Latest Posts

Carrier Pigeons Release Debut Singles

March 9, 2020

The new year and decade has started with a resurgence of vibrancy in the Buffalo music scene, as newcomers Carrier Pigeons, introduce themselves to the world with the release of their first single, “Death of a Salesman.” The title track has definite traces of 1990s alt and grunge rock. Lead singer Logan Giddins emotes, with strength, a sense of longing. It borders on emo, but does not dive in directly. Perhaps that is due in part to the instruments used on the track. Percussion, guitar, and banjo. The banjo creeps up in the mix and compliments the tone of the track nicely with a metallic Side-B, “Waves About to Break,” seems to flip around the alt-emo-folk balance of “Death of a Salesman.” The second song is an upbeat song with a half-time tempo that makes it hard to not tap your toe. The banjo has a more prominent role, and[...]

Bathe Alone – “Calm Down”

March 5, 2020

“Calm Down” is a dreamy song for sure, but this latest one from Bathe Alone runs just a little bit deeper than that. “Calm” addresses the importance of mental health, in this case panic attacks – the multi-instrumentalist has built a song that ebbs and flows like an actual panic attack. Guitar solos rise and fall, and as the song concludes, it decrescendos into a calmer state once again. Even beyond the metaphor, we just think this is a beautiful slice of dream pop. Check it out below or swing by her Bandcamp to support.

Chasing Daze – “Summer”

March 5, 2020

Last time we checked in with Chasing Daze, we were starry-eyed over their ode to teenage summers, “Teenager.” On brand, the Oregon sibling duo is back with another incredible song about teenage summers, “Summer.” All jokes aside, we think these two are really onto something special. Summer pairs an ear-pleasing warble guitar with heartwarming lyrics about a carefree, youthful summer. Not to mention the duo’s knack for absolutely flawless indie pop. Don’t sleep on this one – check it out below and then add it to your Spotify playlist.

Marlin’s Dreaming – “Sink or Swim”

March 4, 2020

Don’t sleep on this haunting new track from Aukland’s Marlin’s Dreaming. “Sink or Swim” is a swimmy daydream, with watery guitar tones and ethereal vocals aplenty from this powerful New Zealand trio. The music video also feels otherworldly, a fever dream full of ancient outfits and outlandish face paint. Fans of Beach House, Real Estate, or Slowdive would dig this one for sure – check out the vid below.

Le Boeuf – “Last Night (feat. Tema Siegel)”

March 4, 2020

Danish electro-producer Le Boeuf has been on fire lately, especially evidenced on this latest collab with vocalist Tema Siegel. “Last Night” is another head-bobbing dance banger from the Copenhagen native. Lyrically, it’s a fun reminder about effing sh*t up the night before, but it’s also full of catchy, whistle-y synths; upbeat and danceable percussion; and of course Siegel’s light-hearted vocal delivery. We think this one will start your next Friday night off right. Add it to your Spotify playlist now.

Tonne – “Catalina”

March 4, 2020

Something about the indie rock jangle of “Catalina” by Tonne is captivating af… Maybe it’s the two-chord simplicity offset by the smart cacophony of the guitar leads; maybe its the constant and driven crunch-bass; or maybe its theatSmashing Pumpkins meets Built to Spill sensibility… But no matter what your reason, we think you’re gonna dig this one from the mysterious Tonne (pronounced “tawny”). He’s set to release his debut EP, Bridey Murphy, later this month. Stay tuned and tell all your friends you enjoyed this one first.

Zazen Tapes Enters the Scene

March 3, 2020

Sean Wild has completed another part of the music business portfolio. Known for his work behind the West Side punk act Pink Guitars, Wild decided to venture from behind the cuitar and create his own record label, Zazen Tapes. The label specializes in low quantity cassette tape releases. In November of 2019, Zazen Tapes released their inaugural release, II, from the band Glue, a punk and experimental rock band, which helped introduced the label as hardcore oriented. Soon after, Zazen Tapes released Wild’s own project Pink Guitars’ We Are Made of the Sun.  The label created twenty-five copies in existence are hand dubbed on a tape deck by Wild, as well as the design, cutting, and folding of the j-cards. As an avenue of releasing music, cassette tapes have been utilized by a wide range of genres, as production costs are cheaper than vinyl, but listening is more reverential than an[...]

SIS – “Heart of Mine”

March 3, 2020

Can’t help but love this little ditty from SIS – “Heart of Mine” is a sub-two-minute jam reminiscent of The Strokes. Full of straightforward guitar-powered indie rock with a lo-fi bedroom pop touch, this LA act comes and goes before you know it. This is a super mysterious duo – stay in touch with their low-key social media presence on IG or Twitter.

Deeper – “Lake Song”

March 2, 2020

Deeper is a Chicago trio whose “Lake Song” has us feeling contemplative. Full of swirling guitar, a driving bass, and tastefully simple drums, “Lake Song” explores feelings of stagnation and fixation; a reminder that repetition can be as maddening as it is comforting. Beyond that, the lo-fi post-punk-meets-bedroom-pop feels like Bloc Party and Mac Demarco had a beautiful baby – check it out below and keep an eye out for their album, due out March 27 on Fire Talk Records.

Dares – “Outta Town”

March 2, 2020

Mmmm, this one’s a grungy good time. NYC’s Dares take notable influence across the spectrum, from 70s punks all the way through the 90s indie underground. It’s extremely evident on latest single “Outta Town;” Jangly Jagstang guitar tone rattles nostalgically behind singer Alexis Rhode’s passionate but straightforward vocals. This one would be perfect for fans of Bully, Hole, Alvvays, or any of the grungy 90s greats. Check it out below and stay posted via Instagram. Between the Lines by Dares

Oats Holy Roller – Fear Memorial Park

March 2, 2020

Music will shed light on what human beings are able to understand, yet unable to articulate. It provides a freeze-frame of circumstances and emotions that fall beyond the English language, and it will present them in a cohesive structure. The genre that routinely delivers the plight of human life in specific time periods, folk has a modern artist in its midst. Oats Holy Roller, the project headed by Buffalo’s Joseph Murray Meyers, has a unique voice and ability to deliver the mixture of modern emotions that are tied in with the technological revolution as we all step bravely into the new world. Their latest effort, an album titled Fear Memorial Park, draws heavily from folk artists of the past, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Joni Mitchel, while their striped down aesthetic makes the beautiful arrangements all the more powerful. Oats Holy Roller’s first released single “In Such Times//Ahhhhhhh,” tells the story of[...]

The Original Juice Boys – “Weird Dress”

February 27, 2020

Anyone else nostalgic for the days of Angelfire? We’ve got the perfect band for you – The Original Juice Boys really know how to rip it like its 1999. Beyond the MS Paint graphics and the kitschy, antiquated URL, we think “Weird Dress” is a pretty cool song. This act def takes the lo-fi, bedroom-pop route, but with a darker twist… Instrumentals are reminiscent of Pinback or Say Hi. Check it out.

West Ferry Releases New s/t EP

February 26, 2020

Emo rockers West Ferry just dropped a concise self-titled EP last Friday. Clocking in at just over six minutes, it’s a quick yet impactful listen. Each of the songs has a distinct character; angst. While each had an anthemic quality, the standout was “Forever Home.” The group really seems to have settled on a sound, and the DIY energy is still present in their recording. If not already on your radar, a must listen especially for fans of Cursive, Tiny Moving Parts and early Brand New. Check out the EP below, you’ll have time. West Ferry by west ferry Written by John Smigielski

Strandels – “Breathe It In”

February 24, 2020

There’s just something about the Swedish siblings in Strandels. Their latest single “Breathe It In” is rubbing us in just the right ways. Maybe it’s the breathy harmonies, maybe it’s the lo-fi-and-chill hip-hop beats, or maybe it’s that spiraling acoustic guitar riff… But regardless of what sucks you in, we think this one is full of reasons to listen. Kick back and let this one wash over you – check it out below and give them a follow on their IG.

Palavas – “Giorgio Baroudeur”

February 23, 2020

Get ready to feel funky – we’re digging this new one from Palavas, a mysterious French duo whose latest instrumental offering, “Giorgio Baroudeur,” got our heads bobbing. It’s not often an instrumental jam gets you feeling some-type-of-way, but this one is full of perfectly retro drum machines and hypnotic techno rhythms. There’s not much left to do but click play on the widget below and groove for ~6 mins. Enjoy.