Latest Posts

Abby Nissenbaum – “Shelly Johnson”

Nashville-based Abby Nissenbaum’s latest track comes off the top of her 2023 EP Unreliable Narrator. “Shelly Johnson” highlights her hauntingly heartfelt lyrics which shine through on this song, centered around a relationship gone bad; “I can tell you’ve been with her/at some bar taking photographs/but she sobered up to drive you home while I’m dry heaving on the dirt path.” I definitely teared up listening to the story unfold that many of us are too familiar with and felt a kinship with Abby based on this song alone; not to mention the rest of the EP. Beyond her storytelling prowess, “Shelly” is a crispy, indie-pop gem bolstered by a guitar-driven backbone. Absolutely worth a listen if you enjoy heady lyrics with lyrics to peel back and ruminate over. Feel free to start off with some of her earlier releases such as “Generic Indie Song” and “Funeral Processional” and work your[...]

Adult Play – “See Me Now”

Adult Play (née New Labor… also previously known as “Jimmy and the Innies” and “Petrol Exit”) has obviously worn many hats, and this single is no different. Shrewsbury UK’s Adult Play feels like a finely tuned performance car going through twists and turns with much fanfare and aplomb. Keeping with the car allegory, AP’s drum and bass play off each other flawlessly and slowly give way to an 8-Bit breakdown which then shifts to a (for lack of a better term) groovier 8-bit bridge. Listen to their other track “HCYS” first followed by “See Me Now” and you’ll have a much better impression of their progression. The two songs flow flawlessly into each other and you’ll hear hints of a band growing up in the shadow of grunge, indie sleaze, and a bit of everything in between. Don’t sleep on this three piece; they are most assuredly more than the[...]

ESTHERLIVIA – “TICKLE YOUR HEART”

Straight out of Sweden; ESTHERLIVIA is the the project of Esther Ribbstedt Österman. “TICKLE” is equal parts sultry and brooding with some fabulous hooks that fans of Grimes or Perfume Genius would surely enjoy. Österman’s strong production background shines with tightly wound pop bass and drums that flow like a kaleidoscope over a vast cityscape. ESTHERLIVIA’s command of sound and knack for crafting infectious ear worms is second-to-none. My only complaint is that there isn’t more to listen to, but with a talent such as Esther, it’s only matter of time until we’re graced with another sick track. You can find more of Esther on Spotify or Apple Music. Please let me know what you think over on our Twitter handle @buffablog.

Das Kope – “So Happy”

Adding credence to the adage that “dream pop never dies, it just distorts more,” LA-based act Das Kope brings this tasty, ketamine-laced chill tune to the grey matter between your ears and just kinda hangs out there for awhile. This track evokes some 90’s era Cocteau Twins and mid-aughts MGMT with some crispy, overarching Mac Demarco vibes, but stands on its own as an ode to the short period of time after the sun sets. Even if you’ve never seen a sunset, you can close your eyes as you listen and you’ll feel what that looks like. Das Kope is currently on tour in support of STRFKR and you can hear more on their Spotify, Bandcamp, or this helpful linktree link. Let me know in the comments if you’re dream-popped out or if you want more like this! Das Kope · So Happy

Moozy – “Minnesota Seems Nice”

“Minnesota Seems Nice” is the new single from fully-independent DC-based outfit, Moozy. Driven by warm synths and a simple, yet deliberate guitar chord progression, members Dylan Rockwell and Pat Dunning take us on a whimsical, poppy romp extolling the virtues of a mid-western change of scenery. While I can’t personally attest to anything about Minnesota other than the obvious (it does seem nice), check this and other tracks out if you’re looking for some light pop that tips the hat to My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, or the Police with less bass-forward tracks. You can find “Minnesota” on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp as well.

Justus West – “Normal”

Hot off the presses is this new single from Justus West, a talented seven-time Grammy nominee hailing from Kansas City. “Normal” would seem to suggest an embrace of the “same shit, different day” mentality but is quite the opposite; about the song, Justus explains: “[Normal] is my letter to the new year, a reminder to not settle for the status quo and chase refreshing experiences.” Melodic vocals mixed with strong guitar throughout help keep this track hopeful and not turn into a checkbox of self-help platitudes. It’s a unique blend of indie-pop and hip hop influences that we think you’ll love – check it out on Spotify or Apple Music, and get acquainted with Justus himself via his new YouTube series below.

1 REBEL NATION – “television”

“television” is a nicely-layered, wispy single off of 1 REBEL NATION‘s 2022 album, PORCELAIN. The Los Angeles-based act takes a lot of cues from Melon Collie era Smashing Pumpkins as well as the more contemporary Beach House flavors. “television” feels like a non-stop screensaver that twists and turns in the best ways, with dreamy instrumentals, a bumping rhythm, and some strong hooks to boot [editor’s note: a screensaver was used on old computers in the olden days, google it.]. Don’t be fooled though, this is only a tip of the iceberg; the rest of the album delves into MORE directions and is most definitely worth a full listen. Check out “television” and the rest of PORCELAIN via 1 REBEL NATION’s Spotify.

Beano Naboo & The Real Keepers – “Strange Life”

“Strange Life” starts off as a rambling, quirky, bass-driven tune, but quickly turns contemplative and morose; a perfect encapsulation of the past three years. [editor’s note: Chris is okay, just dealing with some stuff and he’s okay.] Sean O’Brien’s (aka Beano Naboo) crooning vocals evokes some early aughts vibes as he ends commenting on (big surprise) what a strange life this is. A warped and warbly backing track full of piano and guitars, presumably performed by The Real Keepers, gives the song a nostalgic but of-the-moment sound. Definitely worth a listen. Check out “Strange Life” on Spotify and/or Apple Music.

Bliss Abyss – “Bill & Holly”

There is a couple named William and Holly somewhere who are presumably happy with having a song named after them. For the rest of us, Oakland California based Bliss Abyss put forth a subdued, albeit catchy, dream pop earworm. The song details the love story of two punks who ruled the street of Santa Cruz back in the day – it’s set off by gauzy synths and blippy drum elements that give it a romantic, bedroom-pop twist, even if the song is about two grimy punk kids. Give it a listen and check them out at their Spotify (or if you’re ever out on the west coast).

Seriously – “With Delight”

Surely this can’t be Seriously? Yes, it is (and don’t call me Shirley). “With Delight” is the first single off their upcoming album Built Environment on the label Earth Libraries out of Birmingham, AL. Crooning Morrissey-esque vocals combined with Proper Synth Usage (TM) give a nice callback to the 80’s in a similar vein of MGMT’s Little Dark Age LP. If the rest of their album (out June 16th) follows suit, this should be a solid listen for anyone who enjoys a tip of the cap to The Smiths with a nice contemporary spin.