New Music

Whales & This Lake – “The Fly”

May 10, 2017

Norwegian trio Whales & This Lake delivers an energetic anthem via their single “The Fly.” Through an expert mix of electronic and rock sensibilities, the band crafts one earworm melody after another with splashes of campy vocals, jittery beats and a pulsating bassline. The song issues sharp imagery on top of it all, echoing a lost sentiment while the tune creates a resolution. “The Fly” is the latest single off of the band’s upcoming album, to be released September 22nd. Find more of Whales & This Lake on soundcloud to hold you over until the release, and get jamming to “The Fly” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/318305996″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cigarettes After Sex – “Apocalypse”

April 8, 2017

Brooklyn’s Cigarettes After Sex are back with their latest single “Apocalypse,” off their upcoming self-titled LP. The brooding, gentle stylings of the band, fronted by songwriter Greg Gonzalez, lend an ear to their dreamy imagery and soothing instrumentation. Influenced by the likes of Trinity Session, Red House Painters and Cocteau Twins, Cigarettes After Sex brand themselves as true romantics with a hint of moody indifference that leaves you craving more. Find more like “Apocalypse” on their bandcamp, and look for the new album out June 9th via Partisan Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/313439212″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mount Defiance – “Shapes”

April 5, 2017

Mount Defiance hit us up with their latest jam, “Shapes,” and we dig it a lot. These guys bring a Modern Baseball and Moose Blood vibe to the table – combining a mid-tempo beat with ambient instrumentals and a unique take on sprechgesang. “Shapes” is a song about friendships and relationships colliding on the dancefloor – so grab a friend, put on some Mount Defiance, and start moving. Mount Defiance is on Bandcamp too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307148320″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

D3X – “Paradise”

March 8, 2017

Mobb Deep’s Prodigy once said “I’m 19 but my mind is old.” After his vivid descriptions of his environment in the streets no one could doubt him. Philly’s D3X is also a young dude making waves for profound thought that trumps his modest age of 16. On his single “Paradise,” D3X leads off his first verse with the line “When did the world get so cold?” before he talks the crimes he’s seen people commit just to survive. The “Paradise” D3X describes in this track is this warped, inside-out world where vices get you far, and morality can leave you screwed. D3X himself references this in the chorus, saying he’s drowning. It’s a track with great depth, and shows a lot of promise for the young artist. “Paradise” is the first track off of D3X’s latest EP Distorted Visionz, you can check it out here. Press play below.

joan – “Take Me On”

January 27, 2017

Indie-pop duo joan may be newbies in the game, but they are off to a strong start with the release of their premiere single “Take Me On.” The melding of eighties instrumentals with 90’s funk gives joan an old-school feel, with a dash of modern electronic influence. Co-produced and mixed by Tim Pagnotta, the track definitely draws parallels to hit-makers like Walk the Moon and Saint Motel. It takes on the classic theme of exciting love and makes it a party; two of music’s favorite things. Jump on the wagon soon, joan is bound to make a name among the big dogs and it’s only a matter of time. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304166099″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Todavia – “Fix Myself”

January 20, 2017

Multi-talented multi-instrumentalist Rhyan Riesgo is perhaps better known as Todavia – we’re digging her latest single, “Fix Myself.” The LA-native combines an all-around swimmy atmosphere with strong attention to detail, insisting that, “all lone sounds are purposefully placed to carry out a meaning.” Fans of Lykki Li, Imogen Heap, or Mitski would dig Todavia. For more info, check out Todavia’s website. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300812539″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Mellow the Muse – “I’m in Church”

December 16, 2016

Mellow the Muse is a female rapper from Dallas, Texas with an unconventional, underground flow. It’s conversational but certainly not lazy, and her technique allows her to have a never-stop approach. She fires out sharp verses for two and a half minutes, only breaking to remind everyone that she’s in a place of divinity, nonchalantly quipping “I’m in Church.” The beat has some Tetris vibes to it, accompanied by some pounding bass and a taste of some haunting church chorus. Check out more from Mellow the Muse here and listen to “I’m in Church” below.

Jake Cook – “The Raging Twenties”

November 27, 2016

Don’t be fooled by Jake Cook‘s shouts – his latest project is actually a poignant analysis of what it means to be a struggling 20 something. In 1:58, “The Raging Twenties” makes use of barely-tuned guitars, a Casio keyboard beat, and disgusting fuzz tones in a sardonic, face-melting look on the adult blues. Fans of Atom & His Package, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, or Touche Amore would find Jake irresistible. Give Jake a visit on his Tumblr. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/291035914″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Jordan Moe – “Bridges”

November 27, 2016

Californian solo artist Jordan Moe finally struck out on his own and “Bridges” is what resulted… Good move Jordan! “Bridges” is an ultra-sincere track that makes use of twinkling acoustic guitar, reverby atmospherics, and Jordan’s oh-so-relatable musings about following your dreams and pursuing happiness. Fans of The Front Bottoms, Head North, or early-aughts emo would love this tune. Moe’s stuff is available on Bandcamp for a “pay what you want” rate. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/290995039″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Dig – “Simple Love”

October 23, 2016

The Dig‘s “Simple Love” is quite the jam. The band initially conceived this song as a simple drum and bass session; it has since evolved into something very unique and catchy. The band specifically uses old-fashioned lyrics (think 1950s-style), which is a surprisingly refreshing change of pace. Check them out below. If you “dig” it (pun intended), You can buy The Dig’s stuff here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/285439108″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Metric at the Town Ballroom (9/23/16)

September 27, 2016

Metric is no stranger to Buffalo. Hailing from Toronto, the indie pop act has played plenty of shows in our area, but none quite as special as the show this past Friday.  Following a venue change from Artpark in Lewiston, the band played a rare and intimate club show at the Town Ballroom.  The band brought their full stage production with them as well, adding their own lighting rig to the mix, making the show that much more special.  Local act, Humble Braggers, had the opportunity to open up the show as well, and they killed it.  Check out some shots from the night below, and click HERE for a full gallery. Humble Braggers Metric

T-Nugget – “Thank You” feat. Z-nac

September 16, 2016

T-Nugget’s airy “Thank You” is a melodic hip hop fusion that fans of the Toronto music scene are likely to eff with. The crooning genre-bender Nugget talks about good friends, shitty friends, and relationships in general.  He ponders authenticity and intention with lines like “Do they think they’re above you? Do they ever say they love you.”  Featured friend Z-nac has more to say about fake friends, and does so with awesome lyricism on the line “You’re going back and forth between friends, palindrome.” Perfect production is handled by Neo Esoteric, with T-Nugg’s smooth vocals working in perfect conjunction. Listen below.

Kells Dougie – “95′ Freestyle”

September 6, 2016

Up-and-comer Kells Dougie can rip off line after line of short, but sweet quips. Case-in-point is in “95′ Freestyle.” Freestyle tracks are great because they have a different type of expectation. Commonly misperceived as having to be “off the top,” a good freestyle really should just be fun and filled with punchlines, and that’s exactly what we have here. All song long, Kells is busting out stuff like “Subtitle flow, they see every bar I’m saying.” and “Different draft class, ain’t into the game like us.” The boom bap beat ties back to the year alluded to in its title, and the track proves to be traditional hip hop greatness. Press play below.

Phillip Bixby – “Favor 2.0” (feat. Monica)

September 1, 2016

Armed with a voice that cuts you to your core, and subject matter that will have you on your knees, Miami’s Philip Brexby is making genre-bending R&B. Though the former pastor heavily influenced by faith and gospel music, Bixby’s modern pop and electronic sounds have the accessibility of Sam Smith’s wave. Monica provides delicate vocals to intertwine with Bixtby’s coos and pledges to God and his interest’s interest in Him. Powerful synths and bounding bass lead the track’s electronic essence. On its surface, “Favor 2.0” sounds gorgeous and a dive deeper into spirituality. Listen below.

GROVES – “Swim”

July 27, 2016

LA-based act GROVES know how to appreciate the simple things in life. “Swim” is all about rejecting materialism in favor of what really matters. Blending spacey guitars, dual harmonized guitars, and upbeat vocals, the band sounds tight, polished, and ready for mainstream acceptance. Fans of Mutemath, Local Natives, or Young The Giant would dig GROVES’ grooves. GROVES is on tour right now with Boy George and Culture Club. Check out the vid for “Swim” below.