Latest Posts

Francis – “All I Want”

April 12, 2018

Swedish indie veterans, Francis, resurface and drop off their enchantingly atmospheric new single, “All I Want.” Their latest pop track features singer Petra Mases’ gentle and compelling vocals leading the sounds of rhythmic riffs, lucid keys and punchy percussions like a fresh stream running through a lush, tranquil forest. This combination ebbs and flows, starting somberly and building to an invigorating and sunny harmony that’s emotionally arresting from start to finish. Give it a listen, or several, below. For more Francis tracks and videos, check out their official site here or follow them on Spotify here.

Yellow House Drop Fuzzy New EP

April 12, 2018

Yellow House have been a buffaBLOG favorite since their 2016 debut. After a short period of inactivity, the self-proclaimed “overblown shoegaze” act is back, boasting the blend of shoegaze-meets-punk-meets-emo that we’ve all come to love and expect from them. Their latest offering is entitled III, a four-song EP that is as refreshingly simple as it is mysterious. III was recorded across two sessions across the spring and winter of 2017 and finds the duo chasing a more vocally driven mix than its predecessors… The songs explore themes of nostalgia, hopelessness, and existentialism, case-in-point, EP opener “Walking Away.” In a minute-and-a-half of fuzzed-out guitar riffs, drums, singer/songwriter Matt DiStasio sings about feeling empty-headed and unmotivated. Similar vibes can be found on EP closer, “On Sunday.” Beneath the crunchy tones and smart riffing, it’s clear DiStasio is battling the ennui of day-to-day drabness. EP highlight “Montana” is a bit more nuanced, bringing to[...]

Morning Wars – “Runaway”

April 11, 2018

Syracuse four-piece, Morning Wars, is back with the new single, “Runaway,” a raucous alt-rock track that will leave you chasing streetcars and adventure. After forming in 2016 in the dorms of Syracuse University, Morning Wars developed their distinct sound by peppering alternative melodies with surfer and psych rock sensibilities. The results, as heard in their latest release, play to the curiosity of open horizons, especially with founder and vocalist Marc Ramos’ grandiose voice egging you on. So grab your hobo bindle and a can of beans and give it a listen below. Drift on over to Morning Wars’ SoundCloud here for more tracks.

Foresteater – “Pretend Land”

April 9, 2018

Phoenix, AZ’s singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Mikey Pro, brings us “Pretend Land,” a sugary and delightful new single from his candygrunge act, Foresteater. The track features bubblegummy, yet despondent vocals floating over a tie dyed smorgasbord of pop-rock melodies that crest with an irreverent sing-a-long chorus making for a catchy, ironic listen. Indulge your sweet tooth and schedule a trip to the dentist with this cavity-causing tune below. Skip over to Foresteater’s website here or SoundCloud here for more tracks and videos.

Jet Rewind – “Stereo”

April 8, 2018

Stockholm’s Jet Rewind dish out indie rock reminiscent of a simpler time in “Stereo.” With a moniker derived from a VCR function, this band is clearly in touch with the glory of the past, adding a rose colored tint to that old school roll of film. This track centers on the idea of letting loose and giving in to the feeling, outlined by clarion guitar tremolos, binding bass lines, and steam powered drum fills. It’s a freeing concept that can’t help but shine through in the song’s orchestration via ascending vocal melody lines and luminous instrumentals. Get a feel for the track below, Jet Rewind’s second single released via Admirable Traits Records.

Rally Club – “Space”

April 7, 2018

The story of San Diego band Rally Club is about as wholesome as they come, formed organically out of a college camaraderie of being that guy with a guitar at a party. Several years and a couple more bandmates later, Rally Club have moved from their cheap beer-fueled cover band days to a full-fledged indie rock touring outfit. Their resulting sound is somewhere in the realm of lo-fi, garage, and surf rock. This is all showcased in their single “Space,” harnessing tin can vocal harmonies, jangly guitar lines, and peppy drum set work. The track comes from a series of demos that were spruced up and stitched together by bandmate Christopher John, unveiling the true essence of Rally Club to the world amidst the project’s revamp. Touching on topics of youthful indiscretions and muddling through your twenties, this is the type of feel-good track that appeals to your nostalgic side[...]

Someone – “Chain Reaction”

April 7, 2018

Pop songstress Tessa Rose Jackson wrangles anonymity and a fresh start in her newest project, Someone. After years of working in TV and film composition, Jackson trades in her quirky singer-songwriter pop sensibilities for transcendent production and an innovative dose of synthesizer. Her latest single, “Chain Reaction,” showcases the evolution of TRJ into Someone, combining the best of her acclaimed tracks from shows like New Girl that we all know and love, with her expertly-layered production and the kind of refinement that can only come with age. This track in particular is a testament to her evolution, dipping into streams of psychedelia and artpop influence. Get a taste of the track below, and follow up with the rest of Someone’s recently released EP Chain Reaction.

kvlt daddy releases new album Bones Buried

April 5, 2018

Bones Buried, the new album from kvlt daddy, is a gripping listen—something for which you must buckle in and brace yourself. The introductory track, “Salt,” is laden with hardcore, heavy metal-influenced riffage, a constant throughout the album. It’s a characteristic, however, that doesn’t run dry in the slightest, and that’s not owing to Bones Buried being a quick listen. The same would surely be said had this been a 60-minute-long endeavor. The greatness of this Syracuse trio’s sound lies directly in the overflowing energy that presides over it. The distortion-filled, lightning-fast instrumentals are met with vocals categorizable more so as the kind you might find in a garage rock or alternative band—they certainly don’t rely on screaming as much as other heavy-sounding bands, that is. Given this, the group should be filed, or rather put on top-shelf display, somewhere between Tool and Queens of the Stone Age (a high compliment).[...]

Polychrome – “Final Kiss”

April 4, 2018

East-London’s Polychrome dive headfirst into the synth-dominated cinematic pop scene with their debut single, “Final Kiss.” Blending the picturesque production stylings of M83 with the tender vocal delivery of Rostam, the newly formed partnership stretches its legs, providing a fresh take on an increasingly saturated side of the genre. Coming together in the wake of former projects’ success is never easy, but both Oliver (of The Bronze Medallists,) and Victoria (of Victoria and Jacob) seem to pool their past triumphs and expertise to create a truly moving and dynamic listening experience. The two have no trouble finding the sweet spot between bubbly electropop and spacey dreampop, setting the tone of the track as delicate and electrifying all at once. Only time will tell what mood they conjure up next, and luckily the wait shouldn’t be too long with a debut album on the horizon. Until then, get a taste of what Polychrome has[...]

Dead Sea – “Know Where”

April 4, 2018

French four-piece Dead Sea carve another notch in their single-releasing bedpost with their latest cosmic number, “Know Where.” This band of Parisians combines seeping synth lines and cavernous percussion with beaming guitars and feather-soft vocals, toeing the line between invigorating artpop and spacey shoegaze. As their third single to date, Dead Sea take on a sunny, buoyant approach to stage their cacophony of sound. If this troupe is predicting the future of indie pop hits, we’re liking the direction this is heading. Follow Dead Sea on their way with “Know Where” below and find more from the band here.

Jon Lewis Band Drops New Video off Get Wild Somewhere

April 3, 2018

Rochester group Jon Lewis Band are back with some new music. After having released eight studio albums in just four years, the indie rock’n rollers are hitting early 2018 with yet another release, slated for May. In anticipation of the the new record, titled Get Wild Somewhere, they have released their first single “Cinnamon Only,” along with a music video. The track is a straight ahead rocker in a minor key, with deep distortion and a firm low end. There is a funky clavinet-like keyboard that is peppered throughout that balances against the guitars, reminiscent of psych-rock sounds from the late ’60s-early ’70s. Lewis’ mid range lead vocals are smooth and land right on top of the whole mix. There’s a good blend of classic and modern rock, with a slight griminess to it, too; essentially its Tom Petty meets Wilco with a splash of Primus. Check out the music[...]

nomad – “2 flares”

April 2, 2018

“2 flares,” a fresh-off-the-presses single from New Zealand indie pop band Nomad, is charged up with a certain undeniable zest crossbred with the radio-friendly hooks of Bastille with the raw emotion of The National. The song begins by giving off the feel of a somber piano ballad. Then, in a flash, it blossoms into a fast-paced tune that harnesses an arena-ready energy. If you needed an exhibit of this band’s dexterity as musicians, look no further than “2 flares,” found below.  

New Shack – “Bit Map”

April 2, 2018

The ravishing new single “Bit Map” by Utah-based duo New Shack invokes excitement and a parcel of nostalgia through fluttering flourishes of synthesizer. They hearken back to the 1980s new wave movement, only with more introspective undertones, this being the reason they label their sound “darkwave.” The track, with its influences abounding, manages to sound remarkably modern, perhaps with the help of lyrics about losing a GPS, leaving the narrator unable to find their home address. Cat Leavy’s vocals here are gentle but affecting and full of emotion, while the instrumental backing goes back and forth between a peppy, in-your-face groove and a gorgeous soundscape. New Shack has supported Glass Animals live and garnered a notable live following of their own, along with acclaim propelled by the likes of numerous blogs and publications. Check out “Bit Map,” off their upcoming EP Ways and Means, below:

LCAW – “Meet In the Middle”

April 2, 2018

LCAW’s “Meet In the Middle” is a testament to the German producer’s knack for making a danceable and fresh electro-pop record—the allure that has attracted him growing industry attention. Off the 4-song EP of the same name, the track unfolds with angelic guest vocals, a rousing rhythm and a bouncing keyboard line. Be sure to snap along for yourself to this eminently catchy tune, featured below:

Glassio – “Back For More”

March 31, 2018

Indie duo Glassio’s “Back For More” is about as polished and magical as synth-pop gets. The track is full of life, backed by deep, affecting splashes and soaring, majestic trickles of keyboard. Beyond the musical sense, this New York City-based act strikes a chord emotionally with their new track. “Back For More” concerns the unsure feeling and loss of hope derived from a relationship hitting the rocks and ending for good, a relatable but still hard-to-swallow dilemma. Glassio, the partnership of Sam R. and Charles Pinel, also has a number of sold-out shows under their belts and an Internet-rooted following behind them. It’s no surprise either, as surveying their new track will reveal. Check out “Back For More” down below.