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The Heligoats – Goodness Gracious

March 30, 2025

The Heligoats are commemorating the 15th anniversary of their album Goodness Gracious, and we’re here to let you know it’s worth celebrating. The work of a lone man and (mostly) his acoustic guitar, The Heligoats is the stage name of Chris Otepka – a vehicle that he uses to convey his jangly brand of indie/alternative/folk. Falling somewhere on the spectrum between Neutral Milk Hotel, Wilco, and Conor Oberst, Goodness Gracious is perfect for fans of aughts-era songwriting, singer/songwriter flavors, and powerful lyrics and story telling. Also, is it just me, or does 15 years ago feel like it should be 1995 and not 2010?   Like many musicians, Otepka’s criminally-underrated past bubbles beneath the heartfelt power of the songs found on Goodness Gracious. While the album literally kicks off with cricket noises, “A Guide to the Outdoors” is anything but a snoozefest. Otepka’s endearing vocal delivery channels Jeff Mangum with hints of[...]

buffaBLOG Sessions: Skulking Ghost

February 26, 2025

We are so excited to unveil our latest iteration of buffaBLOG sessions to the public. Previously, the blog had done different live sessions series, ranging from simple cell phone videos, to live-to-tape recordings, to DIY pop-ups with a temporary set-up. This batch of sessions will be the first time we’ve partnered with a studio, Mammoth Recording Studio, based out of the First Ward. The videographer from the series is the very talented Devin Chavanne, whose work spans across Buffalo and beyond. Likely, if you pay attention to anything coming out of Buffalo’s start-up industry, you’ve seen his handiwork.   This past fall, we gathered 22 people to execute the session which went off seemingly flawlessly and it excites us to continue the project and continue to showcase up-and-coming musicians from Western New York that need to be on your radar.   Our fourth and final session features prog rock stoner metal[...]

Avery Friedman – “Flowers Fell”

January 29, 2025

Brooklyn indie artist Avery Friedman debuted her first single “Flowers Fell” yesterday and it’s been on repeat all morning in the buffaBLOG HQ. Although Friedman’s sound is well developed and deep, she only started playing live shows in July 2024. In a chance show-share encounter, Friedman gained the attention of Sister.’s James Chrisman, who eventually went on to record and produce the singer/songwriter’s debut album, New Thing.    “Flowers Fell” is the lead single off of the album, and is about the changing of the seasons and growing through art. In esssence, the song is inspired by the falling of the leaves, which in turn feed the ground, which make stronger environments. This is a metaphor for growing as an artist with experiences, heartache, and failure. These all make a person stronger in the end. Check out the single below and keep your eyes peeled for New Thing, out on[...]

Chrome Waves + A-F-R-O + Jeristotle – “My Mind is My Biggest Gun”

January 24, 2025

UK beatmaker Chrome Waves recruits rising artists A-F-R-O and Jeristotle on his latest boom bap single “My Mind is My Biggest Gun.” Chrome takes us back to his 90s roots on this track – spotlighting some tasteful DJ scratches and a simple, menacing sample flip for the rappers to take aim at. A-F-R-O sounds like GZA or a DOOM collaborator when he gets the mic, realizing the song title with internal rhyme schemes and vivid imagery. Jeristotle takes a visionary approach to the second verse, channeling lucid dreams, thought leadership, and other philosophical musings. Chops, scratches and other beat seasonings transition the song from verse to verse, giving listeners a hypnotizing head-nod along the way. Add this one to your playlists focused on masterful boom bap and lyricism. Check out more from Chrome Waves, A-F-R-O and Jeristotle on Spotify – you can find them and more on our Underground Hip[...]

Walkman – “Joint”

January 17, 2025

Pittsburgh’s Walkman got a voice for boombap, an ear for beats and a set of lungs ready to burn at all times. His latest effort “Joint” is an ode to smoking good and serves insightful peek into the day-to-day of this up and comer. “Joint’s” boombap give it a nostalgic edge that places you in the 90s as Walkman waxes weed-flavored poetic. A pitched down hook repeats “my eyes’ low for as long as I remember,” in between verses where Walkman laments on criticisms from outsiders (“call me unexceptional for smoking a joint,”) while also boasting refreshing self-awareness  (“I’m immature and a tall tale teller.”) Listen to more from Walkman on Spotify ahead of his upcoming summer album release – you can catch him and other freshly minted artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Deleo – “Suppose”

January 12, 2025

Get ready for Deleo to warp your mind with the wavery indie-pop of their latest offering, “Suppose.” Tape aged mellotron is the star of the show here, pairing otherworldly string sounds with thumping bass, clashy drums, and heartbroken male/female vocal harmonies. Fans of Arcade Fire will find lots to sink their teeth into here – this could fit comfortably amid any track on Neon Bible, even though at a fleeting 1:51, it’s over before you know it.   “Suppose” is available on all the familar streaming services – or, follow the YouTube link below to check out their  

Tag Dag – “Suburban Summer”

December 5, 2024

“Suburban Summer” is the latest single from Melbourne based Tag Dag. From what I can tell, this is a solo act as the writing credits are for a Andrew Peter Longmore Chalmers. With that many names, you’ve gotta friggin’ rock, right? With all seriousness, absolutely.   Filled to the brim with layered lo-fi phuzzed out guitar, this was, for me, an instant ear worm… Ever have that song that just gets stuck in your head constantly? For me that is “Feel the Pain” Dinosaur Jr. I’m by no means a superfan but casually enjoy them. The comparison to “Suburban Summer” is an easy one, but totally on the nose. They also tie in hints of 80s post-punk (think Joy Division) with splashes of 2000’s era goodness like Cloud Nothings or JAPANDROIDS.   You can hear “Suburban Summer” below on YouTube or add it to your Aussie mix over on Spotify.[...]

dayaway x draigh – “Lost on You”

October 22, 2024

Amber Renee of dayaway and bandmate Graham Marsh (under the guise of their side project draigh) bring us their latest with collab track, “Lost on You.” You’ll be lulled into a delightful indie daze for days with strumming guitars that have a mournful indie folk tinge playing along with Renee’s impossibly gorgeous vocals. Speaking to the track (and explaining how I detected the “mournful” bit) Renee had this to say: “Lost on You’ is really quite a sad song. It’s about the realization that you love someone who isn’t in a place to receive it. Your love is real, but it’s wasted on someone who can’t hold its weight.” You can watch the music video for “Lost on You” below via YouTube or add it to your melancholy playlist over on Soundcloud or Spotify. You can hear it on the new EP, A Dream Away out December 12 (Turn to Wind[...]

Rachel Angel – “Bottom Seas”

September 16, 2024

A Miami native but very much a wandering soul, Rachel Angel brings us her latest track “Bottom Seas;” a rollickin’ alt folk tinged adventure. Dueling electric and acoustic guitars battle throughout, and everyone wins – especially our ears. Reminiscent of Waxahatchee or even Neutral Milk Hotel at their… milkiest? Most neutral.. est? You know what I mean. The track itself deals with feelings of loss, loneliness and a so-called “inexplicable dream.”  I’m terrible at parsing out lyrics without them right in front of me so I missed the dream sequence, but I’m sure it’s there. Angel is clearly a master of her craft, building up to such a wonderful crescendo and goes in a direction you may (or may not) guess (I won’t spoil). You can hear “Bottom Seas” below on YouTube, Bandcamp, Apple Music, or Spotify and figure out what part of the song I’m vaguebooking about.  

VANDALISBIN – “Bottle of Wisdom”

July 4, 2024

“Bottle of Wisdom” is the latest from German based musician VANDALISBIN, real name Helena Niederstraßer. I couldn’t find find much, but she initially started as a street artist and has since gone on to do a lot after post-secondary school -including theater and music director. “Bottle of Wisdom” showcases Niederstraßer’s vocal range; with some impressive screamo-esque yelling (no small feat). It’s not quite emo, I suppose it’s post-emo or the amorphous “indie rock” tag? Either way, t’s a very mature and well put together piece for someone in their 20’s (I know current bands that would kill to have these chops). You can hear “Bottle of Wisdom” below from YouTube over on Spotify and Soundcloud.

Flamy Grant – “S.P.R.K.L.”

June 6, 2024

Just in time for pride month, songwriter and acclaimed drag queen Flamy Grant hits us with the divine pop-funk of “S.P.R.K.L.” Full of uplifting messages and anchored by a fun funky vibe reminiscent of Bruno Mars or The Bee Gees, “S.P.R.K.L.” urges us to be our true selves and rub it proudly in the faces of all of our haters. The lyrics here perfectly embody the ebullient vibes that Flamy so perfectly encapsulates – their powerhouse vocals carry this song, which is saying something, as there is also a true in-the-pocket groove to be found here. Check out “S.P.R.K.L.” via Soundcloud below or add it to your favorite feel-good Spotify playlist. Flamy Grant · S.P.R.K.L. feat. Ricky Braddy

Retail Drugs – “Take It Back”

April 14, 2024

The latest project from Brooklyn based Jake Brooks is Retail Drugs, and “Take It Back” is their latest (and first). We’ve covered Brooks before with his other project, Laveda (here), and while the direction is a little different, the results are still bangin’. Whereas Laveda’s “Surprise” was an upbeat take on dealing with loneliness, “Take It Back” is a lightly fuzzed and distorted shoegaze romp with Brooks’ voice clashing wonderfully with the cacophony of sound. Fans of My Bloody Valentine or Slowdive would find a lot to enjoy with this track, especially with shoegaze going through somewhat of a resurgence. You can hear “Take It Back” on Spotify or down below from Soundcloud. Keep your eyes peeled for more singles, as the full album i love you so ! is out August 2.            

Extra Space – “Cig”

March 6, 2024

“Cig” is the newest from Extra Space, a band we’ve covered previously here, and we’re pretty happy with it at the blog. Can’t say I agree with the order – releasing “Cig” after “Toothpaste” (one would think you’d want toothpaste after a cigarette, but that’s just me). but “Cig” sees Joey Puleio and Chris Kyle keeping it mellow and measured with a little less of the folksy twang heard on “Toothpaste.” The drums and guitar are tightly wound but stay at a simmer with some funky time signatures to give the vocals room to breathe. Color me impressed with the perfect balance between simplicity and technical skill; the layering and mastering is impeccably done and after a few listens I’ve heard a new sound each time. Fans of Big Thief, Kurt Vile, or Real Estate would find a lot to enjoy here. You can hear “Cig” over on Spotify or[...]

Bobsled Team – “Analita”

August 14, 2023

Hailing from Belfast, pop duo Bobsled Team brings us some new music in the form of a single, “Analita”, their first new track since 2021’s LP The Colours Blur. The track itself is a jangly dream-popgasm, with wistful-sounding distortion, a la The Sundays or Sixpence None The Richer, backing up singer Kimberly’s singsong voice. Special mention to my NYS peeps: I also got similar vibes to another band that’s a personal favorite of mine – Diet Cig (seriously, check them out too!) Be sure to check out “Analita” on Bandcamp or Spotify (if you’re still sticking around after they jacked up their premium price). As always, be sure to support your favorite local groups (especially if your friends are in a band, c’mon!) Listens help artists, but showing up and buying merch are the best way to put money in musician’s pocket, short of shoving money in their pocket (which I’m[...]

Marella – “Rock and Roll Phase”

June 9, 2023

The track created by San Jose California native Marella titled “Rock and Roll Phase” serves as the third track on the 13-track LP titled Posterboy. The song is a charming, indie pop song that beautifully encapsulates the journey of yearning for an unrequited love. With its whimsical melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the song takes listeners on a captivating adventure of self-discovery and discovering love. Marella opens the track with the line, “She’s in a haze, in her rock and roll phase,” seizing the thought of finding true love with a scene-adjacent individual. The bittersweet-yet-hopeful vocals tell a tale of searching through the vastness of Marella’s experiences, only to stumble upon that one elusive connection that changes everything.  The irresistible blend of shimmering guitars, ethereal synths, and pulsating beats creates a soundscape that mirrors the excitement and anticipation of a newfound romance. As the next line in the chorus after “in[...]