Latest Posts

Ashford – Pictures of Places I’ve Been

December 16, 2024

Buffalo pop punk/emo rockers, Ashford, close out the year on a high note with their dynamo debut LP, Pictures of Places I’ve Been.   The record is a nine-track patchwork of new material and singles released earlier this year including the tracks “Temperance,” “Gorilla Glue” and “The Painter & the Patient.” Expect a variety of clean yet rough-around-the-edges vocals; powerful, overdrive guitars; and hefty, punctuative drums for a listen that will make your hair stand up.   Variety is what Ashford does best on this album. Like a pop punk buffet, the band cooks up a deeply satisfying mix of tones, textures and tempos that keeps Pictures of Places I’ve Been fresh and engaging. You’ve got your choice of softer, more poignant songs like “Bliss,” or heavier, crunchier songs like “Crown.” No two songs sound the same with each having their own distinct flavors to chew on for hours.  [...]

Wandour – “Glow”

December 15, 2024

“Glow” is alllll about the vibes and Wandour brings it in spades with his latest. Originally from Indonesia, Wandour has been making the rounds since 2019 and hasn’t stopped since.   House aficionados will be most at home here, but is super accessible to indie fans from all walks of life. Drums and bass coalesce with a gamut of effects all across the spectrum to make this an easy ear worm to pick up and almost impossible to put down. Autotuned vocals are your guide through this musical journey, but this is a feature and not a bug – you’ll be thumping to the beat from start to finish.   You can hear “Glow” below from Soundcloud. Throw on your favorite visualizer and be sure to add it to your EDM playlist via Spotify to help get your night hyped up. If you find Wandour playing near you definitely check[...]

young friend – “golden rule”

December 15, 2024

Vancouver based young friend has a new track guaranteed to make your hips sway with their newest, “golden rule.” Other than not being the biggest fans of capitalization, they are a JUNO nominated artist, so certainly one of our heavier hitters here (the Canadian equivalent of the US Grammy Awards, that came about ten years after the Grammys started).   Delivered in a cheeky and, dare I say, sultry means; the golden rule apparently is all about hookin’ up, gettin’ nudes, and bringing your romantic interest to see bands on the weekend (and that’s fine). Sexy synth and jangly guitars do a lot of heavy lifting and make this an instant add to your playlist. If you’re not instantly hooked within the first ten seconds then please get your ears checked.   You can watch the music video for “golden rule” below on YouTube. It’s available pretty much anywhere you[...]

Gatto Black – (Not) Ready to Die

December 13, 2024

The cat’s out of the bag with (Not) Ready to Die, the bombastic new sophomore EP from feline-friendly Buffalo post-hardcore project, Gatto Black.   Featuring singer-songwriter, Sal Mastrocola (EXNATIONS, No Net), this 7-song collection is a powder keg of emotions triggered by screamo vocals, chaotic drum beats, and third-rail riffs that will shock your system.   “But the thing about cats… they’re never afraid of their shadows,” and neither is Mastrocola, as he wails introspectively on the opening track, “Bitch I’m a Cat.” The singer-songwriter wears his heart on his sleeve and spills his guts via snotty emo-punk vocals that shake with anger and sadness. Each song is impressively unique, robust and layered, and runs a gamut of feelings that wallow in angst and insecurities.   You can feel these difficult, dizzying emotions on tracks like “No One Can Ruin Me.” This absolute tornado of a tune lashes out with[...]

Milk & Bone – “FORGONE”

December 12, 2024

Milk and Bone, made up of secret vampire duo Laurence Lafond-Beaulne and Camille Poliquin, bring us their latest track “FORGONE.” This is a track I’m sending to my friend Amanda in the AM because it really just…fits her vibe. There’s a light industrial tinged flavor that would pique her interest; the drum machines, synth, and bass all combine to a delightfully dreary delight. I will eat my left shoe if I’m wrong, but there’s a little bit of Amanda in most of us (in the not weird way, probably). So be more like Amanda and embrace this track and your inner goth (even if they’re hiding, they’re there).   You can watch (and hear) the music video for FORGONE below from YouTube. Be sure to add it to your moody goth-esque indie playlist on Spotify too! And I know I said this was a single, but there are not one….[...]

Ciao Malz – “Gold Rush”

December 12, 2024

NY based by way of Connecticut, Ciao Malz (aka Malia DelaCruz) brings us her newest single “Gold Rush” hot off of her Safe Then Sorry EP – and a clever turn of phrase to boot. This felt like a very warm and luscious track; dripping with the lightest helping of drums and guitar that falls somewhere between indie folk and psychedelic. DelaCruz’s vocals are second to none and she does the “haunting yet approachable” so so incredibly well.   Fans of Clairo, Soccer Mommy, or the comings and goings of Adrianne Lenker would find a lot to enjoy here.   You can hear “Gold Rush” below courtesy of Soundcloud. You can add it to your chill indie playlist over on Spotify as well. Be sure to check out the rest of the “Safe Then Sorry” EP and tip your hat to a fine wordsmith like Ciao Malz.      [...]

Stripes – “Forever, It Won’t Change”

December 12, 2024

“Forever, It Won’t Change” is the newest single from NY based Stripes (of the non-white-color sort). Channeling some Karen O/Yeah Yeah Yeahs vibes in the best way possible, Izzy MK and company give us the ole razzle dazzle. A raucous opening begins with a cacophony of sound and never takes its foot off the gas but for a short breakdown of bass and drums. 2:58 feels like the perfect amount of time for a pop track of this caliber, but, at the same time, I want another track. With the bands output, I’m sure we won’t wait too long!   In what is simply a criminal act by the band, they put the most adorable dog on the cover of the single yet don’t feature the dog (named Luna, apparently) once in the music video.   Check out the music video for “Forever, It Won’t Change” below from YouTube and[...]

bugcatcher – “cadillac”

December 10, 2024

Rochester slowcore slackrockers, Bugcatcher, released a new single last month with their label Raincoated Records. The new track “cadillac” trudges on the tempo, it’s a slow burner reminiscent of Alex G’s early bedroom lo-fi recordings. The single has an earnest and no frills edge to it, recorded on a four track analog cassette tape as part of a year-long project via their label. “cadillac” finds itself with good company, splitting the LP with fellow Rochester DIY scene regulars Georgie, Home Videos and Kitchen. If you’re into this one, well I have good news for you. Bugcatcher and Georgie are both in town for this Saturday’s (December 14, 2024) non-binary THEYFEST taking apalce at Area 54/Amy’s. Doors at 3pm with a flexible $10-$15 cover. spit takes and split tapes by bugcatcher

Frog – “Did Santa Come”

December 9, 2024

New York City Americana/family act Frog have a new original Christmas song that booming out the office speakers this afternoon. Danny & Steve Bateman’s new track “Did Santa Come” is a slice of the band’s upcoming album 1000 Variations of the Same Song, which is due out this February. The piano centric tune is the true story of Danny Bateman’s son and his hopefulness that Santa decided to visit nightly after Christmas instead of just the one-night-only event. “Did Santa Come?” was the question of the morning for two to three weeks after December 25th. Frog’s sound has a cozy earnesty to it, reminiscent of Daniel Johnston, Jonathan Richman, or Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Check it out. Frog · Frog – DID SANTA COME

JOMEGA – “I DON’T RELAX”

December 9, 2024

DMV duo JOMEGA honor their blog rap forefathers on their latest track “I DON’T RELAX.” Channeling the timeless sounds featured on tastemaker pages like 2DopeBoyz, NARIGHT, and DJBooth.Net, the twin brothers drop bars on this track that would have lit up a comment section in 2010. Some people say this was the best era in hip hop history – those people might be writing this blog. JOMEGA’s mellow flows and bars give nods to the likes of mixtape-era Wale, Sir Michael Rocks, and Joey Bada$$ (who is even explicitly referenced in a “Christ Conscious” line). The brothers seamlessly play off of each other, taking turns carving up an understated, headbobbing boom bap-inspired beat. It’s a fresh take on nostalgic sounds and references, and JOMEGA do the era more than justice. Discover more sounds from the brothers on their Spotify page and check out “I DON’T RELAX” here:

JEWELTONE – Visions of Heaven

December 9, 2024

Buffalo hardcore trio, JEWELTONE, bring the pain with their new EP, Visions of Heaven. Following up their demo release last year, this bruising EP features four new tracks of stripped-down, no-frills hardcore punk that will have you two-stepping and stagediving.   With an endearing band statement of unity and inclusivity, JEWELTONE have spent the last year building a name for themselves in the city’s hardcore scene. At their shows you’ll find a melting pot of all ages and backgrounds pinballing off heavy riffs, punishing drums, and howling vocals.   Consisting of Christian Adams on bass/guitar, Jordan Walker on drums and Neftali on vocals, each member brings their own unique perspective and influences to the project. These influences, acting as their north star, are wide-ranging and far-reaching, especially Nef’s whose roots are firmly planted in Buffalo’s hip-hop community.   Their spotlighted single “IDFWY,” puts all these influences in a blender for[...]

Bodywash – “Last Christmas (Wham! Cover)”

December 5, 2024

Montreal based Bodywash and their cover of “Last Christmas” won’t lose you Whamageddon, as the rules explicitly state that covers are exempt, so listen to this and you will be safe (at least here… maybe).   Bodywash is Chris Steward and Rosie Long Decter – college friends who eventually started making music together. Their rendition takes away the 80’s synth and massive amounts of cocaine (seriously, watch the video – the snow is clearly allegorical) and brings a more contemporary feel with understated, blissed-out guitar and slightly more contemporary synth.   They do a great job of recapturing the breathy vocals without being overwrought, which is an impressive feat on its own. I think the existential dread that gets overlooked in the original is also a bit more fleshed out.   You can hear the “Last Christmas” cover over on Spotify and add it to your rotation of holiday songs[...]

Tag Dag – “Suburban Summer”

December 5, 2024

“Suburban Summer” is the latest single from Melbourne based Tag Dag. From what I can tell, this is a solo act as the writing credits are for a Andrew Peter Longmore Chalmers. With that many names, you’ve gotta friggin’ rock, right? With all seriousness, absolutely.   Filled to the brim with layered lo-fi phuzzed out guitar, this was, for me, an instant ear worm… Ever have that song that just gets stuck in your head constantly? For me that is “Feel the Pain” Dinosaur Jr. I’m by no means a superfan but casually enjoy them. The comparison to “Suburban Summer” is an easy one, but totally on the nose. They also tie in hints of 80s post-punk (think Joy Division) with splashes of 2000’s era goodness like Cloud Nothings or JAPANDROIDS.   You can hear “Suburban Summer” below on YouTube or add it to your Aussie mix over on Spotify.[...]

L33A.P – “D10R2004”

December 4, 2024

L33a.P carries over Brat Summer into Von Dutch Winter with her latest Boiler Room style track “D10R2004.” In the new single, L33A.P combines s eurodance beat with hyper-pop vocals to create an upbeat track about materialism and retro fashion to an upbeat instrumental. This could easily have been a B-side for Charli XCX’s latest album or a Venga Boyz return with a Gen Z ghostwriter. “D10R2004” exudes a good time, with vibe of a night out hitting the club ironically or unironically in mid 00’s fashion. Check it out below and have a good time. You deserve it. D10R2004 by L33A.P  

Monotronic – “Looking Away”

December 4, 2024

NY/LA’s Monotronic is a loose collective of musicians, blending elements of upbeat pop and indie rock to curate their own style which is unbelievable catchy. The band’s “frontman” Ramsey Elkholy started the project in 2016 as the lead songwriter, bringing in an array of talented members of the always impressive New York City music scene in tow. The band has released the much anticipated single “Looking Away” off their forthcoming album Waiting for You, out in early 2025. The band’s new single has an upbeat Phoenix and Killers comparisons, with some worldly elements, a remnant of Elkholy’s time spent in Indonesia.  Check out the single “Looking Away” below and keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming album in Q1 2025.