Latest Posts

False Pockets – s/t

September 30, 2019

Math rock band False Pockets has emerged onto the Rochester music scene with its debut, self-titled EP. False Pockets is a creative effort with a layered sound that blends math rock, post-rock, indie, and a dash of prog. The time signatures on the EP are varied enough to satisfy the mathiest of math enthusiasts, but the approach is gentle; even the uninitiated can enjoy every track, each having an interesting yet digestible structure. With charming titles resembling inside jokes and a sparing use of vocals, the EP relies on its instrumentation to tell a story. Each element is crucial, and each member of the band is indispensable to the overall sound. The reverberating guitars are somehow crunchy, clean, and ethereal all at once, the bass is both fuzzy and powerful, and the attacking drums seamlessly guide the songs throughout their varying times and tempos. When the vocals do come, they’re[...]

BDRMM – “Shame”

September 29, 2019

BDRMM are a self-described ugly pop band whose “Shame” caught our attention. This single from their debut is super promising, boasting an icy, post-punk aesthetic accented by twinkly guitar leads and aloof vocals. Fans of DIIV, Interpol, or Turnover will find common ground here – we love the chill-out spell that this one puts us under. Check it out via YouTube below.

Magdalena Bay – “Good Intentions”

September 29, 2019

Synthpop duo Magdalena Bay are no strangers to buffaBLOG – we’ve posted several of their songs in the past. They return with more pop excellence with their latest, “Good Intentions.” Airy, lilting vocals lay overtop dance-tinged, squiggly synth accents and an upbeat demeanor. This one should readily appeal to fans of Purity Ring or CHVRCHES with a touch of late 90s flavor. Check it out below.

Dead Rituals – “Closer”

September 29, 2019

“Closer” is the debut single from Dead Rituals, aka Italian solo-artist Andrea Caccese. Full of frantic strumming and an ear-catching slide guitar moan, “Closer” has the urgent energy of an exciting new act with the pop sentiment that usually comes with years of writing and releasing. Fans of DIIV, Oso Oso, or The Cure will dig this one – check out the charming animation of the accompanying music video below.

Ever Onward Debuts New EP

September 24, 2019

It’s not very often you hear post rock coming out of Western New York, let alone some serious musical landscapes that can take you on a journey from start to finish. Ever Onward,  the brainchild of Colin Berardini, readies for a big 2020 with the release of his three song EP, Learning to Breathe. The EP has a very powerful motif and is extremely cohesive from top to bottom. The ambient drones and soft piano hooks act as the sonic glue which really makes this an easy listen from start to finish. The record, which is self-described by Berardini to represent the journey of a relationship from it’s very beginning through to marriage, and all the stages in between. Learning to Breathe begins with “Disposition.” This song serves as the perfect introduction as it begins with swirling synth drones and builds with guitars and keys as it finally erupts at the 2:40[...]

Cursive – “Barricades”

September 23, 2019

We think you’ll love the latest offering from legendary Omaha act, Cursive. “Barricades” is reminiscent of the lurching, turn-of-the-millenium emotion found on 2000’s Domestica, while still sounding fresh and relevant in 2019. Full of squelchy bass tones, spidery guitar lines, and Tim Kasher’s signature social-commentary-via-impassioned-howls, “Barricades” is full of discordant angst and energy… But Cursive has a way of sneaking just enough pop sentiment beneath the rickety surface of their songs to keep us coming back for more. Check it out below before you add it to your Spotify playlist.

Alex Bayly – “Lonely Michael”

September 23, 2019

“Lonely Michael” starts off with a cascading guitar riff – a perfect intro to this low-key indie pop jam from Alex Bayly. Perhaps it has something to do with buffaBLOG editor Michael’s lovely name… But in actuality, we really dig Bayly’s alt-folk-pop with its use of unique melodies, chord progressions, melancholy lyrics, and mid-intensity emotion. Check it out below before you add it to your Spotify playlist.

Michael Baker – “Baby Books”

September 23, 2019

We’re digging the sparse, but moving compositions from singer/songwriter Michael Baker. We suggest starting with “Baby Books,” a simmering batch of urgent indie pop that combines swirling atmosphere with a driven bass bounce. Baker’s ethereal voice floats overtop his songs in the perfect way, covering the painful topic of mental health with a somber but soothing delivery. This one is simple, but sweet. Check out “Baby Books” below.

Kevin Scoma Releases Debut Solo Single, “Dream in the Daytime”

September 17, 2019

Kevin Scoma is a lifelong singer/songwriter who has been a vital part of the Buffalo music scene for over a decade. His latest effort comes after an unexpected spiritual awakening that inspired a newfound focus and a refreshingly simplified approach to songwriting. His debut single, “Dream in the Daytime” is a lush, acoustic-folk song layered thick with dreamy electronics and auxiliary percussion. This one is a bittersweet ode to getting lost in the unwanted thoughts that tend to swirl around your head – chronic daydreamers will dig this one for sure. Scoma’s upcoming EP, Into the Weeping Sea will be out soon – until then, be sure to add “Dream in the Daytime” to your Spotify playlist or pick it up via Bandcamp. Dream in the Daytime by Kevin Scoma

Basement Revolver – “Wax and Digital”

September 15, 2019

Basement Revolver is a Canadian quartet crafting dreamy and shoegazy indie rock with a tinge of emo flavor for good measure. “Wax & Digital” is their latest offering – a wall of guitar sound punctuated by surprisingly poignant guitar and bass riffs and singer Chrisy Hurn’s distinct, almost angelic vocal delivery. Fans of Slowdive, Pity Sex, or Alvvays will dig this one for sure. The Wax & Digital EP will be out soon – till then, watch the YouTube vid below and get further acquainted with “Wax and Digital” on Spotify.

Hikee Bikini – “Bubble”

September 15, 2019

Hikee Bikini is an Austrian act whose “Bubble” certainly rubbed us the right way. Combining a frantic marimba-esque keyboard with tight pop vibes, “Bubble” is an effervescent jam that combines lighthearted lyrics with straight-up pop sensibility. It is accompanied by a kitschy music video full of pastel pinks and greens, choreographed dancing, and striking imagery. Get down to their shoo-be-doo-laden Austrian pop via the YouTube embed below and if you dig it – add it to your Spotify playlist.

Brigt – “May”

September 15, 2019

Brigt is a 20-year-old Norwegian specializing in simmering and romantic indie pop. His latest offering, “May,” really caught our ears with its bouncing bass, excellent synth-work, and Brigt’s surprisingly soothing vocals. At just over two minutes, this one comes and goes before you know it – a fleeting ode to love with just the right amount of retro 80s warmth. Check out May below and be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.

Pizzagirl – “Dennis”

September 9, 2019

Alright, alright, we admit it… We’re Pizzagirl fanatics. “Dennis” is the latest offering from this multi-talented multi-instrumentalist from Liverpool – it’s full of funky vibes, driven by a quirky, chorus-soaked guitar and even quirkier lyrics. Tastefully kitschy, totally hooky, and fully danceable, we think you’ll enjoy “Dennis” for sure – check it out below.

BEACHTAPE – “Somebody Like Hugh”

September 9, 2019

There’s something delightfully simple about “Somebody Like Hugh,” the latest song from Brighton act BEACHTAPE. Pairing jangly guitars with slacker-vibe vocals and a warm and fuzzy mix, “Somebody Like Hugh” could sit comfortably on a shelf next to any 90s guitar pop act. There’s a great chorus and cool guitars throughout this one… even if we’re not totally sold that this one is literally about someone named Hugh. Make sure you check it out below.

Matthew Squires – “Visions of America”

September 9, 2019

Matthew Squires caught our attention with the quirky indie rock of his latest jam, “Visions of America.” Alongside a thought-provoking video, Squires unleashes his stream-of-consciousness style lyricism with the same aural aesthetics as Built to Spill, The Flaming Lips, or even Modern Baseball. We think his “ba-da” filled choruses will get your head bopping – check out the vid below.