Latest Posts

Nikki & The Phantom Callers – “Prodigal Daughter”

September 17, 2018

Jangly indie rock band Nikki & The Phantom Callers stir up dust and reflect on the past in their track “Prodigal Daughter.” An evolutionized take on the tales of a wayward drifter, the song glosses over life’s highs and lows by way of buzzy guitar solos, tinny drum lines, and a rustic vocal duet. Vocalists Nikki Speake and Anna Kramer play into each other’s strengths, matching sweeping melodies with grounding harmonies and sharing the stage from verse to verse. In the grand scheme of it all, “Prodigal Daughter” provides that soft place to land when the best laid plans fall through. Take in the band’s homespun toe-tapper below, and find more where that came from here.

Fishing in Japan – “Here For You”

September 15, 2018

Dallas indie rock trio Fishing in Japan throw some sunshine and emotional support our way with their track “Here For You.” This song is a rolling ball of energy, gradually building in vitality and force over its nearly four minute long time frame. For anyone feeling down in the dumps as of late, this is the sonic hug you could probably use right about now. Intrinsic guitar and bass countermelodies are joined by stalwart drum fills and enduring vocal lines, oozing positivity in a way that’s consolatory and encouraging. Find “Here For You” and more from the band here.

Space Cubs Unveil New Video For “Shelves”

September 13, 2018

Space Cubs, one of the Buffalo’s most buzzed about local bands, is back with a new configuration, new music, and a video for their latest single “Shelves” that is almost reassuringly excellent in it’s completeness. Conjuring sensations of early aughts Radiohead and the ethereal vibes of Sigur Ros but with Suzanne Bonifacio seemingly holding the universe together with her searchingly primal and haunting vocals, “Shelves” as a single would’ve been enough, but the video by the band and Jeanette Chwan takes it all to another level. Beautifully shot and edited, it’s a flawless synthesis of vibes and visuals, and there’s something tremendous about seeing Bonifacio really lean into the role of buzz band frontwoman, taking all that on, and connecting with audiences. Definitely keep an eye out for them, playing in and around town and dropping new music, and be sure to check out Chance Operations, Space Cub Shawn Lewis’s first gallery show[...]

Henry Nowhere – “Not Going Back”

September 11, 2018

The lo-fi bedroom pop stylings of Henry Nowhere smooth cares away in his single “Not Going Back.” The recent L.A. transplant gives a nod towards his west coast upbringing with sun-bleached guitar lines, hazy vocals, and translucent synths. The track provides a drowsy escape from life’s monotony, however wistful that may be. Henry Nowhere’s sound has as much staying power as any other names in the bedroom pop space, with a bit of a throwback surf rock vibe that will have you sticking around for more. His time spent touring with Day Wave really shines through in the track’s production, taking on a similarly faded vocal delivery and swirling instrumentals. Plan your getaway with “Not Going Back” and the rest of Henry’s second wave of releases.

Church Girls – “Just Like You”

September 11, 2018

Philly indie rockers Church Girls head up the release of their recent EP with their broody single “Just Like You.” The band combine a post-punk zeal with expressive lyricism, introspectively mulling things over, only to hit back hard with each return of the chorus. That initial guitar melody immediately hooks you, while frontwoman Mariel Beaumont’s vocals rise and fall over a kinetic instrumental foundation. It’s a raw and holistic approach to working through emotion, honing in on the bitterness and nostalgia, and fleshing it all out with some group vocals and hearty rhythm guitar. Get a taste for the track below, and find the band’s entire EP Home here.

DIET – “Game Plan”

September 11, 2018

Beloved Melbourne quintet DIET. sent over the effervescent “Game Plan” and we’ve been hooked ever since. Finding a nice balance between the fervent punk of Cloud Nothings and a vague 80s Smiths vibe, “Game Plan” pairs frantic drums with equally peppy guitar riffs and airy synth flourishes. Have a listen for yourself via the Bandcamp widget below. “Game Plan” is on Spotify – add it to the playlist of your choice. Sundown EP by DIET

The 1984 Draft – “Honest”

September 11, 2018

The 1984 Draft tugged on our heartstrings with the frank, figurative thank you note of “Honest.” Driven by good-old-fashioned guitars and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics, “Honest” finds singer/songwriter Joe Anderl thanking his audience for giving him a reason to go on. It’s a touching tribute to the reason musicians exist in the first place… Fans of Beach Slang, The Appleseed Cast, or The Gaslight Anthem will find common ground here. Makes Good Choices is available now via Poptek Records. Check it out here.

Humble Braggers – Cycle

September 10, 2018

Cycle, the latest EP from synth-pop quartet Humble Braggers, is excellent, danceable and almost entirely bereft of hope. The cycle that the album title alludes to goes something like this: Feel lonely, feel desire; Take a risk, regret the consequences; Find connection, find out that it’s torturous; End up alone; Repeat. Sounds depressing, right? But it’s not. Even as the lyrics dwell on despair, the songs themselves carve out a euphoric space where pain gets put on hold as we give ourselves over to the music. We start with “Reckless.” In a stripped-down verse, bass and a simple beat drive us forward as vocalist Tom Burtless softly intones: “You’ll never get what you want it’s pointless… It’s rinse wash and repeat. It’s the cycle you wish you could defeat.” But instead of collapsing into despair, the synths bubble up and explode into the chorus, with Burtless chanting “I know, I[...]

Catnip Cloud- “Buried in the Snow”

September 8, 2018

Catnip Cloud is a Norwegian artist whose “Buried in the Snow” caught our ears in just the right way. Anyone from Buffalo knows how brutal our winters can be, so this one will surely strike a nerve with some of our locals. About the song, Catnip says, “I made it in my bedroom in Norway on a dark winter night, something that was a crucial factor for the song’s emotion and atmosphere.” We can’t help but agree – dig into the delicious arpeggios and open-throated guitar and bass tones via the widget below. Catnip Cloud is on Spotify. Add it to your playlist here.

Emily Afton – “Back In San Francisco”

September 8, 2018

Emily Afton mysteriously reached out to us with her latest single, “Back In San Francisco.” We think it speaks for itself, so now we’re sharing it with all of you. Its sparse guitar arrangement, fuzzy bass contributions, and tight drum sound are reminiscent of “Young Folks” by Peter, Bjorn, & John while still being very much its own song. This one is a lovely, simple indie rock ditty powered by Afton’s dusky vocals, check it out below. Emily’s stuff is on Spotify – add her to your library if you know what’s good for you.

Tired all the Time – “Bone Dry”

September 7, 2018

Fresh off a recent EP release, D.C. four-piece Tired all the Time spice up the workday in the video for their track “Bone Dry.” With a sound that falls somewhere on the alternative-angst spectrum between The Front Bottoms and A Day to Remember, this group knows how to play up the somewhat lost art of the group vocal. Right off the bat, we’re hit with buzzing guitar tracks, bombastic drum work, and a mantra-like vocal delivery that’s instantly energizing. Despite the seemingly pessimistic lyrics, the track’s video features a playful workplace atmosphere that serves as a reminder that it’s okay to let loose from time to time. Rock yourself into catharsis with “Bone Dry” below.

Lina Tullgren – “Always Fine (feat. NTHNL)”

September 7, 2018

DIY artist Lina Tullgren takes on a fizzled electropop approach in her latest single, “Always Fine.” Accompanied by the prospecting production work of NTHNL, Tullgren’s lackadaisical vocals meet a bubbling electronic accompaniment in a way that feels a bit unsettling and off-kilter. This falls right in line with the track’s narrative of feeling alone and misplaced in a crowd of people. It’s a step away from Tullgren’s previous work on her 2017 EP Won, which more so aligned with the Florist/Emily Yacina brand of DIY-rock. “Always Fine” seems to take a trip down the Alice In Wonderland rabbit hole, emerging more disjointed, busy, and vibrant than ever before. In terms of the other drowsy slacker rock out there, this is a breath of fresh air. Catch Lina Tullgren’s other releases here.

SG Lewis & Clairo – “Better”

August 23, 2018

London-based multi-hyphenate, SG Lewis, connects with US songstress, Clairo, in the fresh new visuals for their viral electropop track, “Better.” It features a breezy disco beat paired with marvelously whimsical vocals that will incite living room dance parties and carefree attitudes. If you’re looking for an excuse to bust a move, put on your dancing shoes and check out this retro-vibing video below. SG Lewis is releasing music left and right and heading out for a worldwide tour. Check out his official site here for dates and info. Meanwhile Clairo’s star continues to rise. Visit her SoundCloud here and site here for more music.

Daggy Man – “Are You Laughing?”

August 21, 2018

Singer-songwriter, Thomas Calder, is Daggy Man and he comes to us with the atmospheric lullaby, “Are You Laughing?” Like walking around a house of mirrors, this introspective and layered listen echoes and pulsates off itself. It’s quiet, minimalist beat pairs hauntingly with Calder’s whispering vocals and will leave you in a lazy trance. Fall under Daggy Man’s spell with this emotional record below. For more Daggy Man info and tracks, check out his official site here or SoundCloud here.

Cory Taylor Cox – “Trainwreck”

August 21, 2018

East Nashville rocker, Cory Taylor Cox, uncorks his latest and rousing single, “Trainwreck.” One half of a dual release, this tipsy track details the misadventures of an independent musician and will certainly induce drunken sing-a-longs. Cox’s intoxicating and tongue-in-cheek vocals are wonderful on the ears and laid over a spirited rock beat that will give your heart an adrenaline shot. Give it a listen below and crack open another cold one. Want more Cory Taylor Cox? Check out his Facebook here or Spotify here.