Latest Posts

Devantier Rain – “Melatonin”

May 2, 2025

German-Cameroonian artist Devantier Rain is back with another standout track, building off of the momentum of March’s “PHANTOM OF THE DRAMA.” Rain’s latest single “MELATONIN” compares the song’s namesake to his relationship. Is it time to stop putting up a fight; time to just accept that the night or relationship’s over? He begs the question “Tell me, we gon’ ride or die?” knowing that the answer’s clear to both parties. Rain’s smooth delivery remains a highlight — his slick voice delivering stories that have you hanging on each line. Check out more from Devantier on Spotify and Soundcloud, and check out his contributions to our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Thought Trials – EARTHRISE/GAIA

May 2, 2025

Buffalo post-metal act Thought Trials are here to blacken your heart with their latest, two-song EP/split, EARTHRISE/GAIA. If you’re expecting a quick, six-minute listen – think again… This quartet specializes in the kind of epic, meandering, atmospheric black metal that journeys on and on through a never ending abyss… or at least 17 minutes worth of the abyss.   Guttural vocals from singer Lauren Davis ring out angrily over drop-tuned guitars from Josh Martin and Erin Malone, while an epic drum performance from Chris Wall thunders underneath. Track one “EARTHRISE,” may be the archetypal Thought Trials song – it crescendos endlessly, with an epic (if aptly creepy) climax that cuts straight to the bone. “GAIA” shows the wide width of the band’s range, running the spectrum from ambient to crushing, channeling everything from Explosions in the Sky to Deafheaven along the way.   As with most sprawling and/or atmospheric projects, this[...]

The Master Mimic – “On Go!”

April 30, 2025

Mysterious emerging rapper The Master Mimic comes through with a KO on his first single – a relentless onslaught of bars titled “On Go!” Produced by Michigan beatmaker Enrgy Beats, “On Go!” is driven by its heavy bottom half, with accenting snares and a winding synth loop. Mimic finds countless pockets in the beat, hitting bars “Wilder than Deontay or LA Fires”as he switches subjects, targets, and punchlines with an effortless delivery. Sounding a bit like Zack Fox but influenced by the Detroit scene, The Master Mimic is definitely one to watch as his profiles add new tracks. Get in early. Listen to the Master Mimic on Spotify and check him out on our 2025 Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Pawl – “Bars”

April 30, 2025

“Bars” is the latest single from Paul Kraus, better known by his moniker Pawl, a clever phonetic pun on his first name. The track itself is a masterclass in how to craft a sly indie-pop song that gives a lot of different instrumentals time to shine (including a horn section!?). It builds up so nicely into a down tempo change that shows off some ole fashioned axe soloing (sweet and smooth bb).   Somehow, through all of the positively twee lyrics and feelings, the song ends on an even higher note than I thought possible. Speaking to the track Pawl had this to say:   “I wrote this song when I was thinking about how teenagers are dreading becoming boring adults…. [and] about how love can open someone up, and living in Bars is not a life.”   You can hear “Bars” on Spotify or from Apple Music.    [...]

Milo – Valve/Whatever

April 28, 2025

Newly minted Rochester-based act Milo has just released a debut, two-song EP called Valve/Whatever. Inspired by raw and emotive music (think Buffalo greats Lemuria or the late ’90s/early ’00s output from Rainer Maria or Rilo Kiley), their music is largely guitar driven with raw-but-endearing vocals. Their poetic and nuanced lyrics focus heavily on storytelling with a hint of attitude; so much so that these songs, especially their charming production value, will make you want to dust off your thick, black rimmed glasses and pull out your ratty Get Up Kids track jacket like you’re discovering your favorite 2nd wave emo bands all over again.   You can catch Milo live at their next show on June 13th at the Psychic Garden in Rochester. Until then, get acquainted with Valve/Whatever (April 18th, 2025) – available now via bandcamp (embedded below), or, via Spotify or Apple Music.   Valve/Whatever by Milo

Billy Bonbon – “Billy Bonbon”

April 28, 2025

“Billy Bonbon” is, in a rare occurrence, the newest (self-titled) track from indie three piece Billy Bonbon. We’re immediately greeted by a tight drum and bass formation that sets a post-punk mouthfeel, while eventually sliding into a low-fi groove. Clocking in at just over six minutes, this is very much a journey that we’re happy to go on. Billy Bonbon lets their instrumentals breathe and take center stage, which give it almost… a prog-adjacent vibe? Either way you slice it, lots of layers to peel back and enjoy here.   You can hear “Billy Bonbon” below from Soundcloud, as well as Spotify. If you’re into the visual representation of the track, the music video can be found on YouTube. While they have a small smattering of singles, this and the rest are worthy of your time and can be found in the aforementioned streaming platforms.   Billy Bonbon by Billy[...]

22° Halo – “Reward”

April 28, 2025

“Reward” is the latest single from 22° Halo and it listens like an indie lullaby you could easily play for your child or furry/scaly child (I see you, Alex). Delightful synth and the *most* gentle acoustic guitar play out with Kennedy’s subdued tones. The bedroom-pop vibes are impossibly twee and if you don’t fall in love with this track immediately you should get your pulse checked.   You can hear “Reward” below from Soundcloud. This is in support of of True Names, a compilation benefitting the Trans Youth Emergency Project, which helps families access gender-affirming care. Certainly a worthwhile cause to support and, while artists deserve our dollars a fuck-ton, so do the most vulnerable among us. If you’ve like what you’ve heard here the band’s 2024 album Lily of the Valley, for which “Reward” is a B-Side, is available for your listening pleasure on Soundcloud or Spotify.   Worry[...]

Codeko x Ella Poletti – “Keep Smiling”

April 25, 2025

Collaborators Codeko and Ella Poletti join forces to bring us their EDM track “Keep Smiling.” Codeko seems to produce the instrumentals and Poletti lends her vocals, something I’ve always been fascinated with when it comes to to EDM tracks; how the FUCK do you keep in time with SO MUCH GOING ON? Skittering percussion and pulsating instrumentals work together with chiming keyboards and Poletti’s hooky vocals to create something aurally interesting. I’ve seen different levels of live music but a DJ and emcee in sync is one of the most amazing musical spectacles. I could keep trying to describe what’s going on, but you’re better off just listening!   You can hear it below from Soundcloud or over on Spotify. You’ll be hard pressed to find a catchier tune, especially on such short notice. Rest assured, this will get your heart thumping on the dance floor or doing other aerobic[...]

Poster Girl – “I Wish”

April 25, 2025

“I Wish” is the latest single from Poster Girl, a Chicago based indie rock outfit. The most unfortunate thing about this track is that it’s only one of THREE that the band has released. Clearly this is a quality over quantity scenario, and this is only supposed to be about “I Wish,” but that was an important point to make; this band has only three songs and they knock all of ’em outta the park.   The guitar work is simple yet effective, meshing with light piano and vocals from singer Makayla Meister. Appropriately mournful while looking back on past regrets, it’s four minutes of bliss that you’ll be happy you spent time on.   You can hear (and see, via visualizer) “I Wish” on YouTube, Apple Music, or over on Spotify. If you enjoyed this track as I did, you can also hear the pun-tastically named “Bored Games” and[...]

Howzen – “Blind Test”

April 24, 2025

Rising rapper Howzen’s parlayed his passion for drumming into a full-fledged hip hop hobby, showing off his talent on his latest track “Blind Test.” There’s not a vocal style Howzen won’t mix in — on “Blind Test” he’s singing, rapping, and using some tasteful autotune as he discusses his ancestors and his relationship with his faith. “Blind Test” respects the grind, as Howzen calls out on the chorus “All wanna know what’s next, but it’s about the mindset.” The track’s production includes some powerful string parts featuring violin and harp, supplemented by a floating gothic vocal sample. It’s a good motivational track for your grindset/mindset playlists. You can listen to more from Howzen on Spotify, Apple Music, or on our Rising Hip Hop Playlist. 

Kai Bosch – “Popstar Of Your Dreams”

April 23, 2025

We’re Kai Bosch stans here at buffaBLOG (see here, here, and here), but at this point, can you blame us? The alt pop luminary has had a legendary output with no signs of stopping – evidenced by his latest offering, “Popstar Of Your Dreams.” A pulsating electro bass gets the blood pumping while Bosch’s effervescent vocals paint a scintillating picture. This is by all measures a flamboyant and unapologetic pop song, but Bosch knows when to let his emotions fly too.   Kai Bosch has you covered – “Popstar Of Your Dreams” is up now on Spotify, Apple Music, and even Deezer.   Kai Bosch · Popstar of Your Dreams

Why Dogs Why – “Play The Hits”

April 19, 2025

Why can’t more bands be like Why Dogs Why and just PLAY THE HITS. Tongue-in-cheek statement or not, their latest song of the same name certainly doesn’t sound like something you’d hear on the radio, but we’re in love with it regardless. This Californian quartet tout this jam as their longest composition to date and its a stunning listen all the way through. With a sexy indie rock progression that dabbles just a bit into Midwest emo, we find the band singing “Dance monkey, dance away” as a metaphor for feeling pressured to behave in a certain way. Get into your feels and let this one sink in deep the next time your boss pisses you off.   Sample “Play The Hits” via the YouTube embed below – Spotify and Apple Music are good to go too.  

PUSH – “wexler”

April 19, 2025

Do you miss Pinback? I know I do (even if they aren’t actually broken up) – and PUSH is scratching that “Penelope” itch with their latest single, “wexler.” The band purposely keeps things raw and intimate with an acoustic guitar backbone and breathy vocals, bolstered by gentle drumming and ghostly sighs of synth. This song is about “solitude, connection, and the weight of memory,” which are the essential ingredients of any existential crisis. If you’re like us and are constantly wavering on the edge of an existential breakdown, turn on “wexler” the next time you’re staring blankly at your ceiling and simply vibe it out. It worked for me!   Find “wexler” on YouTube below (with a helpful lyric visualizer) or on your favorite streaming service – Spotify or Apple Music.  

Red Sun 1981 – “Walking in a Daydream”

April 18, 2025

Red Sun 1981 may tout themselves as lo-fi dreampop act (and they’d mostly be correct), but we think they’re underselling themselves a little bit with that classification. A listen through their latest single, “Walking in a Daydream,” is the aural equivalent of literally walking in a perfectly-produced daydream. Swirling synths surround you like you’re sinking into a bed while sighing vocals support your woozy head like the fluffiest pillows known to man. All the while, punchy drum machine hits carry the song along at a perfect tempo. There’s plenty of room in Buffalo for refreshing and gauzy synth acts like RS81, so get used to hearing about them.   Get acquainted with this fantastic new song via the bandcamp embed below.   Walking in a Daydream [Single] by Red Sun 1981

DEAD PERRY ft. P-Dirt, Raz Fresco and Daniel San – “’83 Canadian Hollow Tip”

April 17, 2025

If you’re like me, there’ve been a few hundred times you’ve been browsing for something to watch, and  you’ve stopped and read the description for the Tom Hardy biographical drama “Bronson.” Ultimately, you, like me, opted out of watching this movie despite its approachable runtime, curious central figure and relatively positive reviews. This was a good decision by us. It kept us out of the crosshairs of Bay Area Hip Hop producer DEAD PERRY and his friends. The latest track from the NorCal mainstay features cold, deliberate production, strong verses from P-Dirt and Daniel San, an immediately catchy hook from Raz Fresco, and a big fat @ sign for anyone who’s attended a “Bronson” watch party. Not me, losers! “’83 Hollow Tip” is infused with the personality of each performer and DEAD PERRY’s icy beat locks them all into place. Check out “’83 Canadian Hollow Tip” wherever you listen to[...]