Latest Posts

Big Brody Ode – “Lost & Found”

August 3, 2026

There’s something about a posse cut that locks me in every time. Who has the best line? Sickest flow? Most memorable verse? Each listen offers a new take, someone new at the top spot. We’ve got a new one to explore here from Toronto rapper Big Brody Ode. ” “Lost & Found,” originally released as a bonus track on Ode’s debut mixtape, moves quickly from emcee to emcee, as each of them quickly settles into the laid-back jams of producer Drum Fu. If you’re into the “Kool Aid and Frozen Pizza” instrumental, you’re definitely going to rock with this one. Anyway, there are two handfuls of artists to sort through here, each offering a different take on this summery tune. Give it a listen and choose your favorite. “Lost & Found” features a slew of talented underground and rising artists; make sure you click around the credits on Spotify. While[...]

Master Peace – “Sucker Punch”

August 3, 2026

Sometimes you just gotta put on some sultry alt-pop to get your blood churning, and that’s exactly what we think you’ll like about Master Peace’s latest offering, “Sucker Punch.” Beyond the great “If I don’t love you, who will?” aspect being dug into on the lyrical content here, “Sucker Punch” is a master class in alt pop songwriting. Classy enough to throw on a party at your parents house, but deep enough to spend more than a second pondering the poetry within, “Sucker Punch” is the best of both… or rather all worlds.   Check out “Sucker Punch” via YouTube below.    

ISHMAEL – “NEW PICASSO”

July 30, 2026

He’s got a style all his own, but this new track from Rochester-rooted artist ISHMAEL is reminding us of someone. “NEW PICASSO” is properly named, as both ISHMAEL’s vocal delivery and production choices draw parallels to a certain Pablo-influenced emcee during his less offensive, more acclaimed era. The Kanye influence comes through in the varied vocal stylings, varying from aggressively in-your-face to delicate autotune falsetto. Its production through-lines are exciting as well, with powerful bass lines countered with a chorus of heavenly harmonies. An extended outro brings it home, gradually punctuating one of the elaborate and impressive hip hop structures we’ve heard so far this year. If you’re feeling ISHMAEL give him a listen on Spotify. While you’re there, peep our Best Underground Hip Hop of 2026 playlist updated with vibrant new artists every single week.

King’s Evil – “King’s Evil”

July 28, 2026

King’s Evil wrote a song called “King’s Evil.” What a power move.   Beyond that, “King’s Evil” is actually a pretty chill indie rocker with elements of ’90s-coded slacker rock peeking through. Whirly and squiggly synths pepper this one with a lot of Casio-tone flavor, while plucky guitar twangs charmingly and heady bass licks peek through. “Pavement-fed” is the way they self-identify and I’d say that’s a pretty apt descriptor – stick around for the devil-may-care attitude but dig deep into the masterfully disguised ennui.   “King’s Evil” is available on Bandcamp, embedded below.   King’s Evil by King’s Evil

Great Klons – “Hidden Signage”

July 27, 2026

Great Klons get all twangy and swirly on their latest single, “Hidden Signage.” Plucky guitar, disassociated vocals, and a singing fiddle characterize this song, falling somewhere between bedroom-pop, twee, and slacker rock. With lyrics that touch on “nostalgia for the days of crashing out of a major city,” this one feels like a clarion cry for the halcyon days – perhaps experienced from a front porch or a lonely hammock somewhere in the woods. Put this one on if you want to chill out, or at your next backyard BBQ with the fam back home.   “Hidden Signage” can be streamed via Soundcloud (embedded below), or, on Spotify.   Great Klons · 04 Hidden Signage

Flywheel – “Stop Looking at Her”

July 27, 2026

Cork-based act Flywheel bring their psychedelic-influenced shoegaze to your ears with their latest offering, “Stop Looking at Her.” The song itself is driven largely by a droning guitar note and equally spacey vocals. The song eventually opens up into a tremolo-laced chorus that’s layered thick with heady guitar tones, taming the psych-tinges and leaning more into aggressive indie rock tendencies. It’s haunting, mesmerizing, and one of those songs you feel like you know the first time you listen to it… Which we love.   You can find “Stop Looking at Her” on Soundcloud (below) and on Spotify.   Flywheel · Stop Looking At Her

Rahseed Defoe – “Magic Water”

July 25, 2026

Swedish rapper Rahseed Defoe is a boom bap artist using the art form to connect people to places, ideas and communities. His latest track explores the ripples below the surface of certain places that make their people act differently. We may not know why, but we know where. In Defoe’s words, “Some cities have something in the water. Something that affects both body and mind … This song is about such a city.” Hooligans and shenanigans in pursuit of making it upriver. The cut features a snappy piano loop and outros with an awesome scratching session that looks like it’s the work of featured artist Tompa T. If you’re feeling “Magic Water,” give Defoe a follow on Spotify so you can track his upcoming releases. This track also appears on our Best Underground Hip Hop of 2026 Playlist and we update that jawn every week so you should check it[...]

Lane – “Love is in the Rain”

July 24, 2026

Lane is carrying the torch for all those weird, angular, kinda-post-punk, kinda-emo bands that you’ve always loved – we suggest you start with their latest, “Love is in the Rain.” Falling somewhere between The Dismemberment Plan, Pinback, and Pile, “Love is in the Rain” is slightly discordant, but in a melodic kind of way. A talk-radio effect on the vocals keeps them subdued while the bass and guitar riffs wrestle for the forefront. It’s one of those songs that you could only make while goofing off with your math-rock bros in the same room, and for that, we’re giving this one a full send.   You can find “Love is in the Rain” on Spotify.   Lane · Love is in the Rain

jasper dean – “SUN”

July 24, 2026

Jasper Dean doesn’t care if they blow your eardrums out… In fact, they simulate the experience of having fuzzy-shoegaze-ear pretty well on the psychedelic-gaze on their latest song, “SUN.” With a mix that peaks perfectly and guitars that would make Billy Corgan circa 1995 blush, “SUN” is an absolute explosion of energies – both blown-out and sharp. The neurotic drum machine is the sonic counter to the unabashedly washy guitar theatrics – this one is simply one you’ll need to experience for yourself.   “SUN” is available now via YouTube (below) and Spotify.    

Rayhan – “2014”

July 23, 2026

Toronto rapper Rayhan has been carving out a lane in experimental hip hop and beyond with his constant toying with rhyme meters, delivery, and top-class lyricism. The multihyphenate rapper/actor/comedian has stayed busy in the last year with a stream of new releases. His latest single, “2014” kicks off with a stretch of punchlines that almost sounds like a voicemail until you realize Rayhan’s rhyming. It’s a bit crass but “blowing me like smithereens won’t kiss her til she drinks some Listerine mouthwash” is undeniably funny and surprisingly nimble. His rapper persona or his comedic wit could be responsible for “penetentary chances since elementary dances,” too. Rayhan’s writing is razor sharp across the board, and the over-the-top braggadocio pairs well with the maximalist late-2000s Young Money style production. The b-side here is a little alt r+b diddy worth checking out here too – there’s not a sound Rayhan won’t test out.[...]

River Rojas – “Lovergirl”

July 21, 2026

River Rojas is here to give you a taste of modern dream pop energies with her latest offering, “Lovergirl.” Fans of Lana Del Rey and Mazzy Star will love the heartfelt energy here, layered thick with square-wave keyboard tones and sumptuous acoustic guitar. While this is ultimately a sapphic love story between two extraterrestrials (no, really), this one is perfect for anyone entering or fully immersed in their soft era.   “Lovergirl” is available via the YouTube embed below, and also on Spotify/Apple Music.    

COOL HEAT – “Stalemate”

July 18, 2026

COOL HEAT would be nice right about now… AMIRITE? Temperature jokes aside, “Stalemate” is the icy, synth-forward post-punk we need right now in July. Bubbling bass, airy synths, and a glassy-eyed vocal are reminding of strongly of a winter snowscape… Which we will also be audibly complaining about once we’re buried in a foot of snow. At least we have COOL HEAT’s level-headed disposition to keep us sane. Add this one to your playlist with Porches, She Wants Revenge, and Still Corners for maximum enjoyment.   “Stalemate” can be found on YouTube (below), or, on Spotify and Tidal.    

Lucy Frost – “Shit Kicker”

July 18, 2026

There’s so many words to dig into on “Shit Kicker…” It’s spring-loaded, catchy as hell, and… absolutely, irrevocably horny. Why do we fall for people with so many flaws? Lucy Frost asks herself that question in absolutely every possible way… After hours, in the shower – why is the shit kickin’, toolbox fixin’, right-wing guy so HOTT? The song never explodes (although an orgasmic climax would either beleaguer the point or be the release we all need), but that’s the point – Wet Leg and ’90s era Liz Phair will be proud.   “Shit Kicker” is available on YouTube (below) – get at it on Spotify too.    

Wavves x Say Anything – “Deathx1k”

July 18, 2026

Wavves AND Say Anything?! The glory days of late aughts/early ’00s were halcyon days for us buffaBLOGGers, but we can still live out our fantasies… Evidently. This new banger from these two iconic acts is exactly what you’d expect when you marry spitty-surfy attitude with literate emo punk. Big guitars, huge melodies, spittle-covered-microphone vocal deliveries… And just enough ennui to remind us that pain usually leads to the best kind of art. These two haven’t skipped a beat, and “Deathx1k” is living proof.   “Deathx1k” is featured below – can’t deny those dope claymation vibes. It’s also on Spotify (sans claymation).    

TIFFY – “Drive Thru Deja Vu”

July 18, 2026

TIFFY makes their second visit to the blog with the crunchy indie rock of “Drive Thru Deja Vu.” Taking hints from Best Coast, Speedy Ortiz, and Soccer Mommy, “DTDV” is a simple, beachy, alt rock song layered thick with fuzz and uh-huhs. It’s one of those songs that’s catchy enough to stand out, but subtle enough to slot into your fuzzed-out playlist that your dad won’t complain about at your next grill out. Yeah dad, there’s more to life than “Guns ‘N Roses” radio. Give TIFFY a shot and make sure you point out those tasty Big Muff (TM) tones if he gives you any sass.   The video for “Drive Thru Deja Vu” can be found below – Spotify and Apple Music too.