Latest Posts

Keya1r – “Fish Tales”

August 26, 2026

The “art of storytelling” has been a genre-defining characteristic of hip hop since the golden age, and it’s great to hear a fresh one in 2026. “Fish Tales” from Philadelphia rapper Keya1r spins the tale of a date (or 3) going sideways. Keya1r’s sharp pen is able to drop lines that satisfy both the listener and his Puerto Rican honey. “It’s hard to spell menu without me ‘n u.” I’m blushing. Press play on this track and see the fate of our fearless, red-blooded hero. “Fish Tales” appears on Why Not? – the latest project from Keya1r with themes of taking chances, serendipity, and rolling with the punches when times get tough. Listen to it right over here on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Best Underground Hip Hop of 2026 playlist, updated every week to feature artists like Keya1r.

Roger Bryan and the Orphans – “Concrete”

August 25, 2026

What’s left to say about legendary Buffalonians Roger Bryan and the Orphans? The band has been releasing great stuff for the last 18 years, give or take, and they’re back with another great guitar rocker called “Concrete.” With equally legendary Buffalo-based recording engineer John Angelo in tow, the bands rips and roars through big vocal melodies overtop wry guitar chords utilizing some of the sexiest tones possible. I can only imagine the guitar pedals that they have tucked and layered into this bad boy.   The band is gearing up to release their next record, Open Chord Dispatch, upon which “Concrete” resides. Until then, give it a listen on bandcamp (embedded below), or alternatively, on Spotify and Apple Music.   Concrete by Roger Bryan and The Orphans

The Stupid Reasons – “Brighton”

August 24, 2026

F-boys beware! The Stupid Reasons are here to commit, and they certainly do on latest single “Brighton.” The song details that special moment where your situationship turns into a relationship and having a “plan” as to what that might look like. Musically, this one falls somewhere between Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, Good Old War, and The Cure – the squiggly synths and chorus pedals are very pleasantly cranked.   Check out “Brighton” via the Spotify embed below.  

King’s Evil – “Private Failure”

August 24, 2026

King’s Evil is the long-postponed collab between two beloved Boston songwriters – Sami Martasian (Puppy Problems) and JM Dussault ((T-T)b). Projects like this have a way of never coming to fruition, which makes “Private Failure” that much more poignant, and a little ironic right? Releasing new music is a very public success, after all.   I digress – this one is as bare bones as it gets. A chiming guitar rings out hypnotically while Sami sings a haunting melody. Floor toms are slammed periodically. It’s a testament to what it means to be a DIY artist and has all the hallmarks of what makes underground indie rock so great… One listen to this and it will bring you back to your halcyon days of drinking a warm PBR in someone’s shitty basement, but there’s a really good band playing a really personal song and nothing else seems to matter in the[...]

Circus Trees – “Tensions”

August 24, 2026

Circus Trees know how to write a heartbreaker, and “Tensions” is the reason we’re making that claim. With a riff that would put American Football to shame and winsome vocals that hold lots of pain, this duo makes perfect use of the quiet/loud songwriting method to great aplomb. Fans of Now, Now Every Children; Tancred; and Rainer Maria will love the devastating vibes here.   You can find “Tensions” via bandcamp (below) or Spotify.   Tensions by Circus Trees

Saakeli – “Soft Corners”

August 24, 2026

A smooth bassline in a hip hop instrumental track might be the most satisfying sound in the genre. “Soft Corners,” from technologist and producer Saakeli, prominently pairs an acoustic upright bass sound with tender guitar and artfully chopped vocals for a lush and emotionally ambiguous sound. Choose your adventure with how this makes you feel, as the stringed instruments evolve, weave, and settle in for a nice head nod. If you’re feeling Saakeli, make sure you check out the full back catalog on Spotify. You can check out “Soft Corners” and other exciting taste and beatmakers on our Jammy Study Beats and Instrumentals 2026 playlist that we just started up. Find your next favorite producer.

The1FS – “Convoluted Blue Dream”

August 23, 2026

Producer, visual artist, and composer The1FS weaves each medium into his hip-hop production. His “Cognitive Vandalism” style often pairs his fresh instrumentals with visuals from cultural staples like Tony Hawk Pro Skater and Invincible – creating an elevated, smoke-friendly aesthetic. The title and bong rip to kick off this track is another indication. The1FS linked up with frequent collaborator and emcee Moonchld Washington, who never met a flow he couldn’t conquer. He weaves rhyme schemes in and out of 1FS’ twinkly production with smoothness that comes from chemistry. Rich violin and full drums pace the track and allow you to settle into the warm textures. Make sure you check out The1FS work on Instagram to get the full effect. “Convoluted Blue Dream” is just a taste of what’s available on streaming as well – check it out on Spotify and click around if you’re feeling it. It’s also featured on[...]

Pablo 978 – “The Devil’s Got a Chauffer”

August 19, 2026

Sometimes you buy a book just because the cover is cool. Same deal with a CD or record with interesting artwork. A song title in the digital age does it for me. “The Devil’s Got a Chauffeur” from experimental rapper Pablo 978 hit the mark for me. Pablo’s roster of vocal stylings ranges from demonic to schizophrenic, all times an appropriately bad influence for the listener. Equal parts Quasimoto and Retch, Pablo’s lyrics are snarly and menacing. The beat is an understated relay of keys that give an appropriate path for Pablo to trudge on. Add it to your underground hip hop playlists. If you’re feeling “Devil” give it a rip on Spotify. You’ll also find it on our Best Hip Hop of 2026 playlist – we update it every single week with great up-and-coming artists.

søftbleach – “brainfreeze”

August 15, 2026

Who would have ever thought that math rock and pop would make an undeniable duo? London’s søftbleach certainly did, and they seem to have cracked the code on latest single, “brainfreeze.” Guitar nerds will love the noodly riffage here, and your girlfriend will love the pop-centric lyrics about being a cold-hearted ice queen… Wrapped up in a cool little brain freeze metaphor, of course. They claim this one has been a fan favorite – now it’s also buffaBLOG approved.   “brainfreeze” is available on Spotify (below).  

mariek – “House on the Hill”

August 15, 2026

I’m a sucker for an emo-coded bedroom-pop song – mariek nails that vibe on latest offering, “House on the Hill.” Guitars jangle robotically – offering those droning, open-chorded voicings that make Midwest emo so enthralling. It’s paired up with a tasteful percussive backbone; twinkly DI-tone guitar leads; and breathy vocals that suit the vibe perfectly. This one will slot right into any playlist with heavy Clairo, Now Now, and Palehound vibes.   “House on the Hill” is available via YouTube (embedded below), or, on Spotify.    

Digital Crush – “Amnesia”

August 15, 2026

Digital Crush split the difference between indie sleaze and hyperpop on latest single, “Amnesia.” Dirty, grunged-out synths are the highlight here – both offset and complimented by the lightly autotuned, innocent-sounding vocals. Ironic, as this song is actually about the right-of-passage of having a walk of shame. As Digital Crush explains it – “Disappointment. Repeated mistakes.” At least now, you’ll have this cool ass hyperpop banger to drown out the world as you stumble on home tomorrow morning.   Check out the music video for “Amnesia” below.    

Devereux Scales – “Antihuman”

August 15, 2026

Something about post-punk music feels… Anti-human, right? Maybe it’s the icy stabs of guitar, or, maybe it’s the robotic rhythms and monotone vocals. Either way, Devereux Scales explore those textures on latest single “Antihuman.” This is post-punk through and through for the aforementioned reasons. Fans of The Cure or Depeche Mode, or even newer age bands that discovered chorus pedals i.e. Turnover circa 2016 would enjoy this a lot.   Check out “Antihuman” via the bandcamp embed below, or, on Spotify.   Antihuman by Devereux Scales

Jesse & The Spirit – cloudspotting

August 13, 2026

It’s both hard to believe and easy to envision Jesse & The Spirit (aka Jesse James) being around for more than a decade. With multiple acclaimed projects to their name (including the one we’re focusing on in this review, Jesse & The Spirit; sludge-gaze band Dolly Sods; freaked-out electronica act The Niagara River; and even their pre-pandemic post-rock bliss-out in Tomoreaux), they’re approaching, or has, by default, already achieved Buffalo indie rock royalty. James’ latest album is called cloudspotting, James’ umpteenth release, but one that feels anchored in multiple ways. Distinctly Buffalonian (we’ll get to that in a minute), cloudspotting not only chronicles James’ return to Buffalo, but also happens to host James’ 100th original J&TS song. 100 songs is nothing to sneeze at, especially for a prolific songwriter like James, who has split songwriting duties in so many bands throughout the years.   James’ approach for Jesse & The Spirit[...]

Club 8 – “The Sweetness Of Honey”

August 8, 2026

Will we ever get sick of Club 8? Probably not. We’ve written about them an umpteenth number of times (enough to use the word umpteenth unironically), and we’re happy to keep doing so as they continue to reinvent themselves. “The Sweetness of Honey” is another standout in their already impressive oeuvre. The Swedish duo play around with samples this time around, layering their stunningly simple indie pop with 70s inspired string sweeps, random vocals, and a 90s inspired breakbeat. It’s beautiful, as per usual with this talented duo, and would fit on any playlist comfortably next to your favorite Phantogram and Sylvan Esso songs.   This one is available on Spotify and Apple Music.    

Gorro – “LEMME B FREE”

August 8, 2026

I’mma keep it creamy with y’all – we don’t know anything about Gorro. Who are they? No idea. Social media? Not many hints. Musical talent? Oh yeah baby.   Gorro’s latest offering “LEMME B FREE” is a simmering, bubbling blast of post-punk bedroom-pop energy. Cool basslines, airy vocals, drum machine neuroses – how could anyone complain? About “LEMME B FREE,” Gorro offers this profound insight into the song’s conception, creation, and overall thesis:   “making music is fun”   Check out “LEMME B FREE” via the YouTube embed below, or, on Spotify.