Latest Posts

Weslee – “Bathwater”

October 1, 2017

United Kingdom based Weslee just dropped a new visual for their single “Bathwater.” The single reached number 4 on the Hype Machine Chart and currently has over 510,000 Spotify streams, with support from Mistajam and Annie Mac on Radio 1. Weslee’s music video first came about through photos taken by Weslee’s front woman Emma. The video portrays a woman in numerous situations with water while the video boomerangs back and forth with each take. Check out the video for “Bathwater” via YouTube.

Luces – “Soak”

October 1, 2017

House group Luces comes out strong with their first release “Soak.” Artists Plastic Plates and Amtrac came together to form Luces as a collaborative project. “Soak” released through Amtrac’s label OPENERS. The single brings a ton of different textures throughout the track. There is heavy synth use and a deep bass-filled sound to the track. Many of the lays of the track mesh together to form a danceable beat. Touches from both Plastic Plates and Amtrac come out in the track, so you get a sense of balance with each artist’s style. Listen to “Soak” below via SoundCloud.

Zan Strumfeld – Book of Belonging

September 29, 2017

It has been a bit a journey for singer-songwriter Zan Strumfeld to get to her latest release. The new effort, Book of Belonging, was written after the dissolving of a long term relationship this past winter. The Troy-based artist had been on a hiatus from music since releasing two EPs in 2013. Working as a full-time writer, Strumfeld was thrust back into the world of songwriting this year as the story of her heartbreak unexpectedly presented itself in album form. Book of Belonging was recorded in a living room with the assistance of a small, tight band; only a light peppering of upright bass, acoustic guitars and percussion round out these arrangements. Having been recorded on an 8-track, there is an added warmth and intimacy to the album; a warmth that provides respite when paired with the wintery nature of Strumfeld’s words. The mixing is precise and focused, putting every[...]

Wild Things Return with “Don’t Wanna Feel It”

September 28, 2017

“I’m always on the fence about love / How am I supposed to get some / When I’m always close to my heart / Tell me something I wanna know / Don’t make me give you my all / I’ll fuck it up just show,” Wild Things’ vocalist Ben Cain sings at the outset of new single “Don’t Wanna Feel It,” overtop a driving bass beat, though the best of the track is still to come. It doesn’t take too long for the song’s massive hook to take over, leaving the listener awash in dance floor-ready synths, squeaky clean guitar tones, soaring vocals and plenty of ‘nah nah, nah nah’ call-and-response bliss. “It’s getting harder and harder to fight the fear and the desire,” Cain waxes later on, before the song’s big hook takes hold once again. “Don’t Wanna Feel It” is a fun-as-hell pop banger, but rest assured, once[...]

George Hollow – “Nature”

September 26, 2017

George Hollow released a glitchy new video for his single “Nature.” The video deviates from the polished style of “Yippee Kai Yi Yay” and leans towards experimental elements and video techniques. Kasper brings a heavy beat that brings the essence of horror rap to the forefront. Hollow does his part by switching up to a faster flow that hits as hard as the deep bass on the beat.  Check out the video for “Nature” below via YouTube.

Bien – “Satellites”

September 26, 2017

Nashville-based trio Bien dropped their single “Satellites” to promote their second EP Electric Dream earlier this month.  Composed of songwriters Jessie Early, Angela Lauer and Tim Lauer, the group have driven their focus into the world of pop music. “Satellites” thrives on its mixture of organic and analog elements. The vocals are full-bodied and heartfelt, giving the song soul in the process. In addition, The slight sound of the strings mixed with the analog elements of the song creates a balance between old and new.  Check out “Satellites” below via SoundCloud.

SMUG Drop New Video “Swearing At You”

September 26, 2017

At the Flaming Lips with Mac DeMarco show the other night I was talking with a respectable citizen and elected union official who lamented to me that he’d read something on the Internet about how today’s youth don’t engage in the coming of age shenanigans previous generations did. Sneaking beers, getting into low level trouble and other forms of teen rebellion has apparently gone out of style and been replaced by other pursuits… but it still happens, and it should be celebrated, like it is in the new clip and single from SMUG. The former Naturalists are up to no good, and “Swearing At You,” directed and edited by fellow buffaBLOG writer Shauna Kyle and Del Paxton’s Greg McClure,  is fun in all caps, and a reminder that some of the youth, including the kids at the Lips show, are all right.

M.A.G.S. – S/T

September 25, 2017

Our city’s been waiting on this one for a while now. We now have a full-length from M.A.G.S. I repeat: a full length from M.A.G.S. It’s been two and a half years since the band’s debut EP Cellophane made waves in the local scene and beyond, solidifying frontman Elliott Douglas’ status as the posterchild of local indie rock. Between then and now, M.A.G.S. has played a truckload of shows, landed licensing deals, and amassed a sizeable following on social media. Now with their self-titled debut album under their belts, there’s not much that can stop the M.A.G.S. train. Album opener “Real Talk” is a fast and furious blast of garage rock with an energy level to parallel “My Love,” one of the best tracks off of Cellophane (and most popular songs to date). Not surprisingly, “My Love” has been re-recorded and included on the full-length. M.A.G.S. seems to be in[...]

Redwood Skyline – “The River”

September 22, 2017

San Francisco-based band Redwood Skyline recently released their powerhouse of a second single, “The River.” Drawing in the best of folk, rock, and pop, the four-piece cite an array of influences from The Avett Brothers to Modest Mouse. “The River” highlights twangy vocals, sharp guitar lines, and rolling percussion in a way that’s both homey and striking. This track is all about contrasts, meeting gravelly and crystal-clear vocals, and light distortion with walking basslines. Tune in to “The River” below, and keep an eye out for more from Redwood Skyline.

Freedom Fry – “Party Down”

September 22, 2017

Los Angeles’ own Freedom Fry are keeping the ball rolling with another track off their recently released EP, “Party Down.” Taking cues from the indie pop greats like Passion Pit and Grouplove, the duo set the vibe with bright rhythm guitar, glowing synth lines, and energizing vocals. It’s a surrounding experience, touching all bases with expert track layering and engaging interplay among both vocalists. “Party Down” is the kind of track that’s hard to get enough of, and luckily there’s more where this came from with Strange Attraction, out now and available everywhere.

Opal People – “2 Channel”

September 22, 2017

London’s Opal People bring their track “2 Channel” to life with the help of Ruf Dig in their recent music video release. The band blends together synthpop and lo-fi for a uniquely enticing sound, featuring soaring choruses and tropical/dance influence. The video plays up the effect with a psychedelic backdrop of warped imagery, neon colors, and intermittent subtitles. On the video, director Ruf Dig comments, “I don’t really understand it myself – sometimes it’s best not to question these things. All I know is Opal People changed my life.” Allow Opal People to change your life too with their video for “2 Channel” below.

Seazoo – “Shoreline”

September 22, 2017

Welsh quintet Seazoo head up their looming album release with a second single, “Shoreline.” The band melds jangly guitar lines with strident synths and an energetic beat with precision, staying true to their DIY background while still standing out as polished indie pop. Taking cues from acts like Super Furry Animals, Grandaddy, and Yo La Tengo, Seazoo channel a rosy lightheartedness that’s akin to worry-free fun in the sun and impossible to sit still through. Keep tabs on this band as they build up momentum towards their approaching debut album release, set for this November.

Des – “Don’t You Worry”

September 22, 2017

Long Island indie pop newcomer Des brings the electronic spirit to alternative with a video for his single “Don’t You Worry.” As the latest brainchild of long-time songwriter Mike Desmond, Des’ work underlines catchy choruses and enduring hooks, adding some synth-driven sparkle to running bass lines and slick drum tracks. The video takes on the fuzzy aesthetic of old VHS home videos mixed with the kaleidoscopic whimsy of a green screen – definitely an experience for the eyes. “Don’t You Worry” comes from Des’ recently released debut EP Eighty-Six, where you can find more major-league melodies like this one.

GGOOLLDD – “Excelsior Springs”

September 20, 2017

Milwaukee-based GGOOLLDD gives powerful synthpop vibes on their newly released “Excelsior Springs.” The single comes off the band’s debut EP TEETH, which will be out in December via Roll Call Records. Coming off two sold-out shows at Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee, the band is currently in the midst of a North American tour. “Excelsior Springs” provides the basis for the roots of synthpop. There’s gentle synth work throughout the song, ranging from the catchy chorus to the solo towards the end of the single that drives at a peaceful tone. Listen to “Excelsior Springs” below via SoundCloud.

Joshua Moriarty – “All I Want Is You”

September 20, 2017

Joshua Moriarty of Miami Horror released his brand new track “All I Want Is You,” a single from his solo project War Is Over. The first single “R.T.F.L.” strayed away from the influences of Miami Horror and focused on newer pop influences. While the first single serves as a change in style, “All I Want Is You” comes as a return to Miami Horror’s influences. The dance-able disco vibes set the stage for Moriarty’s falsetto. While there are influences from the group, Moriarty expanded his creativity and add new depth to his music. Check it out below.