New Music

Adult Play – “See Me Now”

March 2, 2023

Adult Play (née New Labor… also previously known as “Jimmy and the Innies” and “Petrol Exit”) has obviously worn many hats, and this single is no different. Shrewsbury UK’s Adult Play feels like a finely tuned performance car going through twists and turns with much fanfare and aplomb. Keeping with the car allegory, AP’s drum and bass play off each other flawlessly and slowly give way to an 8-Bit breakdown which then shifts to a (for lack of a better term) groovier 8-bit bridge. Listen to their other track “HCYS” first followed by “See Me Now” and you’ll have a much better impression of their progression. The two songs flow flawlessly into each other and you’ll hear hints of a band growing up in the shadow of grunge, indie sleaze, and a bit of everything in between. Don’t sleep on this three piece; they are most assuredly more than the[...]

ESTHERLIVIA – “TICKLE YOUR HEART”

March 2, 2023

Straight out of Sweden; ESTHERLIVIA is the the project of Esther Ribbstedt Österman. “TICKLE” is equal parts sultry and brooding with some fabulous hooks that fans of Grimes or Perfume Genius would surely enjoy. Österman’s strong production background shines with tightly wound pop bass and drums that flow like a kaleidoscope over a vast cityscape. ESTHERLIVIA’s command of sound and knack for crafting infectious ear worms is second-to-none. My only complaint is that there isn’t more to listen to, but with a talent such as Esther, it’s only matter of time until we’re graced with another sick track. You can find more of Esther on Spotify or Apple Music. Please let me know what you think over on our Twitter handle @buffablog.

“Revenge” – Cole Connor

February 26, 2023

Cole Connor and mentor, Master Splnta came back with movie-like production on their latest collab. “Revenge” (the video) has double the run-time of the song, but summarizes everything leading up to it, displaying clips of Cole Connor’s past with Master Splnta as Cole feeds into his contemplation of his mentor. After meeting up, the track starts and the rest is history. Cole comes in with a delivery that’s rapid fire, yet effective, due to the charming timbre in his voice, while Splnta tags in with ever-so clever wordplay such as “Ain’t’ that what revenge is. Punctuation On the end of a sentence.” The two MC’s have a very contagious chemistry that drives what looks and sounds like friendly competition; and it’s a thrill watching them compete. This is in fact a duo that the world very much needed back in the pendulum swing of things. Listen to “Revenge” on Spotify [...]

Das Kope – “So Happy”

February 26, 2023

Adding credence to the adage that “dream pop never dies, it just distorts more,” LA-based act Das Kope brings this tasty, ketamine-laced chill tune to the grey matter between your ears and just kinda hangs out there for awhile. This track evokes some 90’s era Cocteau Twins and mid-aughts MGMT with some crispy, overarching Mac Demarco vibes, but stands on its own as an ode to the short period of time after the sun sets. Even if you’ve never seen a sunset, you can close your eyes as you listen and you’ll feel what that looks like. Das Kope is currently on tour in support of STRFKR and you can hear more on their Spotify, Bandcamp, or this helpful linktree link. Let me know in the comments if you’re dream-popped out or if you want more like this! Das Kope · So Happy

Moozy – “Minnesota Seems Nice”

February 26, 2023

“Minnesota Seems Nice” is the new single from fully-independent DC-based outfit, Moozy. Driven by warm synths and a simple, yet deliberate guitar chord progression, members Dylan Rockwell and Pat Dunning take us on a whimsical, poppy romp extolling the virtues of a mid-western change of scenery. While I can’t personally attest to anything about Minnesota other than the obvious (it does seem nice), check this and other tracks out if you’re looking for some light pop that tips the hat to My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, or the Police with less bass-forward tracks. You can find “Minnesota” on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp as well.

NEWSKI – “Chemicals (feat Matthew Caws)”

February 23, 2023

New Song “Chemicals (feat Matthew Caws)” is a modern power pop jam from BRETT NEWSKI & the No Tomorrow, and is part of an upcoming release of eight tracks that will be the soundtrack to his book titled, “It’s Hard to be a Person: Defeating Anxiety Surviving the World, and Having More Fun.” The track spikes the opening with a gorgeous wash of strummed power chords that leads you right into pop-cadenced da-da-das, both contributing to the electric energy of the track. A youthful and sing along worthy chorus rings out accompanied by irresistible guitar work by Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws, each will give you more scrumptious sonic brightness to chew on as the track unfurls. Effortlessly fresh and energetic, “Chemicals” will charge you up and have you coming back to spin it again. Catch our previous feature on NEWSKI here. Listen to the new song “Chemicals (feat Matthew Caws)”[...]

Mox – “Trust”

February 23, 2023

Mox’s new release, “Trust,” is a hauntingly beautiful track that captures a sense of yearning for safety with disarming casualness. Mox’s talent is undeniable, and at just 19 years old, she draws inspiration from artists like Elliot Smith, Alex G, and Built to Spill, while still creating a unique sound of her own. This is readily apparent on “Trust,” seen in the raw and emotive lyrics and unique songwriting. The chorus is subtle but holds the weight of the track, creating a smoldering ambiance through the whole song that blooms like a ember in the breeze as the guitars of the the refrain layer and fatten up. Mox have created an evocative and raw indie-rock ballad that you should spin if you’re a fan of bands like Pinback, Whitney, or Silver Jews. Listen to the new song “Trust” on Spotify.

Khi’leb – “Tempt Me”

February 23, 2023

Khi’leb came through with an absolute production of a track titled “Tempt Me” from his deluxe album Project In the Suburbs. I pressed play and thought I had an idea of where the track was headed but as soon as Khi’leb laid down the first vocals, that thought went out the window. The amount of vocal layers on the hook are likely to reach the moon and back; not only to harmonize but to fulfill the main vocals to their maximum potential. “Tempt Me” is just as beautiful of a track as it is hard. The Australian artist conveyed the feeling of a triumphant underdog overcoming a world of adversary in such an authenticated way. Listen to “Tempt Me” on Spotify or on Apple Music or get acquainted with his previous work via the YouTube link below.

Justus West – “Normal”

February 23, 2023

Hot off the presses is this new single from Justus West, a talented seven-time Grammy nominee hailing from Kansas City. “Normal” would seem to suggest an embrace of the “same shit, different day” mentality but is quite the opposite; about the song, Justus explains: “[Normal] is my letter to the new year, a reminder to not settle for the status quo and chase refreshing experiences.” Melodic vocals mixed with strong guitar throughout help keep this track hopeful and not turn into a checkbox of self-help platitudes. It’s a unique blend of indie-pop and hip hop influences that we think you’ll love – check it out on Spotify or Apple Music, and get acquainted with Justus himself via his new YouTube series below.

Chris Cubeta – “Architect”

February 23, 2023

Brooklyn-based artist Chris Cubeta has released the powerful and rhythmic indie-rock song “Architect,” the latest single from his forthcoming new album APOE, which is due out April 7th, 2023. The upcoming album’s creation springs from a personal reckoning brought on by Cubeta’s mother’s recent tragic Alzheimer’s diagnosis at the age of 57. Cubeta harnesses his tragedy and employs a form of songwriting he finds most fulfilling by creating rhythms with drum, synth and guitar and then reacting viscerally to his own sonic creations while layering more sounds on top. “Architect” has a soundscape that builds beat by beat until kaleidoscopic layers of sounds are filling your ears while Cubeta’s anthemic vocals carry you to emotional heights.  Fans of Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, or John Frusciante will finds lots to love on this track. Listen to new song “Architect” from Chris Cubeta now on Spotify. Find more[...]

The High Water Marks – “Trouble From The East”

February 23, 2023

New song “Trouble From The East” from Norway-based The High Water Marks has just been released and you should give the sunny and infectious indie-rock track a listen (find our previous feature on them here). The new single is the first from the upcoming album, Your Next Wolf, which is due out June 9, 2023 and “…is basically about chilling the fuck out,” says Hilarie Sidney. Sidney, co-founder of Elephant 6 Recording Co. and The Apples in Stereo, said this about the song; “We aren’t a political band, but politics affects us all. 2022 was an insane year over here in Europe with the Ukraine war. In Norway, we border Russia (our trouble from the north and east) and especially in the beginning, there were a few times we thought there was a nuclear threat. “People are angry and scared. We just want to see everyone calm down and enjoy[...]

Bees In A Bottle – “Jealous Mistress”

February 22, 2023

Portland based duo Bees In A Bottle have a new album set to release April 14, 2023 and their new single “Jealous Mistress” is your first taste of the upcoming project. The new album will be a collection of songs that each explore the stories of women who’ve lost a man they loved in the music industry to suicide or drug addiction. “Jealous Mistress” is a satisfying yet gut-punching continuation of the married couple’s work, they are employing their cathartic and moody songwriting to tell the tale of a woman whose husband’s recently achieved fame as a rock star sees him abandon his family and eventually take his own life. Christine McAllister sings poignantly asking “Was it the push of the crowd? Or the pull of death?” asking as our widowed wife, pleading to understand how it all could have happened. Fans of Mountain Goats, The Decemberists, or Against Me![...]

Jen Cloher – “My Witch”

February 21, 2023

Melbourne’s figurehead of their famous DIY scene, Jen Cloher has exciting new album, I Am The River, The River Is Me upcoming and their newest single “My Witch” has just been released in anticipation of the LP.  The catchy indie rock cut plays with more of a pop sound, using a homophonic sound with vocals, bass, synth, guitar, and drum all pushing the same rhythm and melody while Cloher builds out the tracks sound using that rhythm as a center in a blues-like fashion. The veteran singer/songwriter’s vocals are such a joy through the whole track, espousing evocative lyrics in sultry, calm and confident tone and is boosted even further by some lush background singing throughout. Fans of Haim, Neko Case, and St. Vincent will find lots to love in this new track. Listen to “My Witch” now on Spotify or YouTube. Find more from Jen Cloher on their website.

1 REBEL NATION – “television”

February 21, 2023

“television” is a nicely-layered, wispy single off of 1 REBEL NATION‘s 2022 album, PORCELAIN. The Los Angeles-based act takes a lot of cues from Melon Collie era Smashing Pumpkins as well as the more contemporary Beach House flavors. “television” feels like a non-stop screensaver that twists and turns in the best ways, with dreamy instrumentals, a bumping rhythm, and some strong hooks to boot [editor’s note: a screensaver was used on old computers in the olden days, google it.]. Don’t be fooled though, this is only a tip of the iceberg; the rest of the album delves into MORE directions and is most definitely worth a full listen. Check out “television” and the rest of PORCELAIN via 1 REBEL NATION’s Spotify.

Beano Naboo & The Real Keepers – “Strange Life”

February 21, 2023

“Strange Life” starts off as a rambling, quirky, bass-driven tune, but quickly turns contemplative and morose; a perfect encapsulation of the past three years. [editor’s note: Chris is okay, just dealing with some stuff and he’s okay.] Sean O’Brien’s (aka Beano Naboo) crooning vocals evokes some early aughts vibes as he ends commenting on (big surprise) what a strange life this is. A warped and warbly backing track full of piano and guitars, presumably performed by The Real Keepers, gives the song a nostalgic but of-the-moment sound. Definitely worth a listen. Check out “Strange Life” on Spotify and/or Apple Music.