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Pablo 978 – “The Devil’s Got a Chauffer”

August 19, 2026

Sometimes you buy a book just because the cover is cool. Same deal with a CD or record with interesting artwork. A song title in the digital age does it for me. “The Devil’s Got a Chauffeur” from experimental rapper Pablo 978 hit the mark for me. Pablo’s roster of vocal stylings ranges from demonic to schizophrenic, all times an appropriately bad influence for the listener. Equal parts Quasimoto and Retch, Pablo’s lyrics are snarly and menacing. The beat is an understated relay of keys that give an appropriate path for Pablo to trudge on. Add it to your underground hip hop playlists. If you’re feeling “Devil” give it a rip on Spotify. You’ll also find it on our Best Hip Hop of 2026 playlist – we update it every single week with great up-and-coming artists.

søftbleach – “brainfreeze”

August 15, 2026

Who would have ever thought that math rock and pop would make an undeniable duo? London’s søftbleach certainly did, and they seem to have cracked the code on latest single, “brainfreeze.” Guitar nerds will love the noodly riffage here, and your girlfriend will love the pop-centric lyrics about being a cold-hearted ice queen… Wrapped up in a cool little brain freeze metaphor, of course. They claim this one has been a fan favorite – now it’s also buffaBLOG approved.   “brainfreeze” is available on Spotify (below).  

mariek – “House on the Hill”

August 15, 2026

I’m a sucker for an emo-coded bedroom-pop song – mariek nails that vibe on latest offering, “House on the Hill.” Guitars jangle robotically – offering those droning, open-chorded voicings that make Midwest emo so enthralling. It’s paired up with a tasteful percussive backbone; twinkly DI-tone guitar leads; and breathy vocals that suit the vibe perfectly. This one will slot right into any playlist with heavy Clairo, Now Now, and Palehound vibes.   “House on the Hill” is available via YouTube (embedded below), or, on Spotify.    

Digital Crush – “Amnesia”

August 15, 2026

Digital Crush split the difference between indie sleaze and hyperpop on latest single, “Amnesia.” Dirty, grunged-out synths are the highlight here – both offset and complimented by the lightly autotuned, innocent-sounding vocals. Ironic, as this song is actually about the right-of-passage of having a walk of shame. As Digital Crush explains it – “Disappointment. Repeated mistakes.” At least now, you’ll have this cool ass hyperpop banger to drown out the world as you stumble on home tomorrow morning.   Check out the music video for “Amnesia” below.    

Devereux Scales – “Antihuman”

August 15, 2026

Something about post-punk music feels… Anti-human, right? Maybe it’s the icy stabs of guitar, or, maybe it’s the robotic rhythms and monotone vocals. Either way, Devereux Scales explore those textures on latest single “Antihuman.” This is post-punk through and through for the aforementioned reasons. Fans of The Cure or Depeche Mode, or even newer age bands that discovered chorus pedals i.e. Turnover circa 2016 would enjoy this a lot.   Check out “Antihuman” via the bandcamp embed below, or, on Spotify.   Antihuman by Devereux Scales

Jesse & The Spirit – cloudspotting

August 13, 2026

It’s both hard to believe and easy to envision Jesse & The Spirit (aka Jesse James) being around for more than a decade. With multiple acclaimed projects to their name (including the one we’re focusing on in this review, Jesse & The Spirit; sludge-gaze band Dolly Sods; freaked-out electronica act The Niagara River; and even their pre-pandemic post-rock bliss-out in Tomoreaux), they’re approaching, or has, by default, already achieved Buffalo indie rock royalty. James’ latest album is called cloudspotting, James’ umpteenth release, but one that feels anchored in multiple ways. Distinctly Buffalonian (we’ll get to that in a minute), cloudspotting not only chronicles James’ return to Buffalo, but also happens to host James’ 100th original J&TS song. 100 songs is nothing to sneeze at, especially for a prolific songwriter like James, who has split songwriting duties in so many bands throughout the years.   James’ approach for Jesse & The Spirit[...]

Club 8 – “The Sweetness Of Honey”

August 8, 2026

Will we ever get sick of Club 8? Probably not. We’ve written about them an umpteenth number of times (enough to use the word umpteenth unironically), and we’re happy to keep doing so as they continue to reinvent themselves. “The Sweetness of Honey” is another standout in their already impressive oeuvre. The Swedish duo play around with samples this time around, layering their stunningly simple indie pop with 70s inspired string sweeps, random vocals, and a 90s inspired breakbeat. It’s beautiful, as per usual with this talented duo, and would fit on any playlist comfortably next to your favorite Phantogram and Sylvan Esso songs.   This one is available on Spotify and Apple Music.    

Gorro – “LEMME B FREE”

August 8, 2026

I’mma keep it creamy with y’all – we don’t know anything about Gorro. Who are they? No idea. Social media? Not many hints. Musical talent? Oh yeah baby.   Gorro’s latest offering “LEMME B FREE” is a simmering, bubbling blast of post-punk bedroom-pop energy. Cool basslines, airy vocals, drum machine neuroses – how could anyone complain? About “LEMME B FREE,” Gorro offers this profound insight into the song’s conception, creation, and overall thesis:   “making music is fun”   Check out “LEMME B FREE” via the YouTube embed below, or, on Spotify.    

Sun Spoiler – “Reek”

August 7, 2026

Sun Spoiler said it best when describing new single, “Reek:”   “Locked myself in a room July 4 and made this song after being informed my 10 day lovebombing Gemini delusional situationship started dating someone else while I was out of town. Pure catharsis.”   If that’s not modern dating distilled into a perfect pull quote, I don’t know what is. “Reek” has the perfect musical backbone for these anger-inducing events too – sludgy, stanky, heady – not unlike that sweaty, barricaded songwriting oasis on that fateful July 4th. Expect lots of reverb, disgusting distortion tones, and a vocal delivery that would get you soaked in saliva in the front row of Sun Spoiler’s basement-show set.   “Reek” has a music video – check that out below.    

Bennett.io – “111”

August 7, 2026

Bennett.io is here to scratch that lo-fi electronica itch with latest single, “111.” Glitchy production, shuffling percussion, and breathy vocals are the M.O. here, offering a simmering soundscape not unlike that of Sylvan Esso, Zero 7, and late-90s house music. A cursory look at Bennett.io’s Instagram shows a performance in a Dipsy costume (yes, Teletubbies), so if you’re into niche references while performing and/or feeling chill asf, add “111” to your playlists immediately.   “111” is available via YouTube (below) and Spotify.    

Sophie’s Body – “Eyes”

August 7, 2026

“‘Eyes’ is about seeing people you don’t want to see, in places you don’t want to see them”   Sophie’s Body addresses that hyper-specific cringe that comes along with awkward eye contact on their latest single, “Eyes.” The Boston-based crew’s particular brand of bubble-grunge is the perfect, innocent-but-not-naive approach for this subject matter, pairing both jangly and fuzzed-out guitars with a lilting vocal presence. Gotta love when a band embraces pop and shoegaze in the same breath – your mom who likes Veruca Salt and your cool older sibling who likes Slowdive could probably both agree on “Eyes.”   “Eyes” is embedded below via bandcamp – here are some Apple Music and Spotify links too, if that’s your preferred method of music consumption.   Eyes by Sophie’s Body

Hera Lind – “Finsbury Park”

August 7, 2026

Icelandic/Londoner Hera Lind channels the complicated emotions of the dreaded situationship in latest offering, “Finsbury Park.” Defining a situationship/relationship/nebulous partnership is an unfortunate part of dating in the hellscape that is 2026 – even singer/songwriters run into complicated emotions, unrequited feelings, and uncertainty in their personal lives, evidently. Hera’s melancholy approach encapsulates her ennui perfectly – the skeletal indie folk backbone is equally as fitting.   Peep “Finsbury Park” via the YouTube embed below, or, via Spotify.    

Scarves – “Strays Forever”

August 7, 2026

Seattle. Chris Walla. It’s a pedigree made in heaven for Scarves on their new album, Strays Forever, more specifically in this instance, the title-track from said outing. The band holed up at the world-famous Hall of Justice studio with Walla and let it rip, adding flutes, strings, and whatever else into their airy indie-pop ,”Willy Wonka” style. The result is something ethereal and relaxing – for fans of Hop Along, Built to Spill, and Jay Som.   Check out “Strays Forever” via the YouTube embed below, or, on Spotify.    

Darkadejo – “100pre Salvaje”

August 7, 2026

Tell your friends you started listening to a really dope Nicaraguan surfer-turned-rapper. Rising artist Darkadejo took a break from his surfing career to drop one of the hardest tracks these ears have heard this year. “100pre Salvaje” or “Always Wild” for my gringos out there, boasts a brooding bassline and abandoned factory percussion, combining for a notable unchill aesthetic. Darkadejo’s delivery is packed with nonchalant menace, and the random drones, bangs, whizzes, and sirens that pepper the beat give you a steady unease. You don’t need to understand Spanish to feel like you should be looking over your shoulder. If you dig “100pre Salvaje” give it a listen on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Best Hip Hop of 2026 playlist, where we feature underground sounds like Darkadejo and introduce you to dope under-the-radar artists.

Marvillous Beats – “Home at Last”

August 7, 2026

Accomplished violinist Marvillous Beats is carving out his own lane, merging his classical training with contemporary sounds. His output boasts both covers in this style and original work, such as his latest track. “Home at Last” is a textural adventure, led by his saccharine lead violin melody and anchored by percussive hip hop beats. Each listen offers a new layer to unveil, as you gain appreciation for whistles, choral samples and guitar strums that build a full and fulfilling listening experience. I’d personally pair it with some wine and a view of the city. “Home at Last” is featured on Marvillous’ latest project, CHILLED VIOLIN 2, where the artist continues to coalesce tradition with contemporary. Listen to past and future from the violinist wherever you listen to music.