deliver an intimacy that belies their years. The song is about challenging the notion that all love should be reciprocated. Sad but true. Head over to their Soundcloud page for a free download of “Assumption.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/250911965″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pope – “Dance The Night Away”

House act Pope is back with another EP, this one containing the infectious “Dance The Night Away.” A straight up ABBA-inspired “how can I resist you” is one of the many hooks that permeate this particular track. Pope is a one man show, mixing synth-funk with heavy basslines. Check out Pope’s tongue-in-cheek #jointhefaith hashtag while you listen via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265494725″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cadence Kid – “Hold on Me”

In the new music video for “Hold On Me,” Cadence Kid (Jason Turbin) teams up with 3x Grammy award winning producer (and brother) Cassidy Turbin. The video plays out much like a summer road trip; a bunch of profound and beautiful sights and images that one might see as they travel down the coast. “Hold On Me” is a feel-good summer hit that could fit into rotation with Foster the People, Grouplove, or MGMT. Check out the new video for “Hold On Me” below.

Bad Wave – “Extraordinary”

Miami/LA hybrid duo Bad Wave recently dropped “Extraordinary,” an exhilarating Phoenix-esque banger. Despite living in the same building, the dudes in Bad Wave create music via email, just like synth legends The Postal Service. The duo claims the song is about empathizing with the darkest parts of humanity. We can’t help but wonder exactly what they mean by that, but our guess is it’ll probably be impossible to think bad thoughts while you listen to this upbeat, borderline frenetic track. Give “Extraordinary” a listen below or via Spotify. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264970746″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Delagoon – “Somehow”

Swedish new wave punks Delagoon mix the fervor of 80s post-punk with a more contemporary brand of dream pop. “Somehow” is their latest offering, an urgent and nostalgic offering which could sit comfortably on the shelf next to your Joy Division, DIIV, and Ceremony vinyls. We think it’s quite an impressive debut for a group of spry, Nordic teens. “Somehow” is out now on Swedish label Hybris. Have a listen via Soundcloud or Spotify. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262644799″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mountain of Youth – “Poetry”

Mountain of Youth‘s new jam “Poetry” is a blend of deep and progressive house with a tropical flavor, true to form for the rising solo act. It’s easy to see why MOY recently performed an acclaimed set at Coachella – the song fuses a sophisticated atmosphere with a chill driving beat, perfect for dancing. Fans of Jody Wisternoff or 16 Bit Lolitas would really dig Mountain of Youth. “Poetry” is available for free download – just follow the widget to Mountain of Youth’s Soundcloud page below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264592580″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Herd Fest Day Three

Herd Fest day three – another full day of banging musical acts highlighting the best of the best in the WNY region and beyond. Today’s programming spans six of Buffalo’s finest venues. Right about now, you should be lacing up your converse and smoothing your hair to make it to the Record Theatre showcase at 2:00pm. Indie-poppers Good Neighbors, gritty DIY-ers Slowcooker, avant-garde act Lifemusic Mit Andre, songstress Velvet Bethany, and glammy Whiner are all playing today. It’s a $5 cover all across town tonight (unless you have our all-access wristband). After Record Theatre, Mohawk Place is hosting an early showcase starting at 6:30pm. Spooky rockers FKA SHEDS are starting the night out, followed by lo-fi grungers Nylon Otters, calculated post-punk act Hundred Plus Club, and Rochester garage twang Cantelope. We suggest you snag some dinner and head over – this showcase would be a great way to start off your[...]

Rathborne – “So Long NYC”

It’s no secret that NYC is a place where artists and musicians flock. Rathborne is here to point out that it’s okay to acknowledge the NYC fatigue that inevitably sets in. We dig it because Rathborne has sculpted 70s vibes (think Tom Petty) into an upbeat number about getting sick about your life and needing a change. “So Long NYC” is on Rathborne’s latest LP, Soft. Pick it up from his Bandcamp page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264631322″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Chase The Jaguar – “Kiss Me (If You Wanna)”

Chase The Jaguar‘s poppy new tune “Kiss Me (If You Wanna)” has been bouncing around in our heads since it graced our inbox. The simplicity of the chorus makes this Hellogoodbye-esque song a true earworm. Toss in some neon synth tones and nimble guitar work from this Miami quartet and you have yourself a true emo-pop jam. Check out “Kiss Me (If You Wanna)” via the widget below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/260404229″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kent Odessa – “Palms Motel”

Brooklyn-based artist Kent Odessa is influenced by the funk and r&b greats – MJ, Prince, Rick James, and even Pharrell. Their influence can be heard through an indie rock lens on his new track “Palms Motel.” The song was inspired by a seedy motel that Odessa frequented during a gloomy residency in Detroit… But things seem to be looking up for Odessa – he found inspiration and is currently crushing it with “Palms Motel.” We can expect Odessa’s full-length sometime this year. Till then, check out “Palms Motel” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262239211″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Great Good Fine Ok – “Always”

Brooklyn synth-pop duo Great Good Fine Ok have done it again with their distinctive brand of pure pop gold. Beyond the thumping, disco-tinged instrumentals, the pseudo-boy band’s use of smooth falsetto is more than enough to anchor this confessional tune. The duo is set to tour the west coast this summer, which is sure to be a good time. Until then, have a listen to “Always” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264343916″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]