Latest Posts

Are You Having Fun Yet – “High as a concept”

May 2, 2018

Our friends in Scandinavia have acquired quite a reputation for both happy people and catchy electropop, and for good reason. Norway’s Are You Having Fun Yet doesn’t stray far from the status quo, pumping out vibey indie pop to lull us into complacency with their single “High as a concept.” Matching the vocal delicacy of indie crooners like Alvvays’ Molly Rankin or The Japanese House’s Amber Bain with enveloping synths and chipper percussion, the trio sets a dreamy tone while toeing the line between alt pop and shoegaze. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this track popping up all over the college radio airwaves in the coming year. Settle in for “High as a concept” below, and keep an ear to the ground for the release of their debut album. Here’s hoping for a swift follow up.

Parker – “Windmaker”

May 2, 2018

Energetic alt-rock duo Parker may have only recently made their recorded debut, but their self titled EP is nothing to sneeze at. The band’s standout track, “Windmaker,” harnesses that feel-good joviality that conjures images of a warm day with the windows rolled down. Laced with guitar fuzz, the song takes up a sturdy bassline and churning percussion alongside infectious vocal harmonies. The resulting product is a fresh sip of summertime bottled up and distributed for your listening convenience. Get a taste for the first release from Parker, and check out the remaining four tracks here.

Andrew Younker – “Oracle Girl”

May 2, 2018

Jangle-popper Andrew Younker is sure to captivate your mind with the ethereal vibes on his latest LP, Well Wishes. We’re highlighting the pensiveness of “Oracle Girl,” which pairs a frantic, electronic drumbeat with ghostly synth textures and Younker’s reverb-drenched vocals. Stick around for the dope synth breakdown mid-song. Well Wishes is available via Bandcamp for a very affordable price. Well Wishes by Andrew Younker

The Ninth Wave – “Swallow Me”

May 2, 2018

Gothy, 80s vibes permeate this new track from Glasgow quartet The Ninth Wave. “Swallow Me” dives deeply into the darker side of human nature, exploring all the nooks and crannies of a manipulative relationship through reverb-laden drums and sharp, vintage synth work. About the tellingly-named track, The Ninth Wave says: “For the victim, the realization of the situation they are in is hard to swallow…”  Like what you hear? Buy it here.

Lonely Benson – “Let It Go”

May 2, 2018

Lonely Benson is all about crafting music to relax to – case in point, his new single “Let It Go.” Boasting beachy vibes, groovy guitar work, and modulated vocals, this feel-good-jam is perfect for the burgeoning warm weather. Benson’s million+ streams on Spotify don’t lie – give “Let It Go” a spin, sit back, and enjoy. Lonely Benson has a Bandcamp – be sure to swing by if you’re interested.

Darth Nater – A Century Ago

April 30, 2018

Buffalo-based singer-songwriter Nate Noworyta is back with another release under the stage name Darth Nater. Titled A Century Ago, it is his 7th overall release of solo material through this outlet. The new record spins tales inspired by people, places, and events from the year 1917. Musically, A Century Ago is a varied tapestry, weaving elements of folk, Americana, pop, rock, jazz and even emo sounds. Acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele all engage in passages of melodic, proficient, energetic and stirring instrumental interplay, adding up to a perfect collision of traditional folk instrumentation and contemporary alt. rock riffing. Drums and electric guitar make occasional appearances to supply heft, while flourishes of clarinet, flute and trumpet show up to adorn the surfaces. The vocals are slightly wild, yet smooth and polished, like early 2000s emo. When paired with the acoustic instrumentation, the overall sound is reminiscent of groups like AJJ[...]

River Whyless – “Born in the Right Country”

April 27, 2018

North Carolina folk four-piece, River Whyless, stop by with the topical first single off their upcoming album, Kindness, A Rebel. Featuring a lighthearted folk-rock beat with spirited vocals, “Born in the Right Country” is a track about class division and the struggles of chasing the American Dream that everyone can relate to. Take a break from the rat race and kick back with this thought-provoking listen below. Kindness, A Rebel is out June 8th and available for pre-order here. River Whyless will be touring all summer and making a stop in Buffalo on June 19th. For tickets and dates, check out their official website here.

Hit Bargain – “Hell Is Real”

April 26, 2018

Los Angeles punk rockers Hit Bargain’s “Hell Is Real” comes at you with breakneck speed and its power in full bloom. The guitar line running through the track is remarkably catchy, while every other role being played here is fulfilled to unflinching, magnificent effect. Listen to the track below:

okaywill – “pretend”

April 26, 2018

okaywill’s new track “pretend” is certifiably a choice cut. The tune balances its heaviness instrumentally, brought on by popping drums and penetrating bass, with a gentle, angelic vocal presence. Listen to “pretend” below:

Iain Belcher – “Becomes Us”

April 26, 2018

Iain Belcher creates a wave of relaxation with the down-to-earth alternative rock glory of “Becomes Us.” Shades of Real Estate and Modest Mouse abounding, the song is perfect for a warm-weather hangout. The lyrics fit the mood, acting as abstract visions and phrases that could be interpreted freely, like the sway of the song’s melody. The last 30 seconds change the tone a bit, offering up an eerie but interesting conclusion that takes the listener back into reality after three minutes of utter bliss. Check out “Becomes Us,” from the album Clear Future, below: Clear Future by Iain Belcher

The Hats – “Nobody Does It Like We Do”

April 26, 2018

“Nobody Does It Like We Do,” a new track from The Hats, carries the torch of great training montage soundtracks, with a dramatic and retro-sounding opening of keyboard and guitar that would get anyone pumped up. The song transitions into a section of computerized wonder, with automated vocals bringing in a more modern spin about a minute into the runtime. “Nobody Does It Like We Do” doesn’t contain much variation or progression throughout in regards to its melody, but no matter—the feel is beyond exhilarating and doesn’t ever even remotely close to the territory of boredom. Listen to this riveting jam below:

Julien Earle – “The Ones”

April 26, 2018

Julien Earle, an up-and-coming house producer from Washington, D.C., has recently let the public in on a new tune entitled “The Ones.” The song sustains an effervescent vibe despite lyrics of heartbreak and hatred. Chopped-up and pitch-altered vocal samples run in abundance here and give the track extra character, as do the crisp beat drops featured throughout. Check out “The Ones” below:

Tonight: Beams

April 26, 2018

Tonight Canadian rockers Beams will pack a punch for their show at Mohawk Place. Fresh off the release of their second full-length album Teach Me to Love, the Toronto group has polished up an energy-laden sound best described as psychedelic rock mixed with indie folk and perhaps a small glimpse into the world of bluegrass—the implementation of a banjo works it ever so slightly toward that direction. Beams will be accompanied by the smooth-as-silk but heavy-hitting brand of Buffalo’s dreambeaches and the masterful cello stylings of Katie Weissman. Doors at 7pm with $7 admission. Teach Me to Love by Beams

Favor – “Chocolate Cheekbone”

April 25, 2018

Copenhagen’s very own, Favor, brings us the epileptic visuals for his brand new neon-pop track “Chocolate Cheekbone.” Inspired by 80’s dance hits, this throwback tune features infectious sing-a-long vocals and sugar high synths straight out of a club filled with bad haircuts and bad fashion. Push the perm away from your ears and feast your peepers on the video below. You can find more of Favor’s synth pop singles on Spotify here.

Desert Liminal – “Kate Has”

April 24, 2018

Chicago’s synth and drum duo, Desert Liminal, make us lonely with their gloomy new minimalist dark wave single, “Kate Has.” Singer/keyboardist Sarah Jane Quillin’s moody, resonant vocals sprawl over Rob Logan’s anxious drums and down-in-the-dumps ambient tones that rumble the bones. This woeful track will hit you right in the feels, but it’s beautiful and well worth the listen. Pop a Xanax and check it out below. Desert Liminal’s debut LP, Static Thick, is available via BandCamp here and be sure to throw them a like on Facebook here.