Latest Posts

Forest Ray – “Always”

February 4, 2022

We’re really loving this psyched-out take on indie-folk from Forest Ray. Bringing to mind the work of Kurt Vile, Jeff Tweedy, or The War On Drugs, “Always” pairs lush acoustic guitar work with an electric piano and noodly slide guitars – they also captured the song using a 24-track, which ultimately gave the finished product a sincere, vintage sound. This one is pure enough to appeal to any diehard folk enthusiast with just enough warble and swirl to please a modern ear more tuned to bedroom pop slackerdom. You can preview “Always” using Bandcamp below, but you can also find it on Spotify. Always by Forest Ray

Gillian – “Who Are You?”

February 4, 2022

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Gillian – the funky indie-poppers have swung through Buffalo a few times on their travels. They’re back with another effortlessly-cool (and startlingly unique) take on indie rock with “Who Are You?” There’s a definite funk-based swing to this song, full of twisting and turning guitar parts; lush and layered vocals; and a distinct attitude that really brings the song to life. On “Who Are You?,” the band encourages people to learn a little bit more about their neighbor… In doing so, maybe it would lead to more outcomes rather than outrage. Check out the song via YouTube below – you can find an exhaustive list of how to listen to their new album, Put It Back Together (on which “Who Are You?” resides), by using this link.

Stress Dolls – “Alone”

February 1, 2022

The transparency that Buffalo punk artist Stress Dolls possesses is as evident in her music as it is on social media. The last words in her Spotify bio read, “Currently I’m back in the studio with Marc working on a new release that I hope to get out sometime in 2021…” And boy did she deliver. With the single “Alone,” released January 7th (accompanied by a stunning music video just three days later), Chelsea O’Donnell shows off her near decade of experience by screaming both authenticity and relatability with straightforward lyrics like “I’d rather be alone,” showcasing that sometimes our complex thoughts are best relayed in simple terms. It’s done through the simple-yet-effective use of jangly guitar rock and synth lead flourishes, highlighted of course by O’Donnell’s one-of-a-kind vocal prowess. You can find all the different ways to enjoy “Alone” (as well as her newest EP, FORWARD) via this link.[...]

Tough Old Bird – “‘The Jaybird Lives!'”

February 1, 2022

You can almost hear the blowing of a breeze and rustling leaves while gazing at the nature-esque cover art for Buffalo indie folk duo Tough Old Bird’s latest EP, A Mantle for the Lantern. Buffalo brothers Matthew and Nathan Corrigan recorded the entire EP in their home while the rest of the world was shut down due to COVID-19. The intro to the EP, “‘The Jaybird Lives!’,” creates a very delicate, yet safe atmosphere for the audience to float through. With a breezy folk vibe that sways back and forth, A Mantle for the Lantern is akin to a rhythmic river running under the sunset. The only two words needed to sum up the ambience of the EP are peace and harmony. First, preview “‘The Jaybird Lives!'” via YouTube below, but be sure to check their entire (lengthy!) discography on Spotify as well.

Hyperview – “I Used To Be Normal”

January 31, 2022

The breath of vocalist AJ Newman from pop-punk band Hyperview is frosty enough to give an audience chills. Their most recent addition to their catalog is an EP, I Used to be Normal, featuring a music video for the project’s title-track. This was a big leap forward for both Hyperview and their fans, being the first ever music video they posted. The on-set video perfectly captures how one feels “trapped” inside of what/who they thought they were, even as normal life continues to happen around them. It runs perfectly parallel with the haunting lullaby blend of vibey emo-punk that is “I Used to be Normal.” Check out the music video for “I Used to Be Normal” below – you can also find the EP of the same name on Bandcamp and Spotify.

Rosie Quartz – Astral Bodies

January 31, 2022

Way back in 2020, singer/songwriter Sean Pratt linked up with guitarist Adam Cwynar and bassist Ron Walczyk to form the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed; Rosie Quartz. Their latest project, Astral Bodies, is a sonic transcendence for ears all across the world to enjoy. The overall tone of Astral Bodies is blue skies shimmering over blankets of snow. With influences drawing from Alvvays, to Bright Eyes, to Tigers Jaw, this project brings it all to the table. The EP’s material was conceived during the peak of the pandemic, where practices were infrequent, but efficient. They worked with drummer Steve Tripi to bring these songs to life: they came out with a six-song EP of sparkling indie-pop, full of chorus-laden guitar work; a rock-solid bass presence; and icy-cold vocal melodies. The first thirty seconds of the intro track, “Sleep Now (Love You Later),” emit tones of an[...]

Trentemøller – “No More Kissing In The Rain”

January 26, 2022

We’re checking back in with Danish songwriter Trentemøller for his new single, “No More Kissing In The Rain.” Just like “All Too Soon” (which we featured on the blog last year), “Kissing” is an expansive, dark-pop composition that utilizes synth leads, gauzy textures, swelling guitars, and lots and lots of reverb. Bringing to mind a synthier version of Slowdive, “Kissing” plays with somber-but-hopeful emotions, exploring themes of darkness vs. light. The music video is a fitting accompaniment, showing the doldrums of daily life juxtaposed against the importance of having someone important to experience them with. Check out the music video for “No More Kissing In The Rain” below – you can also find the song on Spotify and Apple Music.

Dust Bunnys – “Where You’d Go”

January 26, 2022

Dust Bunnys is the moniker of multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter/producer Nick King – he caught our ears with the infectious melodies of “Where You’d Go.” King (smartly) comes out swinging with the earworm chorus of “I wanna know where you’d go;” it’s a sugary-sweet melody sung over a vaguely lo-fi instrumental spine. “Where” hits that perfect mark of slackerish, effortless bedroom-pop that may have come out of nowhere… But is more than likely a carefully-crafted composition meant to reside in your brain rent-free. Stick around for the dueling guitar/synth solo, it’s drenched in distortion and reverb. Check out “Where You’d Go” via Soundcloud below – you can also find it on Spotify and Bandcamp. Dust Bunnys · Where You’d Go REMASTER 2022

Kindsight – “Sun Is Always In My Eyes”

January 26, 2022

Let’s just say we know what we like! This time, we’re revisiting another tune from Denmark’s Kindsight (last year we featured their single “Don’t You Grow Up“). They continue to put out excellent jangle pop in the vein of Alvvays, Beach Bunny, and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart; from “Sun Is Always In My Eyes,” expect lovely vocal melodies, a guitar-driven backbone, and a warm hazy mix that will warm even the coldest of hearts. The song even has a cheeky background story that bolsters its sonic palate of sunny optimism: “[‘Sun In Always in My Eyes’ is about] stealing money from your mother and feigning to run away from home. Being blessed and unable to see because you’ve got too much sun in your eyes.” “Sun” will appear on Swedish Punk, out March 25th on Rama Lama Records. Until then, you can enjoy the song via Soundcloud[...]

Hundred Plus Club Release Music Video for “Extraterrestrial Dread”

January 25, 2022

Buffalo indie-alternative act Hundred Plus Club have teamed up with local label Admirable Traits Records again for a new(ish) music video/single. Beyond their catchy indie rock approach, the trio exude charisma and eloquence on camera quite effortlessly. In their latest music video for single, “Extraterrestrial Dread,” Hundred Plus Club take us on a journey with a galactic blue friend who presumably represents dread. Ironically enough, this goofy blue being is the only thing that brings a smile to the band’s faces throughout the entirety of the video. The overall tone of the song provides a calming essence that could be enjoyed in just about any mood, full of chiming guitars, subtle keys, and metronome rhythms. Stream: “Extraterrestrial Dread” here. You can also watch their music video below.

Buffalo Dream-Pop Trio Dream Dream Release Blissed-Out Debut

January 25, 2022

“Chill vibes” would be a humble understatement when describing the sound of dreamy Buffalo-based trio Dream Dream (featuring members of Aircraft and The Tins). Their double single, Chill Vibes // Blissin’, released on October 15, 2021 via Admirable Traits records, captures a nostalgic early-nineties feel while still introducing a fresh sound to the table. For “Blissin,” Dream Dream brings wet, spacey, and downright hypnotizing vocals which call for the response of an enchanting synthesizer. The way the synth dances in between the lyrics truly seems to speak for itself. Listen to “Blissin’” on Soundcloud (below) or stream it via Spotify and Apple Music. Admirable Traits Records · Dream Dream – “Blissin'”

The High Water Marks – “Fantastic Machine”

January 20, 2022

American/Norwegian act The High Water Marks are sure to entice you into their indie/psych swirls with their latest single, “Fantastic Machine.” After meeting at an Apples in Stereo show in Oslo, Norway, Hilarie Sidney (of Apples in Stereo and Elephant 6 Recording Co. fame) and Per Ole Bratset formed the band in 2003 to much critical acclaim. They appear courtesy of Minty Fresh and with good reason – their all-encompassing brand of noisy indie-rock is both melodic and consuming, full of frantic drumbeats; sugary harmonies; and electrifying guitar work. Check out why we dig “Fantastic Machine” via the Soundcloud widget below. You can also find the song on Spotify. Fanatic Promotion · The High Water Marks – Fantastic Machine (Single)

Dead Leaf Echo – “Milk.Blue.Kisses (Foil In Motion)”

January 20, 2022

Brooklyn-based shoegaze collective Dead Leaf Echo are no strangers to the proverbial spotlight – they’ve been featured on KEXP and have consistently topped the CMJ top 20 indie tracks throughout their career. We’ve found ourselves captivated by the absolute wall-of-sound approach on their latest moody offering, “Milk.Blue.Kisses (Foil In Motion).” Inspired by gothy 80s legends like Depeche Mode as well as legendary shoegaze acts like My Bloody Valentine, DLE manage to jam their songs full of their influence’s footprints while simultaneously trailblazing a sound of their own. Expect an impassioned vocal delivery; guitars dripping with wet chorus textures; and stadium-sized drum tones. “Milk.Blue.Kisses” is available on Soundcloud (below), but we also encourage you to support their work via Bandcamp. dead leaf echo · Milk.Blue.Kisses

Ugly Twin – “Crabs are Crustaceans”

January 20, 2022

Ugly Twin are certainly embracing the seasonal affective disorder here on their latest song, “Crabs are Crustaceans.” Falling somewhere on the spectrum between sludgy grunge and melodic emo, “Crabs” crawls at a dirge pace, giving time and space for both their instrumentals and melancholy lyrics to shine. When they’re not singing in a soft , the gigantic, fuzzy guitar presence is highlighted with a squiggly synth line and a surprisingly pop-minded, four-chord progression that’s pleasant on the ears. Fans of Hum, Weezer, and Sunny Day Real Estate are all going to find lots to love here. Check out the lyric video for “Crabs’ below – you can also stream the song via Spotify and Apple Music.

Ozbear – “i’m breaking up with u”

January 20, 2022

Breaking up doesn’t always have to be a bad thing! After all, Ozbear wrote this fun jam after… Well, a break up. “i’m breaking up with u” is meant to be a kiss-off to your soon to be ex; a plucky amalgamation of vintage synth bleats, swung hi-hat percussion, and Ozbear’s endearing lyrical content. After all, rather than an emotionally devastating event, a break up can actually be that “kick in the butt you need to move on and start living your best life…” The lighthearted sonic palate here should be evidence enough that Ozbear’s making the best of it. We think you’re going to enjoy Ozbear’s effervescent vibes as much as we did. Preview “breaking up” via Soundcloud below and then add it to your favorite Spotify playlist. Ozbear · i’m breaking up with u