Latest Posts

L.A. Spring – “Passerby”

September 10, 2016

L.A. Spring is a relatively young London act having just formed this summer. The power trio most notably features a low tenor vocalist with a strong and charming English accent, accented by higher harmonies when applicable. “Passerby” has an erupting rhythm section that throws dance energy at its listeners. Fans of Foals, The Maccabees, and Somos would dig L.A. Spring. Check out the new single below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278336648″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mothlight – “Monarch (feat. Shannon Inouye)”

September 10, 2016

Mothlight is a Californian dream pop act with a unique lushness that bursts from their colorful music. The trio describes themselves as “dream pop birthed from the loins of a nematode,” something surprisingly accurate once you look up what a nematode looks like. “Monarch (feat. Shannon Inouye)” is an immersive track. It brandishes gaping vocals, smart arrangements, rousing guitar work, and retro synth tones. Bands like Wild Nothing and Asobi Seksu sounds similar to Mothlight. Stream their new single below, or strengthen your commitment here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270072761″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Boge – “Don’t Let Go (Remix)”

September 10, 2016

Boge is a DJ from Norway who has tackled fellow Norwegian Miss Tati’s deliciously groovy “Don’t Let Go.” Boge’s work gives the song an ethereal vibe, featuring gentle claps, spacious pads, and interesting ricochet whistles. The head-bobbing piece is faster and more hip hop than Kygo’s usual blissful remixes, but is close to on par with Todd Terje’s work. See Datarock and Silja Sol for artists like Miss Tati. Boge is offering a free download if you visit his Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279229298″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pleistocene – Spear

September 6, 2016

Spear, Pleistocene‘s latest, is a more condensed, focused effort from the group as they slashed out some of the noise that radiated from the sonic orb found between the phones when listening to them. Pleistocene’s latest demonstrates the Rochester-based rockers versatility (especially during the first three songs) and finds an exciting balance between “onto the next!” (See: Dave Grohl) and aloof. This album is of a certain kind where one can start it and let it play from start to finish while you run through your everyday routine. Spears kicks off with “Your New Life”  a gentle surf lick and damn dirty bass. The bass does the song justice as it’s powerhouse spine. “Your New Life” switches between a punk, surf rock version and a blown-out straight-up punk version. The second track “Give Me the Line,” is like something from the Descendents. The tune is very garage punk-esque and features fast vocals with[...]

Grace Joyner – “Dreams”

September 1, 2016

From out the shadows of indie pop comes Miss Joyner, a woman whose dusky voice matches her rather reflective, feminine appearance and demeanor. Grace Joyner and her crew (background vocalist and keyboardist Camille Lucy Rhoden, background vocalist and bassist Dan McCurry, and background vocalist and percussionist Nick Jenkins) are from Charleston, South Carolina, are on label Hearts & Plugs, and released the video “Dreams” from recently released album Maybe Sometimes – in C.  “Dreams” pins a haunting ex against a struggling, lonely druggie desperately trying to forget about his overwhelming love from the past. Grace Olsen and Sharon Van Etten, even Still Corners, are proper comparisons. Watch Joyner’s video below, and stream or purchase the full albums here. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXTNISUAfQ4]

Villa Nah – “Love Chance”

August 29, 2016

Finnish electro pop duo Villa Nah is back after a rather long 5-year hiatus and are gifting us their latest treat, “Love Chance.” The single, a showcase off their upcoming album Ultima, is delightfully spacey and is like a relaxing swim with your imagination on full power. Juho Paalosmaa (of the acclaimed SIN COS TAN) and Tomi Hyyppä hope the piece “…[spreads] ripples of synth and sheer optimism” and serves as the soundtrack for those Summer afternoons. Those who love electronic music with 80s forte, or groups such as Magenta Skycode and Husky Rescue will savor what Villa Nah has to offer. Stream “Love Chance” below or on Spotify and Youtube. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274359509″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Gringo Star

August 28, 2016

It’s the Wild West meets the wonderful ocean. Deep, dark, and cavernous, yet dirty and mustard yellow. Previews of the new Gringo Star album The Sides and In Between are as amusing as they are unique. “Rotten,” Magic,” and “Get Closer” demonstrate versatility and three different sides of the band. Whether Gringo Star is gritty, keeping it light, or playful (listen carefully to the mix and lyrics of “Get Closer”), Gringo Star shines true. Catch the group headlining at Studio at the Waiting Room with support from Ugly Sun, Feverbox, and One Way to Nowhere. Doors are at 7pm, with the show starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $12 and the show is all ages (more details here). For soundalikes, see Bosco Rogers and Cage the Elephant. Otherwise, preview Gringo Star’s new album below and warp here for tasteful merchandise.

Stress Dolls Release Debut Single

August 23, 2016

Stress Dolls is the new reincarnation of Buffalo band Wolf which sought a name change and new members. Lead singer Chelsea O’Donnell still fronts the group with her Ben Walsh-like yowl. The new band brandishes a fresh sound with dreamy guitar leads, solid drums and bass, and a traditional alternative/pop mix in the band’s debut single “Pills.” Stress Dolls echo groups like Tigers Jaw and Polar Bear Club. Kudos to Stress Dolls for writing a song about pills that focuses on their healing tendencies rather than their fun. The smart lyrics point out that atop medical troubles still sits your everyday crushing defeats and self-degradation that must be overcame. “But with those pills,” sings O’Donnell, “he’s found his way…” Put on your leather jackets, wear your hearts on your sleeves, and prepare for a straightforward powerhouse with a unique vocal twist. Listen to “Pills” below or purchase it here.

County Mike – Live Alone

August 19, 2016

Alongside other Albanian groups like Coupons and They Are Gutting A Body of Water is County Mike, a new, mysterious one-man-band fronting a near lo-fi sound that flutters comfortably within the boundaries of alt-folk. The man behind the mask (and beard) is Michael Campana, Jr. I’m not sure if County Mike is a reference to Campana’s possible declaration that his body is his to govern, to control, or if he simply feels pride toward the county within which he resides – a more rural take on the subject. Regardless, County Mike’s Live Alone comes across as tender storytelling lullabies both confronting and skirting commonplace issues we all know and love. The first tune is “Watching/3 Years.” Campana’s voice is crystal clear amongst somber electric guitar arpeggiation. There’s a little bit of crackling going on. Soon enough, Campana kicks it up a notch, performing gentle, quick guitar widdlies. No matter how hard Campana pushes it,[...]

Charmer – Whateverville

August 15, 2016

Charmer (not named after Tigers Jaw’s latest) is a quintet full of charming young men formerly based out Marquette, Michigan. The band did what many bands decide to do, pack all their gear and relocate to the music metropolis of Rochester as a full band. Whateverville is the band’s New York debut as well as a palatable five-song emo record. Whateverville begins with a quote from television comedy Red Oaks: “You still live with your parents and you hang out with your stoner friends and you ride a bike…” Alright. We already get the picture. “Photography Raptor” then blasts into some distorted electric guitar chords. The drum cymbals seem faraway, but the bump of the bass drum is very apparent. Everything seems recorded in a small, tight room. The song has a bouncy tendency when it’s not within the confines of the transitioning parts. The last 30 seconds is breakdown-esque with a shrill lead. “I[...]

Coupons – Number One Hit Album

August 9, 2016

Coupons is an Albany-based group that seemingly mastered mid-tempo, just-sad-enough songs. At times they’re bluesy, at times they’re straight power-pop, and at times they’re math-y (namely the drums). In creating their Number One Hit Album, Coupons carved themselves a nook with a careful rhythmic section, jangley guitars, and forefront vocals. “Sirens” is the first song off Number One Hit Album. As you assume, the song is about deadly girl-like, winged creatures and their call that lures the curious to shipwreck. There’s a cool, slightly fuzzy break in the song connecting high point to build-up, and build-up to  true climax. “You’re such a careful siren – I never sleep!” is yelled before the band goes into full blast. The second song is “Birthday” and it starts with the singer trying to cheer up a girl in the midst the dumps. On top of a synth string pad, the protagonist also compares[...]

They Are Gutting A Body of Water – s/t

August 5, 2016

They Are Gutting A Body of Water is a rather complex name for an emotional, lo-fi solo act by singer/songwriter Doug Dulgarian. Dulgarian, a lead singer to Albany-based Jouska, proudly released late last month via the project’s bandcamp. The album is written as if staring into a looking glass watching a microcosm of the world work its underwhelming wonders. They Are Gutting A Body of Water is as contained as it is immense – the old-fashioned style helps the album both relate to and speak out against modern day apathy, regret, and introspection. “Swanny Luv” is the first track on this damaged (sound quality adjective) record. Punchy drums keep your mind afloat as the draining music pulls you down into somewhere between awful depression and teary-eyed anger. A special shoutout is given to his mom for being a “G since knee-high.” “Main Breaker” is fronted by a haunted, polka accordion sound and pleasing,[...]

Jon Lewis – Out of Lunch

July 18, 2016

Named by 585 Magazine as an “Artist to Follow” in 2016, Jon Lewis fronts a John Ralston-like musical style begging for local, perhaps even statewide attention. Lewis partakes in a practiced indie rock act from Rochester coming at us as both a solo performer and as a full band. This time around, Lewis (guitar and lead vocals) and his band – Dave Drago (vocals and bass), Shawn Brogan (guitar), and Jacob Walsh (drums) – gift us a delicate EP entitled Out to Lunch. The six-song release is chock-full of solid alternative folk compositions, lush mixes, a general warm but lost feel. “Everyone Wants to Know,” Song 1, opens the release with tremolo guitar and soft group vocals. “Left his job, left for dead – no one heard what he said,” tells Lewis of the song’s protagonist. One should wonder if Lewis is cooing about his own endeavors. This tune is relatively simple.[...]

Aaron & the Burrs – A Burr for All Seasons (and Other Tunes)

July 12, 2016

Named after one of the most controversial historical Americans (the Vice President under Thomas Jefferson who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel and allegedly sided with the Confederates after allegedly evading the law in the unexplored Western Frontier), Aaron & the Burrs stage a coup aimed at reclaiming Buffalo a stake in surf rock for listeners to enjoy  when visiting Lake Erie. Released June 23, A Burr for All Seasons (and Other Tunes) marks Aaron & the Burrs’ third LP. At under sixteen minutes, this vocal-less quickie keeps you entertained with its repetitious beach-y vibes. “Reprise,” the starting track, is a sixteen-second saga with a delightful guitar lick. The song explodes into existence with a fast snare drum roll, and before you know it, reverb from various instruments sees you out. “The Winter Solstice” blazes a trail like Dick Dale and the Deltones’ “Miserlou.” There is a mysterious shade accompanying the song.[...]

Super Defense – Sinking/Anything

July 8, 2016

I know what you’re thinking: “That picture is hilarious – Dwight Schrute-esque.” Well, that pretty portrait is of Super Defense, an indie/lo-fi/power pop solo project hailing from Syracuse. Andy Horvath, the man behind the music, has been writing tunes for this act since fall of last year. As of recent, Horvath teamed up with label Ghoul Tapes and utilized recording palace Converse Rubber Tracks of Brooklyn. His lates endeavor,  Sinking/Anything, is a two-song take on wanting to feel… forgotten at best. Luckily, Super Defense offers its listeners the best recordings and compositions its released to date. “Sinking” is an explosive song with a light mix. In other words, it’s fast like a punk song, yet gentle on the ears. Perhaps the best description is it’s like Cloud Nothings’ soft-spoken sibling. Regardless, the song carries an interesting mix. The bubbly bass bounces about the fretboard. Frantic guitars attack both ears (sometimes offense[...]