New Music

smalltalk – “Ur Letter”

April 18, 2023

Based out of Savannah, Georgia, smalltalk is the solo project of Andrew Keith (but also a full band per the band’s Facebook post as of February 26th of this year). We are promised a mishmash of “…80’s british rock, punk and shoegaze to create a unique sound…” which certainly holds true. “Ur Letter” comes from their latest EP, Rosemary, released March 31st and showcases (or, erm… shoe-cases) the shoegaze-y part of their self-described sound. Fans of Dinosaur Jr. or, not so surprisingly, bands like The Clash or My Bloody Valentine, would find lots to enjoy in smalltalk’s layered and eclectic sound, full of gigantic walls of guitar noise and neurotic drumming patterns. You can hear the divide listening to “Ur Letter” (and the rest of the Rosemary EP, which leans heavily into the shoegaze influences) against their 2021 effort, Dandyism, which feels a bit more like a dank joint stuffed into[...]

Juliana Madrid – “Big Plans”

April 18, 2023

Texas-based Juliana Madrid, by way of Dallas, brings a wispy, yet full-bodied indie pop ditty that scratches the dream pop itch and then some. “Big Plans” is off of her forthcoming sophomore EP from New York-based record label Neon Gold Records – a crew that has helped break such acts as CHVRCHES, Passion Pit, and Charli XCX. Fans of the aforementioned indie darling CHVRCHES would definitely find lots to enjoy with “Big Plans,” as well as the rest of Juliana’s catalogue, which can be found on Spotify or Apple Music. I have more than a few friends in bands and who write their own music. Let me tell you: at just 21, to have this steady of a grasp on sound, not to mention a lyrical depth and strong ear for composition, is simply impressive and more than enough to get me hooked. If you’re in the area in the[...]

Sol Bishop – “Write Off”

April 16, 2023

Melbourne based artist Sol Bishop brings a intriguing, punk-forward track into his usual hip hop offering with “WRITE OFF.”  Filled to the brim with self loathing about a failed relationship with lines such as “So I tell you that I’m changing/just to see you naked/but it’s still the same shit,” Bishop doesn’t let up much on his self-critique and clearly takes the blame but doesn’t take responsibility (Baby, I’m a write off). A buzzing bass line reverberates throughout that will stick with you long after the final note, certainly more on the punkier side of things while still retaining Bishop’s spitfire hip-hop delivery. Fans of The Streets, Gorillaz, or even Linkin Park would find this track interesting and may find this a good stepping stone to find more interest in hip hop. You can hear “WRITE OFF” Sol Bishop over on Soundcloud or Spotify as well as several of his[...]

Interbellum – “The Storm”

April 16, 2023

Hailing from Beirut, Interbellum is a project helmed by Lebanese singer-songwriter Karl Mattar. “The Storm” comes from his group’s third album Our House is Very Beautiful at Night which was recorded during the initial Covid-19 lockdowns throughout 2020-2021. This album came together with backing member Pascal Semerdjian recording his drum parts in Lebanon while Mattar recorded vocals and the rest at his home in Berlin. The cheery vocals and cheekily strummed guitar in their single “The Storm” coalesce into a definite pop rock gem tinged with some some of the hardships that come along with the Very Real Global Pandemic™, but also the (ongoing) economic crisis within Lebanon still reeling from a civil war. It’s an interesting juxtaposition between a very real, very depressing topic and the sunny, jangle-pop that Interbellum conjures, but that’s part of the magic here. Fans of Alvvays, The Shins, or even The Beatles would find lots to[...]

Sval – “SMOKE”

April 15, 2023

Hailing from Norway, SVAL is a 24 year old songcrafting veteran that has been making undeniably great songs for over a decade already and her latest alt-pop jam “SMOKE” continues that pedigree. The new song leans on SVAL’s killer vocals and electro sonics to make an exciting sound that is flirty and lifting, giving you an intoxicating head rush while making your toes tap and head bob along. SVAL’s singing has swagger and range that satisfies with every phrase and her use of sonic variety creates sections of the track that are at once segmented and unique while simultaneously progressing towards a greater whole from start to finish. “SMOKE” is impeccably crafted and wholly satisfying and fans of Billie Eilish, Robyn, and Sylvan Esso will find lots to love in this new track. Listen to the new song “SMOKE” by SVAL on Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud and find more[...]

Quit Yourself – “Strung Out & Grinding Your Teeth”

April 10, 2023

Quit Yourself brings a fun, energetic emo ballad in the form of “Strung Out & Grinding Your Teeth,” the first single from their upcoming EP, IT GETS WORSE BEFORE IT GETS WORSE. Most of the words I just used don’t entirely do justice to this impressive effort, so I’ll switch gears a bit with a story: It’s sometime in the early aughts and a dear friend named Kelly gave me a copy of Taking Back Sunday’s Tell All Your Friends that quite literally changed my life (for the better). Comparisons can sometimes be forced or, “eh, I kinda see that,” but in this case, I believe it to be a fair one. Quit Yourself isn’t a TBS clone by any means, but the frantic intro with soulful lyrics; melodic call-and-response vocals; and tapped guitar leads improve that nicely-paved road with enough fervor and passion to stand out on their own.[...]

His Old Chain – “Here”

April 10, 2023

The quasi-elusive band, His Old Chain IS, in fact, here, with their most recent of six singles released since 2022, “Here.” The duo of Christian Lyles and Stefan J. Selbert are cowboys by trade, but sneak away to the studio to create songs whenever they can. “Here” features a surfy, swimmy guitar lead that warms you up for the calm, soothing vocals complete with lyrics we can all relate to… We’ve all been in that situation where we’re stuck in a lonely mindset, wishing we were sleeping next to someone else. Fans of the newer sun-soaked Turnover, Still Woozy, and Say Hi will love this groovy bedroom-pop jam. We can’t wait to see what they release next. You can find “Here” on Spotify,  Soundcloud or Instagram. Check out the YouTube embed below.

Dirt Buyer – “On & On”

April 9, 2023

I could go on and on about the new single “On & On,” recently released by New Jersey-born, New York-based band, Dirt Buyer. The palm-muted intro to this song had me moving before any vocals had even kicked in. The chugging, grungy, alt-rock guitars carry through the entire song and were actually written just days before “On & On” was recorded… Even crazier, the lyrics were written right before vocalist Joe Sutkowski had to sing them. The song was co-written and produced with Ruben Radlauer (Model/Actriz) and Jeff Berrall (Caveman.) Fans of rocking-but-accessible bands like Manchester Orchestra, early Kings of Leon, or My Morning Jacket will dig this one for sure. Sutkowski has entered a self-proclaimed “new era of Dirt Buyer” and part of this new era was dying his hair a vibrant shade of red which he feels adds to his electrifying live performances. “On & On” isn’t just[...]

Buck Raines – “Rocks”

April 9, 2023

Mysterious act Buck Raines is here with a fresh bedroom-pop single, “Rocks.” Buck, (aka Ryan Raines (aka DJ Kid Gloves)) utilizes his electronic influences alongside strong story-telling lyrics to create a dreamy vibe that music lovers across many genres can enjoy… But if you love Mac DeMarco or Porches, you’re pretty much *guaranteed* to be a fan of Buck. Each verse is filled with ear-catching melodies you’ll have stuck in your head after one listen-through. This song hits the trifecta when you add in the tasteful drums and icily emotional guitar leads. Born in Key Largo, Florida, and now a current L.A. resident, Raines works as a producer/songwriter and even drums occasionally, which explains why his songs are so well-rounded. You can find “Rocks” on Spotify and Apple Music. Check out the YouTube embed below.

Animal Scream – “Strangled Up In Two”

April 9, 2023

Hailing from Pittsburgh, Animal Scream is made up of duo Chad Monticue and Josh Sickels.”Strangled Up in Two” is a banger of a track from that literally starts off with a BANG and doesn’t let off the gas, except to occasionally allow you to catch your breath. This comes from their most recent album Heartbroke Motel (April 7th) from label American Hermitage, also out of Pittsburgh, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The raucous cacophony in “Strangled” brings to mind Death From Above 1979, Parquet Courts, and a hint of Thom Yorke – with a beat that is simply infectious, just tell me with a straight face you couldn’t dance to this song all night long. The duo’s (successful) experiments with sound throughout Heartboke Motel similary don’t disappoint and listeners of anywhere from Grimes to Animal Collective would find enjoyment in the eclecticism. Be sure to check out “Strangled Up in Two”[...]

Angus Wayne – “Blacksheep”

April 9, 2023

Straight outta Nyack, New York (say that 3x fast), Angus Wayne is here with their latest feel-good single, “Blacksheep.” The catchy vocals combined with their use of down-home tones and hypnotic drums create a song you’ll want to listen to every time there’s some sun in the sky. Fans of The Mountain Goats, Chad VanGaalen, and Alex G will definitely resonate with the vibe of “Blacksheep.” About the song, Angus says: “This song is about many things, and you can dissect each verse. But you might notice a theme of animals, birds and sheep and bears. I’d love for this song to be received well, thanks so much for listening!” You can find “Blacksheep” on Spotify, SoundCloud, and of course, don’t forget to follow their Instagram. Check out the YouTube embed below.

Kicking – “Slower”

April 9, 2023

Jackson, Mississippi’s not-so-hidden gem, Kicking is back with the angsty jam, “Slower,” off of their latest 2-song EP, Cheeks//Slower. “Slower” instantly pulls you in with a catchy, moody guitar lead that swells into the familiar doomy shoegaze sound that has attracted buffaBLOG from the start. Add in singer Bobbie Flanders’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and you’ve got a recipe for a song you’ll instantly want to add to your “favorites” playlist. Being mixed & mastered by Buffalo native John Angelo is the icing on top. “Kicking” serves you those nostalgic 90’s fuzz vibes courtesy of former-Buffalonian bassist, Lacy Ellinwood paired with catchy, dreamy riffs provided by JD Burns and SG Shepherd. Their newest member, Lexie Gay, seems to have seamlessly come in as well. Fans of My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and Slothrust shouldn’t sleep on “Slower.” You can find “Slower” on Spotify and Apple Music. Don’t forget to check out the Bandcamp[...]

Cupid Girl – “I Drop Everything”

April 9, 2023

Cupid Girl is the project of Norway native Julie Engelsviken, and in three minutes with “I Drop Everything,” shows us her solid indie-pop chops. Songs like this always bring me a certain degree of joy because you can hear everything from relatable lyrics, to the plucky guitar, and lush synth leads, just-so-tightly produced to perfection. With her swaying dream-pop vocals, Engelsviken evokes some similarities to fellow Norwegian artist Girl in Red (or even HAIM) but with with 23% more 80’s influence thrown in. “I Drop Everything” also brings to mind “I Can’t Stop;” a fellow 80s-tinged track we recently reviewed by Dragon Inn 3. With a decent following over on Spotify and a strong collection of songs released within the past two years, be sure to hop on over to Spotify or Apple Music to hear this and more from Cupid Girl. Come for the incredible production value, stay for[...]

Babe Lewis – “New Growth”

April 8, 2023

Babe Lewis, the solo project of Virginia based multi-instrumentalist Joseph Harder, is here is with an infectious indie-pop track, “New Growth,” and it is bursting with youthful wonder and a lust for life. Harder brings the powerful, positive, and poppy sonics with acoustic strumming; vocals delivered with a cool slacker vibe; lyrics that excite all the senses; percussion that tickles and pops while it pumps with a rhythm of an excited heart beat; and it’s all rooted with an lively smooth electric bass line. The song captures the spirit of wonder and pushes it right into your soul and down to your toes. Harder shifts and moves the instrumentation, keeping the effervescent feeling present and ever-tantalizing – the perfect example of this is the short burst of synth that leads into a delicious buzzy guitar solo. Harder’s goal for the song is clear and executed with such joy you won’t[...]

Dead Slow Hoot – “The Moistest Beak”

April 8, 2023

London based four piece Dead Slow Hoot has just released a new track (check our previous feature on them here) – the alt-country “Moistest Beak” rocker has a bittersweet warmth and poetic lyricism that you’ll love. Distorted lead guitar plays an infectious melody while a clear toned backing guitar bends and wails like pedal steel, creating a ambiance of large factory spaces and aged industrial humming while accents of banjo add a flannel warmth to the track. The imagery is pushed further with the measured, warbly vocals that sing of unchanging machinery that is proudly resilient to the outside world. Ancient stories and making mistakes that create unforeseen yet fruitful outcomes, all of which evoke images of youth in a small rural town with stubborn history that imprints as much as it needs to be rebelled against. “Moistest Beak” culminates with a crescendo, a powerful finale washes you in big open[...]