Latest Posts

Hundred Plus Club – Doom and Bloom

June 12, 2023

Buffalo-based band Hundred Plus Club (HPC) stays on par with their poppy, story-driven music in their latest three-song EP, Doom and Bloom. The band teamed up with Admirable Traits Records yet again to record this project which joins the ranks alongside a number of excellent singles, EPs like 2016’s For You and 2017’s Everybody’s Friend, and a split with their fellow Buffalonians in Cooler.  The opening track and lead single “Garden Cruise” dives into the problems of love (in whatever form it may take) – within the first few lines lead singer Zain Shirazi exclaims, “Love makes, Love makes us cry.” He sings with such a cold and calculated pain that if you close your eyes and imagine yourself alone at night, you’d feel like you can run through a brick wall head on. Essentially, that is the picture that the band tends to draw for their fans; being able[...]

Jovi Skyler – Nothing To Do

June 11, 2023

The latest ten-track LP released by Jovi Skyler titled Nothing To Do brings back the spirit of the ’90s spirit with the added bonus of a warped psychotropic feel. The album grabs your attention with its thunderous guitar riffs, pounding drums, and fierce vocals that make one feel empowered. From the moment the opening track blasts through the speakers, it becomes clear that this album is a force to be reckoned with. Jovi takes his fans on a journey through introspective ballads, adrenaline-fueled anthems, and everything in between. Opening track, “If You Think So” sounds like The Beatles mixed with Nirvana and a touch of Sonic Youth (and also a hint of Kurt Vile) – spindly riffs lay overtop super-intense drum rolls while Jovi huffs and whispers in a way that would make 1993 proud. His lyrics to “Think” explore themes of love in relationships, even though they might not[...]

Rosie Quartz – Philophile

June 5, 2023

Buffalo-based band Rosie Quartz specializes in guitar-driven songs soaked with luscious reverb. Their surfy vibes and easy-going disposition has resulted in a new, three-song project they’ve titled Philophile (i.e. a lover of loving). Throughout your first listen, you’ll feel like you’re on a bicycle riding a hundred miles an hour on a sunny breezy day, your hair flying wildly through the wind. The drums throughout each song brought by Alex Bogart make your head bop unconsciously along with the smoothness of the guitar brought by Adam Cwynar and the deep bass grooves of bassist Ron Walczyk. When Sean Pratt’s voice first hits in the song “Constellation Prize,” you get a sense of fresh air you didn’t know you needed. Overall, their music has a vibe that is very calming and warm that makes you want to lay back and stare at the stars late at night. The project was produced[...]

Paper Lady – “Starcross”

May 15, 2023

There’s just something about a Big Muff that screams romance-gone-awry… Massachusetts-based act Paper Lady crank up the fuzz on latest single, “Starcross,” a scathing account of a farmer who (star)crossed the wrong lover. Singer Alli Raina’s vocals lay perfectly atop the buzz saw guitars and angry drum bombast, creating a sound that’s equal parts alt-rock and shoegaze. Feedback squalls and walls of guitar distortion will have you thinking of Pity Sex, My Bloody Valentine, and Nothing as you lay back and let PL’s sound tear up your heartbroken soul. You can find “Starcross” on Spotify, Instagram, and their website. Check out the YouTube embed below.

Isaiah Josiah – “Dumb To Fly”

May 15, 2023

Providence’s Isaiah Josiah is a bit of an enigma – one listen to his latest single “Dumb To Fly” will have you knowing exactly what we mean. “Dumb” is a pleasantly verbose song that falls somewhere near the cross sections of post-punk, hip hop, and synthed-out indie rock. Squiggly keyboards, punchy Casio-keyboard drumbeats, and Josiah’s enigmatic wordplay will leave you stunned as they fly (pun intended) in and out of your ears and leave you wondering how this could possibly be his debut single(!). If you’re into tongue-in-cheek or slightly self-deprecating vibes (think LCD Soundsystem or Viagara Boys), we think Isaiah’s got something up his sleeve for you. You can find “Dumb To Fly” on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

k0d4m4 – “valkyrie”

May 15, 2023

It’s fitting that a song as mysterious sounding as “valkyrie” would come from an artist as mystifying as k0d4m4. Walking a fine line between haunting, ominous, and gorgeous, “valkyrie” takes elements from witch house, darkwave, and 8-bit music and combines it into a song about arguably the least electronic thing in the world – k0d4m4 explains below: “[‘valkyrie’ is about] a valkyrie, as in norse mythology, taking a fallen warrior to valhalla” Dark, danceable, and gauzy, “valkyrie” makes you want to dance just as much as it makes you question your reality – fans of Crystal Castles, Crim3s, or Pastel Ghost are going to love this one. Check it out below via the YouTube widget, or, check out k0d4m4’s latest album, white hearts, upon which “valkyrie” resides.

Frogs Show Mercy – “Stallion”

May 15, 2023

Miami-based Frogs Show Mercy are back with another spastic jam that is sure to scratch all of your basement show itches. If you remember our previous feature of FSM (ICYMI, see here), you already know that they specialize in pleasantly-wonky indiemo compositions reminiscent of The Dismemberment Plan, Cap’n Jazz, or DIIV. “Stallion” continues that trend with a hint of post-punk angularity, pairing clean guitar plucks with nimble bass theatrics and a guttural howl that’s as emotional as it is intense. The band completed the song in a single, fateful night, and the of-the-moment urgency of the song’s composition clearly shines through in the finished product. You can find “Stallion” on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Sleepy Kitty – “Do It Without Me”

May 14, 2023

“Grimy meets shiny” is a perfect way to self-describe the music coming from New York-based act Sleepy Kitty. Their latest single, “Do It Without Me” caught our ears with its tried and true formula of chugging guitars, bouncing drum bombast, and upbeat but heartfelt vocals reminiscent of Best Coast or Beach Bunny. With sonic influences ranging anywhere from 60s girl groups to Weezer to the aforementioned acts, “Do It” starts with a bit of restraint before launching into an emotionally cathartic ending – perfect to get you amped up if you’re ever in the need for some angst. If you like “Do It Without Me” as much as we do, be sure to check them out via Bandcamp (below) or Spotify. Do It Without Me by Sleepy Kitty

Tiger Darrow – “Happy Face”

April 25, 2023

Fresh out of the Big Apple, Tiger Darrow is here with their latest single, “Happy Face,” a song about realizing that your ex might have a type. “Face” reminds us of that weird, uncanny valley feeling when you realize there are only slight differences between you and your ex’s newest partner – most poignantly, a good attitude. “Happy Face” is a borderline experimental take on bedroom-pop, led by unsettling (in a good way), descending rhythmic keyboard blasts. Sticking around through the chorus will reward you with the song’s stickiest earworm, a staccato vocal refrain that will wriggle its way deep into your brain. Listeners who make it to the end of the song will be even further rewarded by a gooey string and vocal moment that melds strangely well with “Face’s” otherwise electronic backbone. Fans of St. Vincent, Julia Michaels, or Melanie Martinez will find lots to love here. You[...]

TRSH – “FIRE DEPARETMENT”

April 25, 2023

The hottest ‘TRSH‘ of the midwest is back with their latest single, “FIRE DEPARETMENT.” It’s one minute and 11 seconds of blistering Midwest energy… And TRSH doesn’t make you wait for anything. The vocals kick right in with a poignant lyric about burning down your parents’ house (and we’d like to add that the intentional misspelling of “department” somehow adds to the brattiness of that sentiment). Complete with mathy guitars and heart-on-your-sleeve vocals delivered at a breakneck pace, this is literally everything you could ever need from a Midwest twinkle fest. Fans of Mom Jeans, Free Throw, Hot Mulligan, or Del Paxton are about to discover a brand new gem. You can find “FIRE DEPARETMENT” on Spotify and lots more goodies over on their Linktree. Before that, be sure to check out the YouTube embed below.

Dorio – “Lost These Days”

April 25, 2023

Dorio certainly has a cavalcade of influences here on their latest single, “Lost These Days.” Ranging anywhere from “…Wall-of-sound orchestral pop, Italian soundtracks, lounge pop and deep house sensibilities in the mid-90’s.” With that in mind, there’s something utterly unique about Dorio’s style, while simultaneously feeling inherently 2023. There’s an undeniable retro influence here on the funky 70s-inspired bassline, but singer Rachel Roscoe’s twee vocals root this one solidly in the bedroom-pop/dream-pop movements of modern day indie rock. There are multiple cherries-on-top here too, including startlingly clean swirling guitars, jaunty rhythms, and super-tight percussion tones. You can find “Lost These Days” on Spotify, and Bandcamp... And don’t forget to follow them on Instagram! Check out the YouTube embed below.  

Sofi Gev – “Softspoken Eyes”

April 24, 2023

Sofi Gev, the solo project of American singer-songwriter and indie pop artist Hannah Lovelady, has finally released the much anticipated new single, “Softspoken Eyes.” From lyrics and melodies inspired by hyper-infatuation; childhood memories; and confronting life head-on; to her dreamy blend of indie/folk pop with a touch of electronica; “Softspoken Eyes” is a song that just might speak to your soul. Her earliest and most enduring musical influence came from her father singing Joni Mitchell songs to her at night as a child, and that influence shines through the silky, tastefully-reverbed vocals set slightly offbeat over inspired, swirling instrumentals. Fans of Bat for Lashes, My Brightest Diamond, Lucy Dacus, or even Ethel Cain will love not only this single, but Sofi Gev’s entire discography. Regardless of all the details, we’ve all had a time in life when we’ve been enamored by another human. Craving a deeper connection and wanting to[...]

His Old Chain – “Here”

April 10, 2023

The quasi-elusive band, His Old Chain IS, in fact, here, with their most recent of six singles released since 2022, “Here.” The duo of Christian Lyles and Stefan J. Selbert are cowboys by trade, but sneak away to the studio to create songs whenever they can. “Here” features a surfy, swimmy guitar lead that warms you up for the calm, soothing vocals complete with lyrics we can all relate to… We’ve all been in that situation where we’re stuck in a lonely mindset, wishing we were sleeping next to someone else. Fans of the newer sun-soaked Turnover, Still Woozy, and Say Hi will love this groovy bedroom-pop jam. We can’t wait to see what they release next. You can find “Here” on Spotify,  Soundcloud or Instagram. Check out the YouTube embed below.

Dirt Buyer – “On & On”

April 9, 2023

I could go on and on about the new single “On & On,” recently released by New Jersey-born, New York-based band, Dirt Buyer. The palm-muted intro to this song had me moving before any vocals had even kicked in. The chugging, grungy, alt-rock guitars carry through the entire song and were actually written just days before “On & On” was recorded… Even crazier, the lyrics were written right before vocalist Joe Sutkowski had to sing them. The song was co-written and produced with Ruben Radlauer (Model/Actriz) and Jeff Berrall (Caveman.) Fans of rocking-but-accessible bands like Manchester Orchestra, early Kings of Leon, or My Morning Jacket will dig this one for sure. Sutkowski has entered a self-proclaimed “new era of Dirt Buyer” and part of this new era was dying his hair a vibrant shade of red which he feels adds to his electrifying live performances. “On & On” isn’t just[...]

Buck Raines – “Rocks”

April 9, 2023

Mysterious act Buck Raines is here with a fresh bedroom-pop single, “Rocks.” Buck, (aka Ryan Raines (aka DJ Kid Gloves)) utilizes his electronic influences alongside strong story-telling lyrics to create a dreamy vibe that music lovers across many genres can enjoy… But if you love Mac DeMarco or Porches, you’re pretty much *guaranteed* to be a fan of Buck. Each verse is filled with ear-catching melodies you’ll have stuck in your head after one listen-through. This song hits the trifecta when you add in the tasteful drums and icily emotional guitar leads. Born in Key Largo, Florida, and now a current L.A. resident, Raines works as a producer/songwriter and even drums occasionally, which explains why his songs are so well-rounded. You can find “Rocks” on Spotify and Apple Music. Check out the YouTube embed below.