PLAZA, the UK post-indie four-piece, continues to raise their stock and expand an already impressive following with the release of their irreverent new single, “In the Know.” The track lulls you into a melodic trance with gentle riffs and soothing vocals before lashing out in a chorus filled with pent-up energy and frustration. It’s the shot of adrenaline your ears need, so give it a listen below and feel alive. Check out more PLAZA tunes on their SoundCloud here.
Budding San Francisco producer Maratta promotes a greater appreciation for the art of dance music in his single “Love’s For Real (feat. Kerry Reeve.)” This track is an homage to Maratta’s assortment of influences, from jazz, to house electronica, to disco. Citing inspiration across the board, including his native Seattle hip-hop, Michael Jackson, and Steely Dan, it’s no surprise that Maratta’s music crosses boundaries and genres in one fell swoop. His pulse on famed dance music of the past makes his music all the more impactful, bringing something both new and nostalgic to the production table that we don’t often see. Stay tuned to find out where Maratta’s next original release takes him.
Aussie electronic duo Juno Disco bridge genre gaps with their debut single “Do What You Want.” What starts off as tropical take on electro-funk quickly brings in hints of synthwave, indie pop, and house. If you consider yourself an electronic music skeptic, this song just might be the one to turn you. As the title suggests, “Do What You Want” is all about staying true to yourself and letting go, encapsulated through radiating synths, light percussion, and a buzzing bass line. The mellow vocals take a page out of the M83/Vampire Weekend textbook, combining rhythmic delivery with sweeping track layers. Take Juno Disco’s premiere release for a spin below – this isn’t a band you’ll want to sleep on.
Everyone loves a good concept album, right? In the age of the hit single, it’s often refreshing to see an artist put in the effort to mold a cohesive listening experience over several tracks. Miami’s Firstworld keeps the dream alive with an upcoming EP chronicling snapshots from each stage of a relationship. The EP features his premiere track “Space,” channeling some 80’s disco, psych pop, and early 2000s club scenes. The track gets its start with the help of thumping bass lines and pulsing synths, meeting brassy tones with ethereal clarity. It’s an invitation to tune out the rest of the world for the song’s nearly 6-minute duration. Our only recommendation is that you settle in for the ride. Tune in to “Space” below, and be on the lookout for the rest of Firstworld’s forthcoming EP, I’m Right Here.
Soulful 8-piece supergroup Miss Mojo lightens the mood with a video for their recently released track “Fly Me Up.” As the leading single from the band’s forthcoming debut full-length album, this song sets the tone for positive vibes and energy to last for miles. This is just about as feel-good as it gets, in a cocktail of pop, R&B, and jazz. The track’s video doesn’t stray far from the theme, featuring colorful landscapes and some vitalizing group dance numbers. “Fly Me Up” promises to brighten up even the darkest of days, so be sure to keep this track on file. Stay tuned for another upcoming single release and the band’s album Love in Time, due out on June 7th.
Tetra, Philly’s latest fuzz rock four-piece give a tongue and cheek take on relationships in the modern age with their debut single “Weekend.” Blending the virtuosity of psych rock with jazz-inspired swinging croons, the track has a little something for everyone underneath the thick haze of distortion. Clever and contradictory lyricism helps to convey some heavy underlying existentialism. The band puts it best, saying “The song is about asking that question — asking if the life we live is the life we want or the life we think we want. And how do you even begin to tell the difference?” Only time will tell what their next release will sound like, but there’s a good chance it’ll be a musing number wrapped up in a healthy dose of satire. Mull over the meaning of life, or just tune in for a raucous energy boost with “Weekend” below.
Djinn City came at us with a really unique jam called “Year.” Inspired by a traditional Tatar children’s rhyme, “Year” was specifically crafted to resemble a traditional Tatar pop record. We dig it because it’s truly a catchy track, full of funk, pop, and electronica influences, not to mention the romantic lyrical content. Give it a listen below. Djinn City has a Bandcamp page where you can purchase their music – you know what to do.
Mating Ritual has been a staple on buffaBLOG over the last few months, and for good reason. Their upcoming release, Light Myself On Fire, is full of fun, indietronica bangers; case in point, the title-track. The LA duo pairs retro drum-machine stutters with plucky guitar work and whistling synth leads. The resulting sparseness of the arrangement is profound – be sure to have a listen for yourself via the widget below. Light Myself On Fire, comes out May 4, 2018, via Smooth Jaws.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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[...]
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.