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georgia, georgia – “things you do”

georgia, georgia jangles her way through a love song on latest offering, “things you do.” Brightly-strummed guitar, atmospheric synths, and georgia x2’s heartfelt vocals power this one forward with an impossibly sunny disposition, bringing to mind The Sundays with a hint of mid-00s power-pop energy. The drums here smash with a surprising intensity, giving the song a bombastic feel that takes “things” from lovey-dovey to fist-pumping. Be sure to keep your ears peeled for the nimble bassline that worms its way through the choruses here… *chefs kiss*   You can find “things you do” on Soundcloud (below), or Spotify. georgia, georgia · things you do

hip hop artist negative shawdy

Negative Shawdy – “2Up”

The spirit of 90s Miami Bass is alive and well on alternative hip hop artist Negative Shawdy’s latest single, “2Up.” With a backbone of drum-heavy production, Shawdy crafts an “I don’t give a fuck” anthem ready for your clubbing playlist. Her vocals bounce from rapping to singing to hyper-pop influenced yips – you’ll feel the substance-fueled wide eyes and sweat dripping down your chest with every hit of the snare. Shawdy inhabits the same lanes as this female led alternative hip-hop/pop movements spearheaded by artists like Pink Pantheress. Explore more of her sound on Spotify.

Adam James – “Morose on Melrose”

New York native turned West Cost Transplant, Adam James, is back with an introspective single that pulls at your heart strings. A long-time scene veteran since 2005, James has had stints in numerous bands like Sleep Bellum Sonno, The Vigilance Committee, and More than Skies. James’ latest single “Morose on Melrose” shows the singer/songwriter’s vulnerable side. The song was written during a bout of hardship, navigating life post-breakup and listlessness. “Morose on Melrose” is an ode to the song’s inspiration, walking aimlessly navigating depression down one of Los Angeles’ busiest streets. Everyone has a purpose and motivation. What is yours? Where is your happiness? Before Summer Ends – Single by Adam James

Roma NYC – “Recover”

New York City’s Roma NYC has a sludgy indie rock number that came across our desk and pairs perfectly well with this rainy day. “Recover” is the latest of the band’s single-a-month series and quickly gaining buzz. The new dreary track is all about motivation and pursuing your dreams. Roma NYC is all about taking chances and pursuing the arts and philosophy, and this is the main theme of “Recover.” This track is deep and not to be taken on the surface level. Check it out below and stick around until the three minute mark, because that’s where Roma NYC really shines.

hip hop artist amp melo

Amp Melo – “Flight Path”

Elevate with Santa Cruz emcee Amp Melo on his latest jazzy grindset single “Flight Path.” The bluesy artist leverages a sharp pen pulling in mathematics, basketball and more references as he discusses the continued work it takes to find success in his day to day. This track is for fans artists like Blue & Exile and Logic – Melo boasts a silky smooth delivery on his rhymes and features jazzy, funky work from production duo Chubby Wallets. “Flight Path” comes of Amp’s latest project with Chubby Wallets, Off the Bench – a hip hop project heavy on the bball references for the hoop heads out there.  Check out the project in full and more in the Amp Melo catalog on Spotify. 

San Gabriel – “Play with Fire”

San Gabriel is the moniker for Texas electro-pop musician James Bookert. The project emerged as the extreme alternate to Bookert’s main band, Whiskey Shivers, a swamp-y bluegrass act that went into hiatus during the pandemic. Since then, San Gabriel has been cranking out blog-friendly singles with the latest “Play with Fire” being no different. Written and recorded in a liquor store in East Austin, the single “Play with Fire” is upbeat big synth-pop sound that could easily be a Chappell Roan track, with Bookert’s hazy vocals over the top. Throw this onto your playlist if you are fan of Goth Babe, Day Wave, or Japanese House. In the meantime, check it out below.

Muscle Memory – “Body Of Light”

Muscle Memory are a NYC based duo (Michael Tapper and Steven Reker) who are already well established DJs separately. Together though? They have crafted an impeccably danceable track with “Body of Light.” It’s a delightful medley of synth, effects, a dash of guitar, and general mayhem. Fans of Passion Pit, Magdalena Bay, or LCD Soundsystem would find a lot to enjoy here, as would anyone looking for some indie music that’s impossible not to dance to. I had trouble writing this blog on time because my hands wouldn’t stop tapping to the beat (sorry editor, please don’t be mad). You can hear “Body of Light” below from YouTube. If you were confused like I was initially by the multiple versions, don’t be, as this is intentional. I highly recommend checking out the Club Mix version here. Find your favorite or enjoy them all (or don’t, I’m not your boss…but you[...]

Two Point Oh – “Jackie Smile”

New Jersey based emo act Two Point Oh not only seems to have a marketing degree and have spelled their name phonetically, but also has a new single out, “Jackie Smile.” Bringing in some raw emo and pop elements is just what the doctor ordered here; the lyrics are heartfelt (about a long lost acquaintance flashing a smile from across the street); the guitars are somber; and the hooks are… well… hook felt. I’d be interested to hear how many vocal cords and guitar strings were destroyed with this intro alone (seriously, try screaming YEAAAAAHHHHHHH and imagine doing several takes of that). If anyone from the band has that number, I’d be interested to hear. You can hear “Jackie Smile” from YouTube below or add it to your cathartic outside feelings playlist on Spotify or Apple Music. This is an easy one to rock the fuck out to, which you[...]

Mondaze – “Son of the Rambling Dawn”

Four piece Mondaze brings us their latest dose of Italian shoegaze with “Son of the Rambling Dawn,” a phuzzed out affair that we’re diggin’ this week at The Blog. Robust guitars wail and whine, only barely ceding to give the vocals room to breathe (and hold their own!). Fans of Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine or their ilk would find a lot to enjoy here. Speaking to the track, the band had this to say: “[It delves into] the fleeting nature of life and the unavoidable fate that accompanies it, where uncertainty reigns and everything is destined to change.” You can hear “Son of the Rambling Dawn” below from YouTube. As always, it can be found on your preferred streaming service (if not YouTube): Bandcamp, Spotify or one of one of eight million others. You’ll also be able to find it on their upcoming album Linger due out November 11.    [...]

Slow Coast – “Double Vision”

Bay Area based Slow Coast brings us their latest track “Double Vision.” Not to be confused with fellow Californians Best Coast (based on the name alone). The track itself is a layered guitar leaning affair in a similar vein to Arctic Monkeys with boss vocals to match. The instrumental breakdown is something purely of beauty and well worth the experiencing as a whole with the rest of the track.  Speaking to the track, the band said: ” This song explores the paradox of feeling on top of the world one moment and worthless the next; and the internal battle of overcoming this feeling.” All completely valid feelings and easy to communicate.  The up tempo lyrics contrast starkly with the deeply inward lyrics and play hard into the experience Slow Coast is working toward. You can hear “Double Vision” over on YouTube or add to your Soundcloud/Spotify playlist of hook laden[...]

Beach Tower – Another Beach Tower EP

Readers of buffaBLOG – by now, you should already know that when a Fredonia local band releases new music, it’s bound to be noteworthy. Coming off a short hiatus, Beach Tower has large shoes to fill (or should I say, fuzzy crocs), after their intriguing first album If We Make It To May. It’s safe to say that you should slip on some of your own fuzzy footwear and prepare yourself for a surfy, pop punk sensation with their long awaited follow up, simply and wonderfully titled, Another Beach Tower EP.    Before we even dive into this album, for fans of other Fredonia locals such as HitGRL and Ryan Terry Family Band, I suggest you drop everything and go listen to this latest release IMMEDIATELY!  Fun fact, Ryan Terry of Beach Tower is also in both bands making for an extremely recognizable sound that screams “this is Ryan Terry[...]

Pena – Pocket Sized Pocket

Pena is the moniker of Rochester-based Isaiah Welch-Novels, who has just released their latest offering, Pocket Sized Pocket (PSP). Inspired by Rob Crow (of Pinback, Thingy, and solo-project fame), PSP is an understated and mysterious project built primarily around Isaiah, a four-track tape recorder, and his acoustic guitar. Any fan of Crow’s extensive discography knows his work is all-encompassing, including found sounds and a creative aesthetic that some might describe as “low effort” (check Pena’s bandcamp tags for proof)… but others see as genius. Pena follows a similar path – expect perplexing sound clips, room sounds, and other artifacts as you make your way through this intriguing LP.   The album opens with a wash of white noise on “Recycling Song.” Right away, Pena’s hallmarks become evident – noisy, direct-to-tape recordings; lyrical meandering; and pleasant-but-somber guitar riffs that don’t stick around for too long. In fact, there’s only one song on PSP that tops[...]

Niall Summerton – “Tear Me Apart”

North-Yorkshire based Niall Summerton roughs up the smooth edges of his debut on his latest single, “Tear Me Apart.” The indie crooner plays with simmering vibes that still somehow feature blown-out instrumentals. It makes for a low key experience that still capture sthe best bits of of urgency and anxiousness that post-punk is typically known for. Perfect for folks who at one point loved their Big Muff (TM) to death, but now enjoy a calming (but still cool) playlist during their 9-5. Check out “Tear Me Apart” via Soundcloud (below), or, add it to your favorite Spotify playlist. Niall Summerton · Tear Me Apart

mani zuko – “NeedNeedNeed”

“Australia’s underground rapper” mani zuko shows off more than just a hip hop pen on his latest single “NeedNeedNeed.” With a soft, melodic voice, mani hovers between singing and rapping as he pleads with his love interest to be “real” with him on this R&B-flavored track. Channeling Sampha, but with a pop-friendly hook, mani is a manic man holding onto his dream girl for dear life – how mutual is this interest, how unrequited is this love? Zuko’s rapping pen makes his verses tight, but his vocals and its accompanying production shine most as he wails to an audience of perhaps none. Boasting a tight 2 minute runtime and an earworm hook ready to latch on after one listen, “NeedNeedNeed” is needed on your R&B and pop rap playlists. Get a taste for more indie R+B and neo soul on mani zucko’s Spotify page.  

Matilda Schyborger – “Overthinking”

“Overthinking” is the latest from Swedish based Matilda Schyborger and it’s one of our favorites this week at The Blog. Synth and guitar feature prominently – with the former popping off within the first minute. Clever lyrics delivered smartly are a big thing for me and I’ll always tip my cap to word play (I think I overthink again/questioning whether I’m relevant). The slow parts really make this song and help it stand out from an otherwise oversaturated market of phuzzy synth based pop goodness. Musically, this reminded me a lot of Courtney Barnett as far as general sound – fans of Wet Leg and Soccer Mommy will be pleased as well. You can hear “Overthinking” below from YouTube over add it to your introspective pop mix on Spotify. Let us know how you feel about it so we can