Something about WUGO‘s “Wugomania” feels alien… And yet, the French producer has also tapped into something really warm and magical here. Beneath the shell of a simple bedroom-pop sound is a uniquely structured song, padded with vintage synth tones and uniquely processed vocals. Be sure to give this one a listen so you can judge for yourself.
You might recognize Kiwi Jr. as Brian Murphy from legendary Toronto indie-poppers Alvvays, but we urge you to take a closer look at the irresistible jangle pop of “Football Money.” Full of shameless hooks, jaunty guitar rhythms, and a cacophonous solo, “Football Money” is the type of cerebral indie rock that is digestible, but leaves your palette yearning for more. Check it out below.
Last time we checked in with shimmery indie poppers Husbands, we were talking up the song “Mexico.” This time around, we’re digging “Culebra” which follows their tried-and-true format of swirly guitar pop topped with effervescent vocal melodies. The duo (impressively) splits their time between Seattle and Oklahoma City – their clear charisma would suggest otherwise. Check it out below.
Feeling promiscuous? So are Swedish act Kape Yeel and they’re certainly making it known through their latest jam, “Sex Addicts.” Their refreshingly frank lyrics about pornography lay over top a deeply funky groove – not unlike something you might hear in a 70s smut flick… Think Daft Punk, but raucous and horny. Enough innuendo – check this one out for yourself.
Most of us know what it’s like to feel idle. While stillness itself can be situated in a state of calm, idleness implies expectation of eventual movement. That’s why we use the word to describe a car that’s started, but isn’t moving; we’re still, but the parts inside are still turning. Buffalo’s Dogs in Stereo explore that paradoxical combination of stagnation and restlessness in their new EP Idle, a melancholic, living collection of six songs filled with longing. Idle is a step in a different direction for Dogs in Stereo. Previous efforts by the Dogs exhibited earnest, lo-fi rock with charming melodies and captivating guitar work. The essence of earlier work is still around on this new EP, but clean production and more deliberate songwriting are clear marks of artistic maturity. They’ve also seemed to move into the computer age with more synth than we’ve seen in the past, a[...]
Fresh-faced indie-pop outfit Breakfast for Dinner just released their newest single “She Ate My Heart Out Like A Hurricane.” Originally based out of the DIY scene in Corning, NY, they’re now based out of Buffalo. The heavy garage rock/DIY aesthetic is very clearly presented in their first single “Wonder” which came out earlier this year. “She Ate My Heart Out Like A Hurricane” shows a much more evolved sound from the band. At the outset, the song pulls you in with glistening synth textures, a driving beat, and a reverb drenched lead line. The breathy vocals in the verses are balanced well by the stronger chorus, which is undeniably catchy. With a sound akin to Robyn, Bat For Lashes, and iamamiwhoami, Breakfast for Dinner has a deeply mystical indie-rock sound that still manages to channel a DIY pop-punk aesthetic. This neatly packaged song is a great addition to your playlist. Keep[...]
There is nothing new under the sun. That being said, to express yourself you need to take your influences and make them your own. The fresh-faced Buffalo band of familiar faces, Personal Style, have released their first demo tape, a six song collection of tight punk rock, which they branded as their own. “Total Kontrol,” a title that shows Personal Style making the English language their own, kicks off the demo. Bryan Johnson (of Bryan Johnson and Family, honeyCOMA) delivers a punk-classic three chord winding guitar riff for two measures until the drums enter. Evan Wachowski’s jumpy drum beat establishing the song’s pulse thumps to life low in the mix. Think Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life.” Then the song explodes into a full on punk ringer. The vocals, a low almost flat delivery in the vein of garage rock heroes Pavement, tell about a classic punk trope. The urge for[...]
Buffalo’s favorite Indiemo trio Cooler returns with their newest single “Gentleman.” Their first release since 2018’s Buried EP shows a mature side of the band, with deeply cathartic lyrics that are very catchy. Their previous releases have been very guitar driven, and while that energy still exists, the lush harmonies and textures that are present on “Gentleman” really highlight the lyrical acuity of the band. Cooler has always had an ability to write compelling pop-oriented songs about such heavy topics such as mental health, love, and loss and “Gentleman,” which focuses on the end of a relationship, is no exception. Check out “Gentleman” below and be on the lookout for their upcoming EP in 2020. Gentleman by CoolerWritten by John Smigielski
One of Buffalo’s most eclectic exports comes in the form of Witty Tarbox – a genre-bending act who is full of left-field energy and pleasant surprises. We’re digging “Goodbye Jackie” – this one is full of bluesy guitar funk with surf flavor, bouncing basslines, and one-of-a-kind vocals barking stream of consciousness lyrics. “Jackie” just might be the most unique thing you’ve heard all day. Check out the retro-imagery-inspired music video below.
“For What It’s Worth” is a hazy blend of indie rock energy and atmosphere. Fans of Sylvan Esso, Hazel English, or Angel Olsen will enjoy this new song from Rynn – who layers her gentle vocals over a gently over-driven bass and other indistinct, reverb-drenched flourishes. This one is ultra-chill and, despite the lovely and longing lyrical content, will have you vibing out in no time – check it out below and give her a like on FB.
Can’t ignore the phat hooks on this latest jam from Alessandro Ciminata. This Londoner specializes in pulsing electronic indie rock fleshed out with perfect synth patches. “Wasted On Each Other” boasts a huge, catchy chorus – Ciminata’s distinct vocals are delivered in borderline staccato bursts, exploring themes of burn out, love, and longing. This one is excellently-composed and certainly worth a listen – if you dig his stuff, stay in touch by following him on the ‘Gram.
Napoleon Gold dropped one of our favorite songs of 2019 with “Love Don’t Cut Me Down.” Featuring a haunting vocal take from Haiva Ru, “Love” is the truest of electro pop bangers with a chorus that will stick with you for days and days. We’re revisiting this one because it recently got the music video treatment – full of gauzy visuals and lots of dancing. This is one you don’t want to miss – check the video out below and then add it to your Spotify playlist.
We’re thinking Canadian act Port Juvee will melt your faces with the frantic, swimmy punk of “Hope to Lose.” Reminiscent of Diiv, Nothing, or Beach Fossils, “Hope to Lose” exudes sounds of desperation, delivered with frantic drums, spaced-out vocals, and the perfect amount of lo-fi energy. Fans of cold NYC post-punk and California surfy vibes will dig this one. Check them out on Bandcamp if you’re feelin’ it.
“Come Back to Me” is palpably emotional. Little Trauma is self-described as melodramatic goth pop… And to be honest, we couldn’t describe it better ourselves. Full of unabashed yearning and an incredibly endearing vocal delivery, this one combines the best elements of The Cure into modern indie pop. It’s something unique and sincere – check it out below or add it to your Spotify playlist. Come Back to Me by Little Trauma
London punk act Fresh are a… *ahem,* fresh, burst of bright, sunny energy. “Cinema Woes” is a minute and a half of jangly punk with an urgent, emo feel… Think Japandroids in spirit with some Hold Steady sentiment for good measure. Fans of the aforementioned acts, An Horse, or Hop Along are gonna dig this one. “Woes” is over before you know it and it leaves us wishing for more. Check it out below and be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist. Cinema Woes by Fresh