Album of the Week

Katie Morey – Friend of a Friend

April 19, 2022

About two minutes and thirty two seconds into Friend of a Friend, I downloaded the LP in its entirety. It was at that moment I knew that Katie Morey did not come to just play guitar or sing some songs; she came to create a moment that would last forever. The musical artist from Rochester has had quite the year so far with seven singles, a whole collaborative project with Pleistocene called Ontario Girls, and most recently, her debut LP Friend of a Friend… and it’s only April. She’s given us several years worth of music in the span of three months; Morey is a seasoned musician, but it almost makes rookie of the year sound like an understatement. Album opener, “Hotter Than Heaven” is an excellent distillation of Katie’s work. The song starts with plunking piano chords laid overtop simple electronic drum samples that together, create a warm and[...]

Vibropath – “Turning Inside”

April 8, 2022

The light production blanketed over “Turning Inside” by Vibropath has the goldilocks factor of being just right. Rochester-based artist Vibropath, born Frank Marino-Moore, who I originally thought was a band is a tranquil experience to listen to. I could only imagine how laid back and relaxed his live sets are. It’s artists like Vibropath that inspire others to create their very own brand-like delivery when it comes to compiling sounds into symphonies, and that delivery is evidently displayed on “Turning Inside.” Stream it on Spotify and Apple Music Vibropath · Turning Inside

Arvid – “Ghosty”

March 10, 2022

Enter the Rochester-based artist Arvid’s realm as he pushes the wave of psychedelia with a lo-fi sense of elegance. “Ghosty” off of his latest project Pyreburning is undoubtedly the purest example of Arvid’s electronic art. This is the kind of music that makes you physically feel a sensation of vibrations riding up your stomach to the top of your head. I’m not sure if Arvid brought us “Ghosty” from a happier place but it sure will take you to one – surprisingly, it’s a song about the death of a loved one. Check it out on Spotify and Apple Music

Bad Bloom – “Automatic”

February 11, 2022

The spacious vocals bellowed throughout Bad Bloom‘s latest single “Automatic” are hypnotically intoxicating… Which only makes sense, seeing as it was released just two days prior to Halloween, the spookiest day of the year.  On the shoegaze-meets-dream-pop flavors of “Automatic,” Jay Trovato smoothly shreds his guitar while Kate Rogers floats along the track with elegance on both bass and vocals. This originally Queens, now Rochester-based husband-and-wife duo shed beautiful darkness onto a sugarcoated world.  Preview “Automatic” via Soundcloud below – be sure to add it to your Spotify or Apple Music playlists too. Bad Bloom · AUTOMATIC

Soviet Dolls Release Cover of 80’s Classic “Cruel Summer”

January 23, 2020

Rochester synth-pop act Soviet Dolls has released a cover of the classic Bananarama hit “Cruel Summer.” Set to clips of Night of the Comet, the Dolls’ take on “Cruel Summer” keeps the synthy magic but gives it a polished, 2020 feel. Their take on the song is just a bit darker, with a slightly more industrial feel. Listen for yourself – check out the vid below and check out their latest release here.

The Stedwells – “Wake Up”

October 30, 2019

Get your garage rock groove on with a tasty new tune from Rochester’s The Stedwells. The three piece outfit’s latest single is a heavy handed alarm clock rounded out with droning chords and an infectious riff. Ryan Warren brings belts out desperation in a vocal performance that plays right off of the high energy guitar groove and it’s a rock jam in every sense. The Stedwells are slated to drop their Hideout EP on November 22nd, with assists from Grammy-winning engineers Stephen Roessner and Dave Collins. Have a listen below: Wake Up by The Stedwells

Maybird – “Montreal”

October 29, 2019

Maybird is a prolific psychedelic band from Rochester who have been long time buffaBLOG staples… This time around they’ve released a brand new music video for their song, “Montreal.” Any fan of their A+ psych-pop catalog or guitarist “Overhand Sam’s” unique guitar technique will surely be pleased – this one is packed full of tight drumming, ghostly synth howls, and phat guitar chunk. Check it out below.

Able Bodies Drop Video For “#summer (Hashtag Summer)”

August 13, 2019

Rochester feel good electro funk duo Able Bodies are back with a new single and video by the name of “#summer(Hashtag Summer)” that is a whole mood and the definition of slow burning, sexy summer fun. The Able Bodies (Eli Flynn and John Viviani) have been building up some mojo over the last few years but on “#summer” they bring it all the way down on this blissed out slow jam that’s all throbbing bass lines, cosmic vibrations for the ears and soul, and Eli Flynn’s fine falsetto pleading with us all to not screw up this summer with bad vibes or worse. Check out the video below and keep an eye out for live shows from these guys.

Borger Releases Debut EP Titled Camp

July 17, 2019

Lo-fi dream pop outfit Borger just released their debut EP titled Camp. With a healthy amount of fuzzy DIY vibes, it’s a must listen for fans of Beach House, Cults, and Real Estate. The album opens with “when you smile,” which features a gradually building texture, and does an excellent job of setting the vibe. On “nat geo,” lead singer Mackenzie Harris’ vocals float effortlessly over the hypnotic textures. “pollen,” drifts along with a gentle lilt as does “vineyard” although both songs achieve this through different means. “mr. rogers” brings us back to the subtle driving textures present at the beginning of the album. One of the most interesting tracks on the album is the closer “strawberry.” An instrumental ambient track, it stands in stark contrast to the rest of the album in the best way. In a way, it’s almost teasing “when you smile” in the way it gradually[...]

Beef Gordon Whips Up New Single “ABC”

June 13, 2019

Rochester weirdo pop provocateur, Beef Gordon, channels an S&M Raffi on the subversive new single, “ABC.” Off his debut album, Queen Shade, Gordon (also from Buffalo Sex Change) crafts a playfully elementary beat entirely on a Casio MT-68 keyboard. With each keystroke, the wonderfully bizarre crooner lulls you into a lucid dream that’s far more mischievous than it lets on. Get tied up in this neat little track below. Queen Shade is out tomorrow (June 14th). Stream it on Gordon’s Spotify here or Bandcamp here. ABC by Beef Gordon

Batavia Post-Rock Act Ever Onward Starts Song a Month Project

May 21, 2019

Batavia native Colin Berardini is a lifelong musician that has recently embarked on a song-a-month solo project with his new songwriting vehicle, Ever Onward. He specializes in instrumental post-rock epics; lyricless soundscapes meant to inspire daydreams and to encourage the listener to find their own thoughts to take away. His most recent effort is “Hindsight,” a sprawling, six-minute composition full of sparkling guitars, swelling synths, and an overwhelming sense of atmosphere. Fans of Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, or Lights & Motion will enjoy Berardini’s work. Berardini is already hard at work on his next release, due out in early June. Until then, you can listen to Ever Onward via most platforms – check it out on Bandcamp and add it to your Spotify playlist. Hindsight by Ever Onward

Maybird Drops New Single “Gonna Lose Your Mind”

April 3, 2019

Rochester psych pop quartet Maybird just released “Gonna Lose Your Mind,” the first single off their forthcoming album. This release will be a follow up to their 2017 EP Keep In Line, which was produced by Patrick Carney, best known for his work with The Black Keys. Maybird was first signed to Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records back in 2016. “Gonna Lose Your Mind” features lush psychedelic textures, and the unique addition of a horn section. Lead singer Josh Netsky’s vocals dance effortlessly around the track, and are joined in a haunting duet during the chorus. The result is a track that will appeal to both new and longtime listeners. Keep an eye out for their new album, dropping May 3rd on 30th Century Records. Written by John Smigielski

Lovers Walk Launches Debut Single, Project

March 28, 2019

Rochester-based songwriter Ian Proper has just released “Starry Eyes,” the debut single from his newest project Lover’s Walk. Proper, previously known for his work with Sports and The Young Couples, has found a mature sound that blends indie-pop sensibilities with a driving eighties energy. With a tasteful use of harmonies, and seemingly effortless hook, “Starry Eyes” is a promising showing from Proper. Keep an eye out for a full release, as it will be interesting to see what direction this project will head in. Starry Eyes by Lovers WalkWritten by John Smigielski

midnight Releases New Anti-Pop Track “Pressure Gradient” Produced by ylxr

November 27, 2018

Rochester anti-pop crooner, midnight, goes against the grain with his latest and exceptional collaboration with producer ylxr, “Pressure Gradient.” Dealing with the personal and contrasting emotions of racial injustice and bigotry in America today, the vocalist’s weightless whispers bring an electrifying melody and sense to ylxr’s turbulant amalgamation of software malfunctions and corrupted systems. This is a rebellious and charged pop track you don’t want to sleep on. Give it a spin below. Check out more midnight tracks on Spotify here and SoundCloud here.

Able Bodies Drop Video For “Pedaling”

October 22, 2018

Rochester feel good electronica duo Able Bodies have struck again with a shamelessly infectious video for their latest single “Pedaling” that is pure ear candy that’s possibly good for you too. Extolling the virtues of the active lifestyle with super fuzzed out synths, a sublime guitar riff, and vocals treated or otherwise that wrap you up in an encouraging hug, “Pedaling” is another unstoppable single from Viviani and Flynn who are currently four for four, and the video by Nick Kundrat and Adam Antelek is suitably over the top, trippy, and an adrenaline rush to get you going. Check it out below, and get out of the house!