New Music

Magic Potion – “Jelly”

May 22, 2016

Talk about perfect hooks, “Jelly” is an archetypal slacker rock song with excellent hooks. Sweden’s Magic Potion knocked it out of the park with this quavering tune that sounds like Mac Demarco, All-Time Quarterback, and Diet Cig got together to combine geniuses. This nonsensical tune is mellow as they come – perfect for sinking slowly into your bed in the daze of mid-afternoon. “Jelly” is the third single from Magic Potion’s debut LP Pink Gum, due on May 27th via PNKSLM Recordings on vinyl and digital; Beech Coma on cassette. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263408740″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DaDa – “Black Horse”

May 21, 2016

DaDa‘s new song, “Black Horse.” is an anti-war hymn that sounds like it could be a Beck song featuring At The Drive In or Sonic Youth. While we could try to put it into words, we think the band themselves best describe their own sound: “DaDa incorporates flowing rhythms, captivating vox, and powerful lyrics, revealing a fleshy undertone to their sound, subduing you into expanding the senses while going on a spacey trip.” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves. “Black Horse” is DaDa’s debut single, set to be released on 10th June via Black Wire Music. Their debut EP, The Pigeon Conspiracy, is due out on July 8th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263617311″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Everett James Wood – “Hold On”

May 21, 2016

Nineteen-year-old Everett James Wood is a fresh-faced new artist out of Waterloo. His debut single “Hold On” is a nice little slice of electronica meant to make your “feet crank, hips sway, and heads bob.” We recommend EJW if you like smooth electronica like Massive Attack or Caribou. “Hold On” is currently available for free download on Soundcloud. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264002319″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bones Garage – “The Run”

May 21, 2016

Surf-punx Bones Garage caught our attention by sounding a lot like something you’d hear blasting out of a West Side basement in Buffalo. With brash, echoey female vocals delivered over breakneck drums and unmistakable surf riffs, “The Run” sounds vintage and contemporary all at once. We particularly liked the chaotic background siren sounds that permeate the track. Bones Garage’s upcoming full-length, Massacre/Dance, is due out summer 2016. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263629274″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Young Mister – “Pasadena”

May 20, 2016

Young Mister is the moniker for Steven Fiore. Fiore has recently been freed from an old record deal which has given him a chance to spread his wings. His new-found freedom is encapsulated in a new track, “Pasadena” which sounds light, free, and slightly southern-tinged, almost like Manchester Orchestra or All Get Out mixed with Coldplay. “Pasadena” is about being torn between two coasts, a message delivered eloquently with vivid, relatable lyrics. Young Mister’s newest self-titled album is out now via Refresh Records. Check out the video for “Pasadena” below.    

Army of Bones – “Batteries”

May 20, 2016

Army of Bones sounds huge and powerful, we’ll just come right out and say it. The Brighton-based crew specializes in emotionally engaging music a la Foals, Imagine Dragons, or 30 Seconds to Mars. “Batteries” entered our inbox with a bang, flaunting an urgent sound, soaring vocals, and cavernous drums. Army of Bones’ latest release is the Batteries/River EP, which you can purchase here. Their next album is due out in January of 2017. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/185745051″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

The Junction – “City Nights”

May 19, 2016

If you’re a night owl, The Junction‘s new single, “City Nights” is sure to be up your alley. Drawing inspiration from the twilight hour, a time when most musicians feel most centered (a “mental calm” if you will), The Junction have created an understated indie tune with subtle funk and pop influences. “City Nights” uses vintage Casio tones and profound nighttime imagery to induce a gentle wave of nostalgia. Fans of Caribou or Four Tet might enjoy the subtle sounds of The Junction. The Junction is set to release their full-length, also titled City Nights, on October 21 via Toronto’s Culvert Music. You can pick up the song “City Nights” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/261543805″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pure Moods – “Blurb”

May 19, 2016

Melbourne’s Pure Moods got their start as many bands do – in the dingy, wee hours of the morn at any number of random house parties. The members’ good intentions finally coalesced into a stellar debut single for the trio, resulting in the perfect, chorus-tinged guitar-pop of “Blurb.” Pure Moods sounds like The Smiths or The Cure gone contemporary with a nod to almost-pop greats The Pastels. “Blurb” is out now via Deaf Ambitions. Have a listen to the self-recorded track below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263161558″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DEMS – “Gold”

May 19, 2016

DEMS is a band that represents the changing identity of London.”Gold” is the band at their lyrical darkest, finding the trio questioning the future of their beloved city. The band’s old art space was recently renovated into flats for the 1% and that angst is represented heavily in their music. “Gold” perfectly encapsulates that feeling of upheaval, mixing deep, distorted bass synths with a bombastic pop chorus. Fans of FOALS or CHVRCHES might dig DEMS’ indie-electronica sound. “Gold” is out now on FIELDS. Check it out via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262461854″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Jon Bap- “Gooder Than Before/Forced”

May 19, 2016

It’s impossible to categorize Jon Bap. While certainly a soul crooner, he’s clearly not just “a soul crooner,” as his sweet croonings are backed with sounds that are in from way out. Without question however is the fact that Jon Bap is one of the most forward thinking artists on the Buffalo music scene, and based on some of the Internet love he’s starting to get it looks like his footprint will be expanding beyond WNY with the re-release of his 2014 EP Let It Happen and lead single “Gooder Than Before/Forced.” We loved it before, and that love affair has only gotten hotter thanks to his engrossing live shows over the last few years. Keep an eye out for this reissue in the coming weeks, and enjoy this slice of avant-garde soul. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263800226″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Shapes on Tape – “Fountain of Youth”

May 18, 2016

Brooklyn-act Shapes and Tape have our song in the office today with their new track “Fountain of Youth” The upbeat electro-pop song is actually all about searching for the fountain of youth. Partying, living your life to the max, being young and dumb, a theme that many of us can reflect on or are still in the midst of. It’s not often that song lyrics are this transparent. If you are a fan of Metronomy, Holy Ghost, or Clubfeet would be into Shapes on Tape. Listen to “Fountain of Youth” and try not to play it twice, I dare you. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/261186935″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

roco – “Bloody Hands”

May 18, 2016

roco is a Nashville trio who gathered together from opposite musical spectrums to create something great. Their new album, Pidgin Tongue, is inspired by the “simplistic language” the band developed to communicate with each other musically. The result is something unique (and hardly simplistic), perhaps best demonstrated by the song “Bloody Hands.” The group’s music is unmistakably unique, combining sparse percussion with plucky guitars and other left-field instrumentals. Pidgin Tongue, is due out on May 17th. Until then, enjoy the smooth sounds of “Bloody Hands” via the widget below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264510365″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Wingman – “In Comes Rushing In”

May 18, 2016

Wingman is an alt-rock act that falls somewhere between melancholy and pop sensibility. We recently stumbled upon “In Comes Rushing In,” a moody jam that swells in intensity while never losing the sweetness of its pop tinge. Themes of their upcoming album include stolen money, losing faith, and crippling anxiety, brought to life by fuzzy guitars and catchy melodies. Wingman’s debut LP, Honcho, will be out on June 10th. “In Comes Rushing In” will be the second single.

Joyriot – “Zen Jam”

May 16, 2016

We’re pleased to introduce you to Joyriot from Tuscon, AZ. These guys may seem like newcomers, but their debut album is full of fuzzy and understated indie rock that sounds like it was composed by true scene veterans. In fact, despite officially forming last summer, these songs have actually been cooking for 4-5 years. “Zen Jam” is a scintillating tune that casually floated into our inbox – we’ve been hooked ever since. Fans of Real Estate, Surfer Blood, or the Pete & Pete theme song might enjoy Joyriot. Joyriot’s latest self-titled release can be found on Bandcamp for a very affordable “pay what you want” rate.

Julian Azar – “Another Love”

May 15, 2016

Julian Azar is a musician from Stockholm who specializes in disco-indie goodness. “Another Love” is his latest release, taking influence from the pop Gods of the 1980s (Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode, Michael Jackson) while still retaining a contemporary sound. “Another Love” is about coming to terms with the opportunities that come with age – evaluating all of our options instead of following our dreams. Fans of Cut Copy, Van She, or Daft Punk might enjoy Azar’s disco pop flavor. Julian Azar’s debut album is due out this September via Swedish record label Tack För Igår. “Another Love” can keep you satisfied until then. Check it out below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/260304961″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]