Latest Posts

Chevron Bloom – Henry

April 1, 2019

In the interim since Buffalo’s Chevron Bloom debuted their first recording, they’ve packed on some muscle with the addition of veteran axe-man Gerald Thomas, and the now-foursome has just released a second recording—another EP titled Henry. While this enhanced instrumentation affords them a bit more range and complexity, Henry remains largely rooted in their established lush and spacey indie rock sound, while marking a progression towards a slightly darker and more urgent place. However, unlike many other bands carrying on the torch of the 90’s shoegaze sound, Chevron Bloom crafts their dreamy soundscapes through solid and original songwriting rather than relying on a wall of effects noise and sonics, and that gives this album a unique soul and character. The raw sparkle of Galaxie 500 is a palpable undercurrent in these songs—especially in frontman Jay Sallese’s vocal delivery—but they also channel the moody intensity of late-era Unwound, especially on “Halfway[...]

Marlon Craft – “Do the Work”

March 31, 2019

Hell’s Kitchen based emcee Marlon Craft released a new track earlier this month all about the grind of life. “Do the Work” is about how convenient life is living in a bubble and not considering some of the issues within the United States and worldwide. It’s a lot easier to maintain ignorance than read about social justice issues. “Do the Work” is about getting woke and actually researching and making a change in your life for the better. Fans of Atmosphere and other sharp emcees would be into Marlon Craft. Check it out below.

Charlie Lane – “Faker”

March 28, 2019

Melbourne-based singer/songwriter Charlie Lane released an earnest track earlier this month and it was quick to catch our ears. The single, “Faker” is all about succumbing to mental health issues while balancing a relationship. In “Faker” the relationship falls apart due to the partner not being able to adjust to the illness, nor wanting to understand it. Basically, “Faker” is all about that – covering up real issues with pleasantries because it’s easier to deal with that way. If you are a fan of Snail Mail, Alex Lahey, or Lucy Dacus, then you would enjoy Charlie Lane. Check it out below.

Lovers Walk Launches Debut Single, Project

March 28, 2019

Rochester-based songwriter Ian Proper has just released “Starry Eyes,” the debut single from his newest project Lover’s Walk. Proper, previously known for his work with Sports and The Young Couples, has found a mature sound that blends indie-pop sensibilities with a driving eighties energy. With a tasteful use of harmonies, and seemingly effortless hook, “Starry Eyes” is a promising showing from Proper. Keep an eye out for a full release, as it will be interesting to see what direction this project will head in. Starry Eyes by Lovers WalkWritten by John Smigielski

Stereo Explosion – “We need to spend some time together”

March 27, 2019

Sweden’s Stereo Explosion has a brand new disco psych single that has to be on your radar. The trio, consisting of Jens Andersson (Vocals), Martin Axén (Drums) and the mysterious Jepson (guitar) have carefully crafted a festival-y single combining their love of organic dance music and elements of jam. “We need to spend some time together” is just about that, coming together and enjoying the moment. Keep your ears peeled for the killer introduction of the flute towards the end. Fans of LCD Soundsystem or Black Moth Super Rainbow would enjoy this one. Check out “We need to spend some time together” below.

Beverly Kills – “Revellers”

March 26, 2019

Gothenburg-based indie act Beverly Kills released their fresh new single “Revellers” earlier this month and boy is it a banger. The track is a raw, post-punk feel while drawing the accessibility of Bloc Party or Editors. “Revellers” lyrics were inspired after guitarist John Jonsén thought more in-depth about the Bystander Effect, a phenomenon where everyone else thinks someone else will act during times of crisis or trouble. The band will be releasing a limited edition 7″ vinyl through Aussie record label Hell Beach, but in the meantime enjoy “Revellers” below.

Reynier – “Lukewarm (ft. KESMAR)”

March 25, 2019

Reynier, the moniker for Aussie Jordan Burns released his latest track “Lukewarm” earlier this month, combining forces with KESMAR. The track is all about feeling not into a relationship after a long time and basically just phasing out. KESMAR’s smokey vocals shine on the track. Sound wise this song has a ton of potential, drawing comparisons to Empire of the Sun, Cut Copy, or M83. “Lukewarm” is the first single off the forthcoming EP Surrender, but in the meantime check out the stream below. 

Fredonia’s Karrot Kake Releases New Single

March 22, 2019

Fredonia’s own fuzz-punk trio Karrot Kake just released their new single, “Autopilot,” via Nonexistant Records. Karrot Kake was founded when members Jon Fridmann and Kaleh Mendez-deMello were only in 5th grade. After adding Jon’s brother, Mike, Fridmann, their lineup was set, and the trio has been steadily turning out records ever since. The new single “Autopilot” features its’ fair share of swinging acoustic-guitar work, starts off with just that. Before you know it, drums and electric guitar enter, as does Mendez-deMello’s vocals, which are akin to Wayne Coyne or Jello Biafra. The simple arrangement is sure to sucker you in with an airy and approachable verse, before the band kicks it into high gear and into full-fledged folk- punk mode, where you can tell the band likes to live. The remainder of the track is full of energy, as a fury of edgy near-screaming vocals and frantic drum work keep you[...]

Covey – “Gecko”

March 18, 2019

Covey is the moniker for former UK-based multi-instrumentalist Tom Freeman. Since moving to the US in 2010, the singer/songwriter has been hard at work crafting gentle indie rock tracks, with “Gecko” being no different. “Gecko” has a sound you can get lost in, a la Wild Nothing or Beach Fossils. This is the first single from Covey’s new album, so check it out below and be on the lookout for more from the release.

Class Photo – “I’ve Been Cleaning Your Room”

March 13, 2019

Former STRFKR member Patrick Morris has debuted his new project and first single titled “I’ve Been Cleaning Your Room.” After years and years of touring with the huge indie pop act, the grind had gotten to him. With this, he left the band, relocated to his wife’s home country of Norway, and went back to basics. What emerged was a new power pop act titled Class Photo. “I’ve Been Cleaning Your Room” is a pop song about crossing boundaries and literally cleaning someone else’s room, looking through all of their trinkets and mementos. The sound is simple and infectious, a la Weezer’s early material (way before “Africa.”)The new single is released via 9AM Records. Be on the lookout for Class Photo’s debut release set for later in 2019.

The Tins Reveal New Single “Boulder Soul”

March 12, 2019

Local mainstays The Tins are back with a new single titled “Boulder Soul.” Since we’ve last checked in with the band, the trio has grown to a quartet, adding Aircraft’s Justin John Smith to the line-up. The band is constantly evolving and changing up their sound, making the project consistently interesting. “Boulder Soul” starts out with a bounce-y rhythm section a la The Cure’s “Close to Me,” adding a carefree, dancing key line. Lyrically, it’s about feeling restless and anxious and overall lost in life’s purpose – a feeling many of us can identify with. Be on the lookout for more of The Tins’ new material and their upcoming show with The Demos, The Leones, and Leyda on Friday, April 5th.

Johnny & The Man Kids Release Raucous New Single, “Before”

March 11, 2019

Buffalo lo-fi pop-rockers Johnny & The Man Kids are gearing up for a new release later this spring. In anticipation, they’ve just dropped the first single from their upcoming EP, You Made Me Hurt. “Before” is an energetic blast of overblown distortion, fleshed out with tastefully distorted vocals that sling earworm pop hooks. Fans of The Strokes, Twin Peaks, or Diarrhea Planet will find something to like here – be sure to check it out through the convenient widget below. Johnny & the Man Kids’ new EP, You Made Me Hurt, is due to be released on 4/12/19 via Admirable Traits Records.

Hazey Eyes – “Emotion (ft. Panama)”

March 9, 2019

Emotional dance producer Hazey Eyes may have struck gold with his newest collaboration with Panama, “Emotion.” Hazey Eyes is the stage-name for 22-year-old producer Thomas Michel. “Emotion” shows a complexity and vulnerability that the emerging artist has. It is moody, vulnerable, and a growing earworm, all in one. The song is the first single off of Hazey Eyes’ new album Love Lost, out now. Stream “Emotion” below and add it to your Spotify playlists.

Bruiser & Bicycle – Woods Come Find Me

March 7, 2019

Any musician knows the trials and tribulations of being in a band, perhaps no one better than the remaining two members of Albany psych-folk act Bruiser & Bicycle. Their latest album, Woods Come Find Me, is a transition of sorts. It’s a step away from their full-fledged rock band roots. They are a duo now, and they have accepted their fate as a two-piece. Sure, only having two band members certainly brings its own set of limitations… But the opportunity has come for co-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Nick Whittemore and Keegan Graziane to spread their wings – they’ve used this chance to reinvent themselves, and in doing so, explore themes of existentialism, transitional disorientation, and restless spirits. Say what you will about the current state of indie rock – but Woods Come Find Me, with all its exploration of suspended animation and arrested development, exists in a sort of time warp. Imagine it’s 2005 again –[...]

The Sunset Kids – “Fantasy”

March 5, 2019

New kids on the Vancouver dreampop scene, The Sunset Kids released their first single “Fantasy” a couple of days ago and its straight fire. The Sunset Kids is the working partnership between Canadian singer-guitarist Josh Palmer and Russian-born songwriter Ellaya Zampier. The duo’s new track has an unmistakeable epic M83 feel. Subject-wise, “Fantasy” is all about escapism, whether it be to a hobby or device, or even an intense love. Keep a lookout for the duo’s first album, Volcano, set for release this spring.