Latest Posts

Stripes – “So Fucked”

November 10, 2024

Featuring a truly apropos song for the times, “So Fucked” is the latest track and undiluted experience from Brooklyn four piece Stripes. We covered them characteristically fun track “Operation: No Hell” back in October.  And, well, kinda like then, we like we hear (seems so long ago)!   The entire track is a masterclass in pop punk tinged indie rock. Izzy MK rants, raves, and really showcases her impressive vocals throughout. The underpinnings of “So Fucked” are a sublime blend of guitar, drums, and a massively underappreciated bass line throughout with their characteristic raw, indie-rocking sound.   Pretty sure because the F word is so bad, my usual embed didn’t work for “So Fucked” below from YouTube (so just click on the link, sorry). You can also hear it over on Spotify, along with the rest of the previously mentioned “Operation: No Hell.”            

J.S. Mahlon – “Wasteland”

November 9, 2024

Synth intros always give me a good vibe and J.S. Mahlon‘s “Wasteland” brings it in spades and keeps the synth vibe alive throughout. No nonsense guitar plays really well together with the synth, for whatever reason (must be the contrast). This must be the season for indie folk because this is one of several iterations on the genre I’ve heard over the past couple weeks (none two the same and all embracing what makes them special; i.e. Mahlon’s synth in this track). This actually reminded me a lot of a band we’ve covered previously: Dragon Inn 3 (who also makes great use of their synthesizer). Mac DeMarco or MJ Lenderman fans would find a lot to enjoy here, as well as Adrianne Lenker (who apparently taught Mahlon some songwriting tips at a workshop she runs?). You can hear “Wasteland” below on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music; whatever floats your boat.

Bennett Heidelberger – “100usd”

November 9, 2024

Nashville based Bennett Heidelberger has a new track out called “100usd” which, at least to me, brings to mind a lot of different thoughts behind the meaning. In this case it’s a very mellow, guitar-forward folk track about being owed $100 (presumably US denomination). The longer I listened, it really seems to go deeper than that (possibly an emotional equivalent to $100). Heidelberger’s vocals are imbued with a lovely warmth that’s difficult to quantify but you can feel it. He ebbs and flows with the crescendo and decrescendo and each word feels soulful and heartfelt. Fans of Alex G, Elliot Smith, or Connor Oberst and his folksier ambitions would find a lot to enjoy, as well as anyone wanting a relaxing yet poignant track to chill out to. You can hear “100usd” below on YouTube or add it to your steady flow of indie folk from us on Spotify or[...]

onlydigitally – “dumb dog”

November 9, 2024

“dumb dog” is the latest from Houston based onlydigitally and the second time in two months that we’ve heard from the band (“old dog” being the first… do you think it’s about the same dog?) As per the band, the track itself “expands on the inner dialogue of a chronic overthinker.” I’m very jealous of this inner monologue, at least the instrumentals – fans of Slow Pulp or Phoebe Bridgers will find lots to dig into here… Expect gentle acoustic and pedal steel geetar aka that sighing, “country sound” you hear a lot but always forget what the name is. Everything else is pretty spot on with how an overthinker might sound in their head (ask me how I know).   You can hear “dumb dog” below from YouTube or you can add it to your folk tinged playlist on Spotify, or Apple Music. The rest of their Trackstar EP[...]

Nicki Knightz – “Step With Me” ft. JoeJas

November 9, 2024

East London’s Nicki Knightz is in the crib with your lady on her effortlessly cool single, “Step With Me.” Shedding the pink balaclava, but flexing her signature husky delivery, Knightz kicks off this track with a swagger-filled opening verse that reiterates how well taken care of your girl is when she’s in the care of Knightz. Nicki rides a retro boom bap beat that perfectly accompanies the 90s alternative rap vibes given off with her style and aethsestic. The track features an assist from fellow Londoner JoeJas, who takes adds a bit of a sing-a-long element to the song’s hook. The Knighthood Society rapper has plenty more visuals and tracks in her back catalogue – take a deeper look on Spotify. 

Negative Shawdy – “Is It Me?”

November 8, 2024

Negative Shawdy‘s newest track “Is It Me?” is a mix of breakbeat, hyperpop, hip-hop and R&B crafting an intricate recipe to create quite the earworm.  This track is the latest single of of Shawdy’s debut album Dancing with the Lights Out, which was released this morning at 12:01am. “Is It Me?” touches on hitting all time lows, with self reflection and self realization being a real turning point. Shawdy turns this downpoint into a positive, turning the pain into healing and learning. With support already from big radio stations like KEXP and KCRW, this most likely won’t be the last time you hear this one. Check it out. Future Gods · Negative Shawdy – Is It Me?

22° Halo – “Cobwebs”

November 8, 2024

It’s not the first time and will likely not be the last time we pick up one of 22° Halo‘s singles. Will Kennedy, the mastermind behind the project, released a new single today titled “Cobwebs” and it’s already promising for a weekend domination on our playlist. Released via Tiny Library Record, “Cobwebs” is lead single off the new album Lily of the Valley, a very somber and serious piece journaling Kennedy’s wife’s battle with brain cancer. “Cobwebs” is about the early days of the cancer diagnosis and trying to build a positive outlook when things might not seem so. Fans of Grandaddy, Magnetic Fields, or Pinback would be into this one. Check it out.

Spill, Dance, Refine x SKATERAT – “The Trend”

November 8, 2024

Nashville producer Spill, Dance, Refine has teamed up with SKATERAT on their latest single “The Trend.” This synthpop track is all about when everything goes wrong in your life. Losing your job, losing your save game, and infidelity. Ultimately, when one thing goes wrong, it’s more of a trend rather than an outlier. The lyrics touch on losing your social network and having nostalgia for when things were going better. Everything has changed, for the worse. For such a depressing song concept, the track is pretty catchy. Check it out.    

Kbean + Dyedhairsuicide – “Sarah”

November 6, 2024

Enjoy a mash of genres and sounds on Kbean and Dyedhairsuicide’s cloud rap banger “Sarah.” This track subverts expectations – taking a post-punk, new wave Cure-style guitar jangle, adding in some Trapaholics-style DJ shoutouts, and turning it into an emo rap track that perfectly encapsulates the DIY recording sensibilities of the genre. Both New York City artists max out the autotune to discuss their relationship issues, drug use and more interpersonal trauma. But don’t get too caught up in the emotions – there’s a “Dyedhairsuicide just fucked my girl raw” mixtape call just around the corner to make you spit out your drink. Kbean and Dyedhairsuicide have the zeitgeist cloud/emo rap sound down on their Spotify pages. Take a look and discover more.

blondfire – “A Million Miles”

November 5, 2024

You know the feeling when you start dating someone new and every moment with that person is incredible and magical and lovely and there could never be anything negative ever happening to you two? That’s the inspiration for Michigan indie pop songstress Blondfire with their new track “A Million Miles.” Originally composed of sibling songwriting duo, Erica and Bruce Driscoll, the project evolved into the solo project of Erica. Since 2006, Blondfire (and their previous iterations) have been hitting the scene and gaining new audiences across the United States, sharing the stage on tour with acts like Foals and Surfer Blood,  as well as slots on Lollapalooza and Firefly Fest. Blondire’s sound is easily digestible with upbeat electro-pop tracks that could easily be on the next Metric album. Check out “A Million Miles” below. Blondfire · Blondfire – A Million Miles

En-Vitro – “Bury Me”

November 5, 2024

Los Angeles based En-Vitro brings us their latest single “Bury Me” off of their self titled album. You get about four seconds of calm before En-Vitro launches into their frenetic, guitar-heavy track and they don’t really ever let up on the gas. The bass and drums barely have any time to breathe as they are absolutely ratioed by the guitar (is it two guitars, forty guitars? Yes). Interestingly, I felt there were some similarities with son of deni; one of the other bands we covered recently (like, also today).   You can hear “Bury Me” over on YouTube below or add it to your prog tinged post punk playlist on Spotify. The rest of their album is out now and well worth the listen if “Bury Me” scratches your musical itch. Be sure to check out the band’s linktree and give them a follow to stay up to date.  

son of deni x eli’s ladder – “Snowly”

November 5, 2024

A team up betwixt son of deni and eli’s ladder, “Snowly” is the newest single off of son of deni’s upcoming album. This is a math rock track through and through; ridiculous time signatures and enough starts and stops to make your head spin. It also somehow breaks the space time continuum and feels simultaneously longer AND shorter than its sub-three-minute run time. Punctuated by the gentlest of vocals several times throughout, this isn’t simply an instrumental bonanza. Fans of The Fall of Troy or American Football would find a lot to enjoy here.   You can hear “Snowly” below from YouTube or add it to your math rock playlist over on Spotify.   A name wasn’t mentioned for son of deni’s future album, but if you like what you hear be sure to give the band a follow on their socials to stay up to date.      [...]

atlas lane

Atlas Lane – “Perennial”

November 3, 2024

The days get shorter, the nights darker, but jammy singer-songwriter Atlas Lane won’t let us let go of the light on his breezy new single “Perennial.” Channeling some OAR, 21 Pilots and DIPATCH, Atlas has a jammy alternative hip hop vibe, heavy on the guitar jangle and a sing-songy delivery that feels straight from a San Diego beach. “Perennial” parks you on the bench facing the waves, as Atlas discusses his love of his Steinway piano, his aversions to highway driving, and finding balance between restlessness and impatience. There’s singing, rapping, guitar licks, piano twinkles – it’s a chill track with a lot to offer. Take a deeper dive into Atlas Lane when you’re yearning for those 80-degree July October days.

Heavn – “say you hate me”

November 1, 2024

Rochester’s up-and-coming indie artist Heavn has proven he is a force to be reckoned with new single, “say you hate me.” His understated blend of alt rock, indie, and bedroom-pop influences features a warm and warbly sound that’s bound to get the vibes just right. While sharing similar energy to artists like Dominic Fike and Steve Lacy, Heavn’s versatility and musical prowess stand out on their own, framing him as an artist with a unique identity and songwriting voice. With a combination of hard-hitting lyrics and a groovy, blown-out instrumental that feels effortlessly slackerish, “say you hate me” is a must-listen.   The track beautifully represents one’s journey to closure after leaving a toxic relationship. It captures the transition away from spiraling emotions and towards recognition of one’s worth. “say you hate me” is an anthem of self-defiance, bearing an empowering message that steers away from mainstream pop while still[...]

Walter The Producer – “Little Lies”

October 31, 2024

Walter The Producer is on his way to being a frequent buffaBLOG feature – we’re digging his latest offering too, the indie-psych daze found on “Little Lies.” Walter (or Reid as he’s colloquially known as) has a perfect tenor, crushing this lyric-forward jam with his eclectic and energetic delivery. The song itself is wild – expect ear-catching guitar riffs, a rock solid bassline, and a groovy beat that never lets up.  This sounds like Tame Impala, Foster the People, and Portugal. The Man got together to write a tail-end-of-summer hit – one that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and because of that, is effortlessly cool.   “Little Lies” is available now – check it out via Soundcloud (below); the music video on YouTube; or Spotify/Apple Music.   Walter The Producer · Little Lies