New Music

Stripes – “Forever, It Won’t Change”

December 12, 2024

“Forever, It Won’t Change” is the newest single from NY based Stripes (of the non-white-color sort). Channeling some Karen O/Yeah Yeah Yeahs vibes in the best way possible, Izzy MK and company give us the ole razzle dazzle. A raucous opening begins with a cacophony of sound and never takes its foot off the gas but for a short breakdown of bass and drums. 2:58 feels like the perfect amount of time for a pop track of this caliber, but, at the same time, I want another track. With the bands output, I’m sure we won’t wait too long!   In what is simply a criminal act by the band, they put the most adorable dog on the cover of the single yet don’t feature the dog (named Luna, apparently) once in the music video.   Check out the music video for “Forever, It Won’t Change” below from YouTube and[...]

bugcatcher – “cadillac”

December 10, 2024

Rochester slowcore slackrockers, Bugcatcher, released a new single last month with their label Raincoated Records. The new track “cadillac” trudges on the tempo, it’s a slow burner reminiscent of Alex G’s early bedroom lo-fi recordings. The single has an earnest and no frills edge to it, recorded on a four track analog cassette tape as part of a year-long project via their label. “cadillac” finds itself with good company, splitting the LP with fellow Rochester DIY scene regulars Georgie, Home Videos and Kitchen. If you’re into this one, well I have good news for you. Bugcatcher and Georgie are both in town for this Saturday’s (December 14, 2024) non-binary THEYFEST taking apalce at Area 54/Amy’s. Doors at 3pm with a flexible $10-$15 cover. spit takes and split tapes by bugcatcher

Frog – “Did Santa Come”

December 9, 2024

New York City Americana/family act Frog have a new original Christmas song that booming out the office speakers this afternoon. Danny & Steve Bateman’s new track “Did Santa Come” is a slice of the band’s upcoming album 1000 Variations of the Same Song, which is due out this February. The piano centric tune is the true story of Danny Bateman’s son and his hopefulness that Santa decided to visit nightly after Christmas instead of just the one-night-only event. “Did Santa Come?” was the question of the morning for two to three weeks after December 25th. Frog’s sound has a cozy earnesty to it, reminiscent of Daniel Johnston, Jonathan Richman, or Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Check it out. Frog · Frog – DID SANTA COME

JOMEGA – “I DON’T RELAX”

December 9, 2024

DMV duo JOMEGA honor their blog rap forefathers on their latest track “I DON’T RELAX.” Channeling the timeless sounds featured on tastemaker pages like 2DopeBoyz, NARIGHT, and DJBooth.Net, the twin brothers drop bars on this track that would have lit up a comment section in 2010. Some people say this was the best era in hip hop history – those people might be writing this blog. JOMEGA’s mellow flows and bars give nods to the likes of mixtape-era Wale, Sir Michael Rocks, and Joey Bada$$ (who is even explicitly referenced in a “Christ Conscious” line). The brothers seamlessly play off of each other, taking turns carving up an understated, headbobbing boom bap-inspired beat. It’s a fresh take on nostalgic sounds and references, and JOMEGA do the era more than justice. Discover more sounds from the brothers on their Spotify page and check out “I DON’T RELAX” here:

Bodywash – “Last Christmas (Wham! Cover)”

December 5, 2024

Montreal based Bodywash and their cover of “Last Christmas” won’t lose you Whamageddon, as the rules explicitly state that covers are exempt, so listen to this and you will be safe (at least here… maybe).   Bodywash is Chris Steward and Rosie Long Decter – college friends who eventually started making music together. Their rendition takes away the 80’s synth and massive amounts of cocaine (seriously, watch the video – the snow is clearly allegorical) and brings a more contemporary feel with understated, blissed-out guitar and slightly more contemporary synth.   They do a great job of recapturing the breathy vocals without being overwrought, which is an impressive feat on its own. I think the existential dread that gets overlooked in the original is also a bit more fleshed out.   You can hear the “Last Christmas” cover over on Spotify and add it to your rotation of holiday songs[...]

L33A.P – “D10R2004”

December 4, 2024

L33a.P carries over Brat Summer into Von Dutch Winter with her latest Boiler Room style track “D10R2004.” In the new single, L33A.P combines s eurodance beat with hyper-pop vocals to create an upbeat track about materialism and retro fashion to an upbeat instrumental. This could easily have been a B-side for Charli XCX’s latest album or a Venga Boyz return with a Gen Z ghostwriter. “D10R2004” exudes a good time, with vibe of a night out hitting the club ironically or unironically in mid 00’s fashion. Check it out below and have a good time. You deserve it. D10R2004 by L33A.P  

Monotronic – “Looking Away”

December 4, 2024

NY/LA’s Monotronic is a loose collective of musicians, blending elements of upbeat pop and indie rock to curate their own style which is unbelievable catchy. The band’s “frontman” Ramsey Elkholy started the project in 2016 as the lead songwriter, bringing in an array of talented members of the always impressive New York City music scene in tow. The band has released the much anticipated single “Looking Away” off their forthcoming album Waiting for You, out in early 2025. The band’s new single has an upbeat Phoenix and Killers comparisons, with some worldly elements, a remnant of Elkholy’s time spent in Indonesia.  Check out the single “Looking Away” below and keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming album in Q1 2025.

Cecilia – “Don’t Wanna Cry”

December 4, 2024

Emerging electro-pop newcomer, Cecilia, released. a fresh nu-disco track that’s got us buzzin’. “Don’t Wanna Cry” is the debut from Cecilia, a self-taught producer and singer  and if this track is any indication of her capabilities as a songwriter, her future is bright. The song is all about getting over a former fling, reminiscing on better times. With that, you’d think this is a sad song but Cecilia turns this track into an upbeat disco pop gem that’s perfect for midnight at a club with smoke machines and Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” next in queue. Fans of MS MR, Tove Lo, or the heavy synths of The Knife would be into Cecilia’s debut. Check it out.

Delta of Venus – “Disengaged”

December 4, 2024

Delta of Venus has been around for a bit, emerging from a 1993 basement where four friends put their creative endeavors together to pursue a united sound. The band faded out in the late 90s but re-united in 2023 after founding member Ellery Twining found themself in a creative rut after releasing solo material.  The band picked up right where they left off in the 90s, with the addition of a new singer Issy jumping behind the microphone. Blending elements of indie pop and shoegaze, the band’s sound has emerged with the current indie scene, with comparisons to Alvvays, The Beths, or Melody’s Echo Chamber. “Disengaged” is a promising return for Delta of Venus, with a second single already released “Slipping” – available for a full listen here.  Disengaged by Delta of Venus

PB Mogul feat. 38 Spesh – “20 on the Stove”

December 2, 2024

Utica’s PB Mogul brought the trap with him on his hip hop journey. On his latest track, “20 on the Stove,” PB digs into the details on a modern trapping classic: “started with ‘cane on the griddle, now I rock stages and venues.” “20 on the Stove” features menacing, gritty and understated production that feels like you’re walking the same cold concrete blocks PB references in his tracks. Mogul is assisted on the track by WNY legend 38 Spesh, who’s quick to drop the quintessential coke bars that he and frequent collaborator Benny the Butcher are the best in the game at. Here’s another upstate NY rapper with an authenticity you can hear in every bar – Check out more from PB Mogul and 38 Spesh on Spotify.

Ha Keem – “Long Way to Go”

December 2, 2024

Multi-talented hip hop artist Ha Keem combines 90s alternative hip hop sounds with a melodic, modern R&B delivery on his latest single, “Long Way to Go.” The Central Coast rapper is quick to flex that he can “sing, dance, and rap too” but on this track he prefers to take it slow and enjoy the moment. “Long Way to Go” slides smoothly between rapped and sung verses, with tender backing vocals complimenting a catchy, chanty hook that’ll vibe well with fans of Anderson .Paak and the Roots. Production-wise, we get some delicate keys, a funky bass line, and more live instrumentation that brings a brightness to the track. “There’s no need to rush it” – Add this to your good vibes hip hop playlists and check out more from Ha Keem on Spotify.

They Owe Us – “Hobo Waltz”

December 2, 2024

Swedish based They Owe Us is the project of Kristoffer Ragnstam, known for working with Mumford & Sons as well as Maia Hirasawa. Reminiscent of Joshua Tillman’s big sound he brings as Father John Misty, you’ll definitely feel the vibes of the psychedelic pop meets dream pop that Ragnstam brings to the fold here. Guitars, drums, synth, and a surprising horn section will get you worked up and ready to take on the world. I felt some vibes of early Doors too; something my editor’s mother would certainly appreciate (she seriously loves Jim Morrison).   You can hear “Hobo Waltz” on YouTube or add it to your cool indie rock playlist that you share with your parents on Spotify. If you like what you’ve heard you won’t have too much to wait for their next full length; All on RED is due out on April 25 of next year.  

Brave The Storm x Diviners x Rave The Storm x Arnie Way – “Rivers”

December 1, 2024

“Rivers” is the latest single and a HUGE collab between LOTS of different people (including Brave the Storm, Diviners, and Arnie Way). The track itself is very melodic, with a surprisingly heartfelt sound that will most certainly reverberate through your skull. This is a great track for indie rock fans who maybe aren’t super into EDM to get more of a taste than the mainstream. With a very vocal-forward mouthfeel, “Rivers” feels accessible without sacrificing the pulsating beat that makes listening to EDM so great. Queue this up, feel the vibes, and you’ll most assuredly have a good time. You can watch the lyric video for “Rivers” below on YouTube as well as add to your EDM flavored playlists for a fun night (or after party) on Spotify.    

Housewife – “Divorce”

December 1, 2024

Housewife, the project of Brighid Fry (she/they), brings us their latest single with “Divorce.” We previously covered Housewife here and, much like then, we love what’s happening. Fry does a fantastic job of building up; playing off of the guitar and drums with her vocals and giving everything enough time to percolate/crescendo… and then falling back to leave us wanting for more. Divorce is seldom a fun or uplifting subject but Fry does a spectacular job of keeping the listener engaged and not dragging us down in the doldrums. You can hear “Divorce” (with lyrics, which is super helpful for me because I need the written word to understand anything) on YouTube or add it to your your Spotify playlist of badass indie dream pop. The rest of the EP is well worth the listen -specifically the aforementioned “Life of the Party” as well as “I Lied.”  

Kevin J.B. O’Connor – “Follow Me”

December 1, 2024

Transplanted Buffalonian Kevin J.B. O’Connor, currently in the warmer climes of Kentucky, is someone we’re quite familiar with here at the Blog. From his original moniker of KO (here, back in 2021, so long ago) or Buffalo band Coral Collapse, which he was also part of (here, slightly less longer ago). O’Connor has crafted here an incredibly mellow yet strong guitar forward track here. It takes a real musicians musician to throw down with just their vocals and an acoustic guitar and that’s exactly what happens here. You can hear “Follow Me” below at no extra charge on YouTube below. You can also add to your slightly mournful yet kind of uplifting Buffalo based playlist on Soundcloud or Spotify. If you like what you’ve heard with “Follow Me,” be sure to check out the other nine tracks on his 2023 album “Alternatives.” Once a Buffalonian, always a Buffalonian – sorry[...]