Latest Posts

Lower Pony – Bluette

If you’re at all familiar with Buffalo’s music scene, you already know the guys in Lower Pony. Ray Fulton, Dave Calos, and Ryan Besch have been in and out of Harvest Sum bands for years, and they recently tapped Passed Out frontman Andy Pothier (another recent Harvest Sum inductee) on drums. So their first proper 7-inch, Bluette, isn’t really a debut, it’s more of a “hello again.” After a years-long stream of demos, these four tracks finally put the band’s sound on wax: lo-fi, 90s-indebted slacker rock. It’s a refreshingly traditional guitar/guitar/bass/drums formula that leans on good, honest songs, not studio tricks, pulling hard from influences like Dinosaur Jr. and Sebadoh.   The EP starts fast with the single, “Bluette,” a 59-second sprint that’s all tangled guitars and resigned lyrics (“if you feel this way / there’s not much I can say”). It’s as jagged as it is engaging and[...]

Giuseppe Cucè – 21 grammi

Hailing all the way from Sicily, Italian singer-songwriter Giuseppe Cucè released a cathartic, intense album called 21 grammi. The album title, which translates to 21 Grams, refers to an old theory about the human soul: during the exact moment of death, the human body, according to legend, would drop 21 grams in weight. This loss of exactly 21 grams is apparently the soul and all that cannot be measured – memories, faith, love, and so on – escaping the body when one reaches Death’s Door. 21 grammi, released by TRP Vibes and produced by Riccardo Samperi, relentlessly attempts to explain the human experience, with Cucè himself stating, “Within those 21 grams there is everything: what we have loved, what we have lost, and what still keeps us alive.”   The album begins with the sprightly “È tutto cosi vero.” Immediately coming to mind is the work of Forro in the[...]

The Feather – “Two”

We last heard from The Feather back in April with their track “BB,” a single off of their album of the same name. Fast forward a few months and now we have “Two,” set to be part of BB DX -the deluxe version of the original BB. Initially recorded along with the original slate of tracks for the album, it feels like adult contemporary had a lovechild with indie pop. This is a deliberate choice, as per Thomas:   “…The chorus reminds me a bit of some Phil Collins vocal lines, and it brings back memories of the music my dad used to play at home when I was a kid. The song is about being in a relationship, unconditional love, the fear of losing it, and above all, the bond between two people in the darkest moments.”   Honestly, the synth and guitar with the tight drum fills did[...]

Acorn Morocco – “Tight Tech (SOS)”

The latest track from hip hop veteran Acorn Morocco is a great combination of traditional boom bap integrated with driving dance elements. When you factor in Acorn’s thoughtful analysis of where culture meets conflict, you find yourself with a track that’s a good listen at all layers. Spacey sounds and Mark Ronson-esque funky brass paces “Tight Tech,” elevating the new single single to one that would be quality even without Acorn’s incisive lyrics. Always one to lend his voice, Acorn is as sharp as ever with the commentary with the verses here. His subject line ranges from traditional sports show fodder (black quarterbacks/white cornerbacks), to more elaborate theories on conflicts throughout the world. All the while, a female voice sample repeats the song’s namesake, providfng an uncanny, robotic reflection to the very human issues Acorn presents in his lyrics. The hip hop veteran has a hefty output of songs in[...]

Lord Jane – “These Last Few Weeks”

Lord Jane is a five-piece hailing from Ireland – their latest single, “These Last Few Weeks” has been devastating us for the last few weeks (in all the best ways). With a wry-but-catchy guitar riff; an explosive, shoegazy chorus; and an ethereal vocal from ostensibly Jane herself, “Weeks” is one of those quietly powerful songs that is assuredly going to elicit some feels.  Sometimes we just have to hear from the artist, as they say it best themselves… See what we mean:   “This song is an apology to ourselves, and the people that care about us, for all the wasted time. It’s about the guilt that follows when the Fog finally lifts. The apologies and excuses that need to be made for missing deadlines, ignoring calls, neglecting responsibilities. The fear of the guilt often plays a role in how long the Fog sticks around for. Sometimes we get comfortable[...]

Soul Bandit – “Supermoon”

Soul Bandit is ready to get you going with the hypnotic, ghoul-pop pulse of latest single, “Supermoon.” A simple, modulated refrain of “You are my lucky star” is pounded into your head, overtop of squelching bass synths, glitched-out keyboard leads, and swirling atmospherics… Complete with la-la-la-las to make it a full package. This is perfect for a night drive in your car… Or for dancing like Wednesday Adams in that one scene in Wednesday. It may be closer to Thanksgiving than Halloween, but it’s never too late to be a little bit witchy.   “Supermoon” is on YouTube (below) and Spotify.    

Fuckleberry Hinn – “Neither/Nor”

I’m always in for a good name pun and Fuckleberry Hinn delivers in spades (if you’re missing it I’m not sure how to help other than look up Twark Main or Com Truise). Name aside, Fuckleberry Hinn’s latest track lives up to the expectations I placed on them after seeing their name; “Neither/Nor” could have just been a whatever song and I still would have enjoyed listening, but thankfully that’s not the case!   The vocals in the beginning reminded me a little bit of one of my personal favorites, The Dodos. Acoustic guitar leads into a whole mess of sounds that feel almost chaotic but are grounded by the repetition of the lyric “Neither/Nor.” It eventually ends on a fade to black, which feels appropriate – though I can’t say why, it just does.   You can hear “Neither/Nor” embedded below on YouTube, as well as Apple Music and Spotify. Fun fact:[...]

Church Ladies – “I’m a Zombie”

Church Ladies are on a quest, but give conflicting accounts of exactly what that is while maintaining two things: they will “COMBAT THE DARK LORD 100% OF THE TIME OR YOUR MONEY BACK” and releasing catchy as fuck tracks. The duo’s latest is “I’m a Zombie” and it’s two minutes of jangly hopping-up-and-down house-party-type music. Go give it a listen and if your day doesn’t feel at least 5% better… Idk man, try listening again.   You can hear the track below from Spotify and… not really anywhere else I could find. The Dark Lord’s forces must be hard at work to keep the music of Church Ladies away from us, hopefully that changes and we can find their music everywhere soon.    

Picture House – “View From Heaven”

“View From Heaven” is a hooky dreampop nod to Brian Wilson from UK-based band Picture House. Appropriately poppy and coming in under three minutes seems like a good ode to the guy who helped put the “California Sound” on the map. The guitars are jangly and, dare I say, twee? As per the band “View From Heaven” is also a “…nostalgic ode to missed opportunities and alternative paths through life…” It feels like the voice of the song definitely loved and lost someone too, which gives a nice emotional gut punch that (at least for me) always gives me one more reason to love a song.   You can hear it below from the band’s Soundcloud conveniently embedded below, as well as Spotify and Apple Music.   Picture House · View From Heaven  

nazire – “junebug”

Based out Istanbul, nazire brings us her latest single “junebug,” released in anticipation of her next album glitchfolk. With “junebug,” nazire has crafted a well tuned machine of shoegaze; phuzzed out guitars layered with drums that pull back to let nazire’s vocals breathe. If you listen to some of her earlier tracks you’ll find some electronica and lo-fi leanings that give a fuller picture of her musical journey. It’s always fun to connect the dots and seeing musicians grow their sound, which is easier now than ever with everything being online.   You can hear “junebug” below from YouTube or over on Spotify. Keep your ears out for her album glitchfolk and check out her back catalogue if you’ve enjoyed what you heard today! I usually drop a follow on an artist via their Spotify and/or their socials to keep abreast of their comings and goings.  

Jordan Burgett – “KILL SUM”

Cedar Rapids rapper Jordan Burgett bends genres with the best of ’em. His latest single, “KILL SUM” grabs elements of industrial, rap rock, and traditional hip hop to create a highly memorable new single for the up-and-comer. Burgett’s delivery has a snarl to it, and on this track he couples the hyena delivery with aggressive, in-your-face lyrics that capture the energy of the song’s title. Producer Residing Elsewhere, another Iowa tastemaker, plays a key role in the track’s aesthetic, introducing trash can drums and fuzzy skin-shaking bass lines for Jordan to attack. Listen to more from this duo on their latest collaborative EP RUBY PINES. If you’re feeling “KILL SUM,” check Jordan out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our New Rappers 2025 playlist a listen — you might find your next favorite artist on there.

Mark Arabia – HOW WE GOT HERE

Mark Arabia‘s debut album has an all-too-common backstory – it was inspired by a breakup… But let’s be real, the best albums always come from pain. There’s no surprises here – Arabia’s latest, the 11-song HOW WE GOT HERE is full of the stuff you would have gone crazy to back in high school (at least if you were in high school when I was). If you’re a high schooler now, I have no idea how to relate to you, but we’re pretty sure you’re gonna like this too. Mark’s stuff is a throwback to the storytelling greats of ’00s pop punk – and whether you decide to hear Blink-182, All Time Low, Owl City, or Machine Gun Kelly in Mark’s sharp and polished songwriting, he’s still entering the pop-punk oeuvre with a strong narrative of his own.   The album kicks off with title track “HOW WE GOT HERE,” and[...]

Isaiah Shoticaury, SUDI and Fisaya – “close to me”

Our friends across the pond are dropping track after track of fresh and familiar hip hop in recent years, putting their own spin on sounds we’ve been rocking with. “close to me” is the latest track from a trio of artists —Isaiah Shoticaury, SUDI and Fisaya— and it’s another addition to this burgeoning scene that’s evolved far beyond drill. Each of these artists blends melodic OVO sounds with experimental interplay with the production. This track heavily features swirling female R+B samples, and they’re often used to close out lines, interject into verses, and create a swirling effect to how we hear the vocals. Though the beat remains smooth, the different vocals we hear in the sample and each artists’ input really makes this production feel unique. Give it a spin and let us know what you think! If you’re into “close to me”  check out each of these artists on[...]

VEEK – “MOVE.”

Sweden’s VEEK has only one mission when you listen to their new song, “MOVE.” See below:   “Stay in the moment.”   With hooks aplenty, gurgling bass drops, and perfect vocal samples, “MOVE.” sets out to do exactly that. This is tailor-made for dancefloor bliss – let the powerful EDM wash over you and take over. It’s minimal, but sounds lush. It’s raw and emotional, but sounds polished. That’s VEEK’s power as a producer, and it will certainly come through when you lose yourself to this one at the club.   “MOVE.” is on Apple Music and Spotify.   VEEK · MOVE.

Astronaut Head – “Talk To Frank”

Once again returning to buffaBLOG, Astronaut Head, the solo project of Buffalo’s Jessica Stoddard, treats us to an epic, movie soundtrack-esque piece of lo-fi, indie trip hop called “Talk To Frank.” Stoddard has worked on projects that are at least part-Scottish, such as The Deep Red Sky and The Little Birds. Not too long ago, Astronaut Head also released the 5-song EP Meek Moon, a musical grouping reviewed by buffaBLOG’s Ronald Walczyk. The EP departs from Stoddard’s past creative endeavors, and presents with an alienesque echo. “Talk To Frank” is a similar, yet continued evolution of Stoddard’s journey – it is drenched in reverb with titillating synthesizers and massive electronic drum queues. The song provokes, all at once, intense introspection and dream-like entrancement. It feels natural despite its intensity at times.   Stoddard is very mindful, exact, and practiced in her approach to songwriting and musical production. One can definitely[...]