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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[...]

Adult Play – “See Me Now”

March 2, 2023

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”

March 2, 2023

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”

February 26, 2023

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”

February 26, 2023

“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.