New Music

Beachdust – “An Android Contemplates Love” (and b-side “OFF (O N) RESET!”)

March 5, 2023

Singles from artists in today’s environment of mainly digital releases are easy. You don’t have have to go to the record store to pick up a 45 inch record (or cassette) and can just pull up your preferred music service instantly! [/end elder millennial rant] My editor called for me to review “An Android Contemplates Love.” Ignoring the second half [B-Side track “OFF (O N) RESET!)] seemed silly so here’s a review of both. Beachdust is a solo act courtesy of California based Anthony Geovanny (from the label Little Death Sounds) and he is clearly a student of the psychedelic and new wave sounds of the 80’s. Talking Heads aficionados would certainly enjoy the energy Anthony brings in this and his other tracks. Strong synth and a constant guitar are in the driver seat for this meandering track that ponders the question of “what makes love so different?” from an[...]

Julia Rapp – “What He’s Been Missing”

March 4, 2023

Julia Rapp brings a cheeky indie-folk tune powerful enough to pull you up off the bathroom floor at 3:30am after a bad breakup. “If he really knew you, he’d know what he’s been missin'” Julia has a way of telling you how it is in the same no-nonsense fashion that many of us are very familiar with from that friend. Adherents of Courtney Barnett’s self-effacing style or the stylings of Angel Olsen will feel very much at home with Julia Rapp. If you’re feeling a little down today, maybe listen a couple times because damn it, you’re worth it!

Trash Pals – “Dinner at Sadie’s”

March 4, 2023

A subdued, bass-forward track from duo Conor Rayne and Gabe Schnider of Trash Pals (respectively, members of Basstracks and Jon Batiste), “Dinner at Sadie’s” showcases strong songwriting and solid keyboard antics. Lyrics like” “Oh Sadie maybe I’m not your type/ I appreciate you trying to make it right” oozes longing for that one we all remember meeting, but maybe gets away in the end. Don’t let Trash Pals be that one; keep tabs on this group and your eyes peeled for more. You certainly won’t be left wanting (except for more). If “Dinner” is any indication, we’re all in for a treat as this band grows and continues to produce new music. Make sure you add it to your Spotify playlist.

B. Miles – “The Year I Felt Cool”

March 4, 2023

New York based B. Miles brings us this smooth ditty of a single that exudes more than it’s fair share of swagger, as B.Miles takes us on a glitzy indie pop romp through what is clearly HER CITY. You’ll find yourself bopping along as you’re lulled in by her hypnotic voice and steady stream of consciousness lyrics, only to come to at the end wondering when you’ll get to walk with B.Miles again. I’m not exactly sure which year she felt cool, but if this or any of her other songs are any indication… it’s probably every year, now, and in the future. You can hear this and other tracks on her Spotify, or, live at the Bowery Ballroom March 17th in Manhattan.

ATMoney – “ITID”

March 3, 2023

Tennessee’s very own ATMoney is reportedly coming through with his third installment of ITID (I think I’m Dope 3) in March of 2023, but gave his fans a top tier music video with the title track “ITID.” The music video displays ATMoney genuinely rapping his face off while his friend whimsically dances in the background, perfectly representing the lyrics the Tennessee MC is spitting. ATMoney is regarded as the “Toxic Avenger” and is actively spreading awareness against toxic behavior, and this latest drop is no exception. There is a 300% chance you will think you’re dope after peeping out the self affirming “ITID.” We’re excited to see what ITID 3 will bring after watching the title track’s music video on repeat. Stream “ITID” on Spotify  Watch “ITID” on YouTube

Steven Araico – “Ivory Keys”

March 3, 2023

Steven Araico’s voice alone emits this undeniably ethereal energy. With such a gentle voice, the instrumental doesn’t need to do much. The percussion throughout “Ivory Keys” grants it universal emotion accessibility; as in you can listen to it in any mood and it’ll still hit. The short-bursted hi hats bring more life to the track, along with progressive 808s that offer a fantastic supporting element to the melodic hook. The piano paired with the synths also work together to bring a cinematic feel to “Ivory Keys,” helping the audience paint their own picture of what this summer might look like bumping Steven Araico. Listen to “Ivory” on Spotify  Listen to “Ivory” on Apple Music

Abby Nissenbaum – “Shelly Johnson”

March 3, 2023

Nashville-based Abby Nissenbaum’s latest track comes off the top of her 2023 EP Unreliable Narrator. “Shelly Johnson” highlights her hauntingly heartfelt lyrics which shine through on this song, centered around a relationship gone bad; “I can tell you’ve been with her/at some bar taking photographs/but she sobered up to drive you home while I’m dry heaving on the dirt path.” I definitely teared up listening to the story unfold that many of us are too familiar with and felt a kinship with Abby based on this song alone; not to mention the rest of the EP. Beyond her storytelling prowess, “Shelly” is a crispy, indie-pop gem bolstered by a guitar-driven backbone. Absolutely worth a listen if you enjoy heady lyrics with lyrics to peel back and ruminate over. Feel free to start off with some of her earlier releases such as “Generic Indie Song” and “Funeral Processional” and work your[...]

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.