Latest Posts

Shuttle – “Daydreamin'”

March 18, 2023

Shuttle brings a tight synth pop track your way with “Daydreamin’,” off of their most recent EP sharing the same name. Already having amassed nearly two thousand plays on Spotify (in addition to nearly 500k for equally accessible single “Swimming Through Time”), Shuttle is clearly no stranger to melodious pop tracks. I cannot, however, in good conscience recommend “Daydreamin'” to the layperson; in their forward they sent buffaBLOG it was clearly labeled as “music for non-human animals who travel in space.” Would this have been on the soundtrack to Laika, one of the first animals in space (cruelly) part of the Russian’s Sputnik 2? Maybe, maybe not. However, were I to assemble an away team in my “travels,” I would most assuredly choose Shuttle as a stalwart second mate – along with more established luminaries such as MGMT and Tame Impala (M83 can come too). “Daydreamin’s” carefully coordinated synths will[...]

Dragon Inn 3 – “I Can’t Stop”

March 16, 2023

Dragon Inn 3 is the current project of Kansas City resident and indie royalty Philip Dickey (of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin fame). Along with his sister Sharon Bowie, his wife Grace Bentley, and David Hill they’ve created the delightful synthpop jam “I Can’t Stop.” While there are seemingly no dragons, Dragon Inn 3 will certainly be a wonderful host to your ear buds if you’re familiar with such acts as Eurythmics and early, less depressing, Depeche Mode (seriously, check out 1985’s Catching Up with Depeche Mode and tell me I’m wrong). Dragon Inn 3 brings back the fun and whimsy of the 80s with the production and sleek songwriting skills of modern day indie rock (and gives SSLYBY fans a tasty slice of new content), reminding you that it’s okay to dance to rock ‘n roll. Be sure to check out Dragon Inn 3’s sophomore album Trade Secrets, out April[...]

Leon In The Wild – “Quiet Covers Up a Lot”

March 12, 2023

“Quiet Covers Up a Lot” is the lead single off of California-based Leon in the Wild‘s self-titled 2023 EP. Leon kicks things off with his warm, pop-forward guitar and conjures dulcet tones that land somewhere between fellow Californians The Beach Boys and Pavement. I particularly enjoyed the story told throughout this track; seemingly about that special someone that you maybe haven’t been able to spill your true feelings to. According to Leon, he “[has] always been the guitarist, the producer/engineer, the person mixing/mastering, background vocalist, etc. This is my first step into the wild as myself.” If this track caught your ear, definitely check out the rest of this six song EP which is available on Spotify. Additionally, if you happen to have the means of playing it, you can pick up the cassette on his Soundcloud page and head to the beach with your Walkman and surfboard. Leon in[...]

Sara Devoe – “Magazine”

March 12, 2023

“Magazine” is the latest of several singles from Albany-area “idiot musician” (her IG bio, not our thoughts!) Sara Devoe. “Magazine” is anything but idiotic – the initial assault is nothin’ but bass and tight drums leading into Devoe’s earnest lyrics, reminiscent of indie luminaries Perfume Genius and (coincidentally) boygenius, albeit with a bit more bite. Devoe is currently a a senior at Geneseo in Western NY and has an EP coming in the near future, so keep an eye on your favorite music consumption app. Check out her other singles Spotify and let us know if you’d like more Sara Devoe (or Devoe….esque?) on our Twitter page. Sara Devoe · Magazine

Tinge – “Big Crush”

March 12, 2023

With “Big Crush,” Winnipeg-based three piece Tinge brings a power-chorded banger of a single off of the their EP Big Deep Sigh. “I don’t look like much but baby I can rock your work” croons Anishinaabe songwriter Veronica Blackhawk, lightheartedly drawing in a relatable energy to one of those crushes [cries internally]. Blackhawk’s vocal range and intelligent lyrics bring to mind Blue Album and Pinkerton era “Weezer,” Colleen Green, and Camp Cope while still forging ahead on the strengths of the band’s excellent chemistry. Definitely check out the rest of their EP on Spotify or Soundcloud! Coming in at just under seventeen minutes, you’ll get through this delightful gem during your morning commute or shower time and undoubtedly like me you’ll be looking for more. House of Wonders · Tinge – Big Crush

Kondratieff Wave Generator – “welcome to the project!”

March 7, 2023

Coming to you from Oregon, Kondratieff Wave Generator (for brevity, K-Wave) bring us “welcome to the project!” off of the of their debut album High Rise. K-Wave brings joyfully warm guitars, almost as if they’re excited-but-not-too-excited-in-a-lowkey-way to bring us their brand of chill, vintage-tinged bedroom-pop. The wispy riffs driven by steady drums and bass evoke a mix between early iterations of The Strokes (specifically their stripped down performances) and more modern bedroom-pop luminaries like Day Wave. This is a great band to get in on the ground floor with as they’re just hitting their stride and with such a strong initial outing, there will hopefully be more to come. This is a great track (and album) to listen to if you’re in for the night in your pj’s and want to just v i b e. Check out Kondratieff Wave on Spotify or YouTube.  

Xul Zolar – “Tell Me”

March 6, 2023

The third single off German band Xul Zolar‘s upcoming album, Heidelbach (March 17) is the tight, synthy darkness of “Tell Me”. Out of the three tracks released so far, this happens to be the darkest (although the first single “Protocol” is certainly a close second on the hopeless meter). Light synth and guitar work float flawlessly along with with dreamily haunting vocals that move “Tell Me” along at a steady, if morose clip. Dripping with self-loathing is the bread-and-butter for acts such as The Cure and Interpol (you may have heard of them), but Xul Zolar manages to make this track sound like more than just another goth-pop retread. Give Xul Zolar a listen if you own a black parasol or (like me) may have eaten many lunch by yourself a lot growing up. Xul Zolar · Tell Me

The Empty Page – “Level Sedentary” (and B-Side Dry Ice)

March 6, 2023

Manchester-based band, The Empty Page, brings a punk-tinged ode to depression and executive disfunction on their single “Level Sedentary.” Taking cues from 90’s Sonic Youth, Pavement, and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the meandering guitars and singer Kel’s voice feature prominently. Citing such depressive luminaries: “I’m Vonnegut/ I’m Plath/ I’m Proust/ I’m Bonnie Grape/ I’m Charlie Brown/Sometimes I wanna sleep forever…” toward the end of “Sedentary” really cemented my opinion on the wit of Kel’s lyrical composition. While “Level Sedentary” gradually warms up your ear drums and drags you to the couch for a chill day, the B-Side “Dry Ice” comes out kicking with thumping bass and drums. While initially a shock heel turn, you’ll soon find yourself matching Empty Page’s energy and bopping along to this masterclass in indie pop punk. If indie bands were stocks and I were Jim Cramer I would be yelling “STRONG BUY” with spittle flying[...]

Far Caspian – “Arbitrary Task”

March 6, 2023

Coming out of the gate strong in 2023, Ireland-based Far Caspian (lead by Joel Johnston) delivers a sublime lo-fi indie gem. “Arbitrary Task” occupies the same place in your head you go when you’re doing laundry or driving to work, but is indisputably the more preferable of the three. Clocking in at just over two minutes, we take a guitar-driven dance to just past the halfway mark to a drum interlude, which then meets back up with the guitar (and Joel’s melodic vocals) to finish things out. As far as comparisons go, listeners of Day Wave or Hazel English would find a lot to enjoy with Far Caspian and I sincerely hope you get a chance to check him out! With a strong following at almost 500k monthly listeners on Spotifiy and the back of Tiny Library Records, keep your ears open for more from FC.

The Angles – “Out There”

March 5, 2023

Brooklyn-bred Ashwin Prasanna’s latest project, The Angles, brings the soothing track “Out There” off of his self-titled debut record. Warm, poppy guitar leads the way in this wholesome love song. Every chord resonates in your ears as you feel the warmth and joy of Prasanna’s love for someone special. This track and others of his would go well on your mix for that special someone along with Real Estate and Cloud Nothings. “Out There” assuredly enjoyed as part of the whole album but has enough strength to stand alone, check out what The Angles has to offer and let us know your thoughts on our Twitter. Be sure to add them to your Spotify playlist and give them a follow on Instagram as well. The Angles by The Angles

Beachdust – “An Android Contemplates Love” (and b-side “OFF (O N) RESET!”)

March 5, 2023

Singles from artists in today’s environment of mainly digital releases are easy. You don’t have have to go to the record store to pick up a 45 inch record (or cassette) and can just pull up your preferred music service instantly! [/end elder millennial rant] My editor called for me to review “An Android Contemplates Love.” Ignoring the second half [B-Side track “OFF (O N) RESET!)] seemed silly so here’s a review of both. Beachdust is a solo act courtesy of California based Anthony Geovanny (from the label Little Death Sounds) and he is clearly a student of the psychedelic and new wave sounds of the 80’s. Talking Heads aficionados would certainly enjoy the energy Anthony brings in this and his other tracks. Strong synth and a constant guitar are in the driver seat for this meandering track that ponders the question of “what makes love so different?” from an[...]

Julia Rapp – “What He’s Been Missing”

March 4, 2023

Julia Rapp brings a cheeky indie-folk tune powerful enough to pull you up off the bathroom floor at 3:30am after a bad breakup. “If he really knew you, he’d know what he’s been missin'” Julia has a way of telling you how it is in the same no-nonsense fashion that many of us are very familiar with from that friend. Adherents of Courtney Barnett’s self-effacing style or the stylings of Angel Olsen will feel very much at home with Julia Rapp. If you’re feeling a little down today, maybe listen a couple times because damn it, you’re worth it!

Trash Pals – “Dinner at Sadie’s”

March 4, 2023

A subdued, bass-forward track from duo Conor Rayne and Gabe Schnider of Trash Pals (respectively, members of Basstracks and Jon Batiste), “Dinner at Sadie’s” showcases strong songwriting and solid keyboard antics. Lyrics like” “Oh Sadie maybe I’m not your type/ I appreciate you trying to make it right” oozes longing for that one we all remember meeting, but maybe gets away in the end. Don’t let Trash Pals be that one; keep tabs on this group and your eyes peeled for more. You certainly won’t be left wanting (except for more). If “Dinner” is any indication, we’re all in for a treat as this band grows and continues to produce new music. Make sure you add it to your Spotify playlist.

B. Miles – “The Year I Felt Cool”

March 4, 2023

New York based B. Miles brings us this smooth ditty of a single that exudes more than it’s fair share of swagger, as B.Miles takes us on a glitzy indie pop romp through what is clearly HER CITY. You’ll find yourself bopping along as you’re lulled in by her hypnotic voice and steady stream of consciousness lyrics, only to come to at the end wondering when you’ll get to walk with B.Miles again. I’m not exactly sure which year she felt cool, but if this or any of her other songs are any indication… it’s probably every year, now, and in the future. You can hear this and other tracks on her Spotify, or, live at the Bowery Ballroom March 17th in Manhattan.

Abby Nissenbaum – “Shelly Johnson”

March 3, 2023

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[...]