Latest Posts

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.

Speed Dial – i, DUMBASS

April 9, 2023

Speed Dial bassist, John Carr, comically shout-sings through a low-fidelity telephone crunch, “What up, what up, what up bitch, it’s the dial.” On the other side of the call, the distinguishing lark is met with a gaggle of laughter, a proper greeting to the Buffalo four-piece’s debut EP, i DUMBASS. “Cannonball Waterslide” introduces themes of separation and identity. There is an energetic sense of freedom, but a remaining confrontation as lead singer, Cooper Taylor sings, “I like to think that you don’t know the half of what you claim you do.”  Flaunting a newfound sense of self over saucy guitar lines, Taylor is no longer bogged down by “judgements and assumptions.” Even still, a tender moment and some feverish guitar noodling and lyrics about self-improvement, show that moving forward isn’t that simple. In the remainder of the track, gang vocals shout prior lyrics back at Taylor while his head still[...]

Angus Wayne – “Blacksheep”

April 9, 2023

Straight outta Nyack, New York (say that 3x fast), Angus Wayne is here with their latest feel-good single, “Blacksheep.” The catchy vocals combined with their use of down-home tones and hypnotic drums create a song you’ll want to listen to every time there’s some sun in the sky. Fans of The Mountain Goats, Chad VanGaalen, and Alex G will definitely resonate with the vibe of “Blacksheep.” About the song, Angus says: “This song is about many things, and you can dissect each verse. But you might notice a theme of animals, birds and sheep and bears. I’d love for this song to be received well, thanks so much for listening!” You can find “Blacksheep” on Spotify, SoundCloud, and of course, don’t forget to follow their Instagram. Check out the YouTube embed below.

Cooler – Doom Spiral

March 13, 2023

Cooler, a Buffalo-based three-piece, creates deeply personal, ethereal indie rock fit for the most intimate of moments. Doom Spiral, the group’s 2023 release, is their best work to date. The album centers around themes of opposition and devotion while persistently shifting between a confessional love story. Throughout the project, distance between people is a constantly developing undulation. Cooler braves this emotional disparity while engaging in intricate heart-to-heart discussions. The group fills out their already-strong sound with layers of carefully-laid, familiar guitar lines, sludgy bass flavors, and newfound sleek electronics, resulting in a sound they describe as “dreamo.” The album’s intro, “Gentleman,” was the first recorded with their current lineup, currently consisting of Alley, Jake, and Nick Sessanna. Breaking through the mist, the song’s flagship guitar line is as sentimental as it is catchy, while Alley’s reserved, melancholic delivery dazzles amidst lyrical dejection. “Succulents” is a meditative groover that aims to[...]

Early Bird – “My Town”

January 24, 2023

Buffalo artist Early Bird’s hot new release “My Town” is the latest single following a year filled with numerous new tracks. “My Town” is a party song with smooth vocals featuring  heavy 808’s as well as a catchy hook with repeated lines that will have you singing along. Early Bird’s verses fit perfectly with the beat and carry the momentum through the whole track, creating a flow that feels like it has a current running through it. Early Bird’s music career started in 2016 as lead vocals for a metal group, but he shifted genres for his solo work. Taking influence from various genres including hip hop, rap, R&B, and metal, Early Bird eventually released his first single “Racks” in 2019. When he’s not working on his master’s degree, or locked in the studio, you can find Early Bird hanging out with his friends at the best local Buffalo spots.[...]

Eugene Palmer – “2014”

December 1, 2022

Buffalo’s Eugene Palmer is prepping for their debut record, Rut, and they’ve shared first single with us, a song they are calling “2014.” Showcasing their wide range of influences from 60s baroque pop, to psychedelic rock, to 90s slowcore, “2014” is a guitar-soaked barnburner full of heavy riffing; soaring falsetto; rollicking drum solos; and an angsty 90s vibe. About the song, singer Matt Distasio explains that he penned the song on a long drive from Buffalo to Montana back in the winter of 2014 – take us back! You can also find “2014” on Spotify.

Kod!e – Cycle of Man

November 15, 2022

On October 1st, 2002, an artist named Kod!e was born into a life of makeshift homes & painstaking anxiety. To celebrate making it 20 years through this journey of life he calls the Cycle of Man, Kod!e decided to drop a 13 track album titled just that on his twentieth birthday, October 1st 2022. The alt rock/hyperpop inspired album has distinctive vocal textures. On tracks such as “Burn This Town” and “STAY AWAY,” the Buffalo-based artist’s vocals carry similar timbre to a chainsaw in a horror film. Respectively, on tracks like “What is wrong with me” and “Descending,” Kod!e’s voice floats through the atmosphere he’s engineered for himself. The wide range in dynamics and delivery over Cycle of Man is what distinguishes Kod!e from peers in the Buffalo alt rock/hyperpop demographic. A music video with scenes ranging from a cemetery to a Buffalo loft for track six, “I Knew it[...]

West Ferry Releases New EP, ‘Out Of Reach’

August 24, 2022

Buffalo’s West Ferry are back with another EP, the five-song Out of Reach. Out Of Touch finds the band further fleshing out their emo-punk sound. Vocally, the band brings to mind the sneering delivery of Conor Oberst in his Desaparecidos days, dripping with just enough sauce to keep things angsty. Musically, the band explores the spectrum of punk, ranging from the fleeting emo-tinged opener of “Everyone/Everytime;” the Pinkerton-era Weezer flavor of the title-track; all the way to the more straightforward punk of “Picked Apart.” You can find Out of Reach on Bandcamp (below), Spotify, and Apple Music. Out of Reach by west ferry

Urge Surfer Releases Debut EP, Music Video for “Cursed”

August 18, 2022

Urge Surfer is a brand new Buffalo-based project created by former coworkers Chelsea O’Donnell (Stress Dolls) and Jordan Smith. The duo used the itchiness of pandemic-era angst to inspire their new musical brew – a blippy and hazy blend of modular synth sighs and squelches with hints of guitar. O’Donnell’s distinct vocals lay on top of the music, often sassy and angsty, offering a unique counterpoint to Smith’s dark and calculated creations. The duo exchanged hundreds of emails with no real intention other than to write music… Telling, as their music could fit comfortably next to any Postal Service song (who pioneered this email-based approach back in the early aughts). Fans of Purity Ring, Phantogram, and even Grimes will find lots to like here, as well as synth-heads who can appreciate a tasteful use of arpeggiation and custom-curated patches. They’ve just released a video to accompany lead single, “Cursed.” O’Donnell[...]