Latest Posts

Alpha Hopper Release Music Video for “Unruly Jane”

July 26, 2017

Buffalo punk rockers, Alpha Hopper just came out with a new video for their song “Unruly Jane” off their last LP, Last Chance Power Drive. The new vid is full of trippy visuals filmed by the band. Things open up with a pan up of each band member with intercuts of the action in between that ramps up, getting quicker and quicker as the video nears the end. Behind the band is projected a series of visuals that are sure to stay with you. The combo of surreal visuals and the music brings it all together. Anyone not already familiar with Alpha Hopper should definitely keep them on your radar. Their record, Last Chance Power Drive is full of gripping, fast paced noise/post-punk. You can check them out live at upcoming shows at Sugar City and Deep Space 8 in the next few weeks.

Ugly Sun – Painted Post

July 24, 2017

Local garage rock  trio Ugly Sun have wrapped up an impressive first year in existence with an excellent EP in Painted Post that’s a perfect summation of what this band, and the Rust Belt rock revival they’re part of, are all about. Anchored by Trey Hollowood’s post rock-guitar heroics, the sharp and insistent drums of Harrison Crook and his brother John’s versatile bass and unfailingly melodic wail, the four jams on Painted Post are beautifully messed up. Kicking off with defiance and grit, “Marble Eye,” a real winner from their live set, crushes from the start, thanks to warm riffs that also grinds and stomps under a deft, cranked up Beach Boys chorus, while “Soil” is subversive liberation, jangly guitars, and an ode to getting dirty while we can before we ultimately getting dirty with the worms six feet under, an ethos I can thoroughly get down with while the city rapidly[...]

Matt Pond PA – “A Spark”

July 23, 2017

Most of us who grew up worshipping the 2000s indie-rock scene should be familiar with the unique sound of matt pond PA. After premiering his irreverent first single a few months ago, we’re happy to share that he’s back at it again with his next single, “A Spark.” Beyond Pond’s penchant for shimmery indie rock songwriting, the video showcases a strange juxtaposition between a tour van and an upside down party, something you’ll have to see for yourself. Check it out below. Still Summer is going to be the last album under the moniker matt pond PA… But fear not Pond fans, he’s not done writing music. Still Summer will be out August 11.

Randomstar – “Away”

July 23, 2017

Randomstar is a one-man EDM project out of Finland who hit us up recently with news of his new EP. Said EP contains the song “Away,” an over-before-you-know-it, one-two punch that pays homage to old-school electronica masterminds (like Daft Punk) via new-school EDM vibes. The song truly sucks you into a voyage and before you know it, you’re grooving along to his entire EP. Add it to your Spotify playlist.

Parker’s Back – “Be Mine”

July 22, 2017

Four-piece alt rock band Parker’s Back’s zesty single “Be Mine” knows how to give a compliment and still pack a punch. Staying true to some indie/punk influence, the band confesses affection with grungy guitar lines and wailing vocals. They manage to wear their hearts on their sleeves and come out sounding too cool to care. The track’s span of under 2 minutes keeps things short and sweet, while supplying as much energy as a 5-minute rager. If you like what you hear, you can tune into the band’s freshly released EP Tied To You here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/331750494″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TRASH – “81”

July 22, 2017

The UK lo-fi rockers in TRASH recently released their spunky single “81” from their upcoming self titled EP. The foursome pair reverb drenched vocals with fuzzy rhythm guitars and an ethereal synth chorus. “81” is an ode to refusing to grow old or take anything for granted, and there’s a certain sense of triumph and luminosity to be found in every note, as if the song itself is a celebration of life. The rest of the EP promises similar motivational gusto, as the band incorporates messages to their past, present, and future selves. TRASH’s release is set for August 11th via Clue Records, but for now soak up some sunny rays with “81” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/332984993″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Exit Sound – “You and Me”

July 22, 2017

Los Angeles based producer The Exit Sound dropped “You and Me” off his recent EP Space, Time, and Other Love Stories. There is a nice mixture of production values on the track, which comes from being rooted in new wave and indie pop. Newer synths and drum beats come together with more traditional sounds like the looping guitar riff on the track. Each piece creates a bridge between old and new and creates a unique sound on the track.  Listen to “You and Me” below via SoundCloud.

Sløtface – “Pitted”

July 22, 2017

Norwegian group Sløtface dropped the second single “Pitted” off their debut album Try Not To Freak Out due out via Propeller on September 15. Coming off as an anthem to those who don’t want to go out, the song carries the energy to get you moving out the door. The trumpet in the song is a nice turn from the aggressive guitar riffs. It gives a lighter touch and pairs well with the vocals. Check out “Pitted” below.

Haiva Ru – “Work It On Out”

July 21, 2017

Indie act Haiva Ru blends pop and rock elements to draw up her wistful single “Work It On Out.” The pseudonym of Allie Merrill, Haiva Ru combines clear-cut guitar lines, glittery synths, and affecting lyricism to drive the track home. “Work It On Out” centers on a relationship set in unbalance, where emotion is met with stoicism in an unending cycle. Merrill’s use of repetition does not go unnoticed, enacted as a means of emphasis while her story gradually unravels. It might take a few plays to let the emotional depth sink in, but the track is well worth every listen. Take Haiva Ru’s “Work It On Out” for a spin below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/325365008″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Freedom Fry – “Brave (Freedom Fry Remix)”

July 21, 2017

Indie pop duo Freedom Fry stir things up with a remix of their track “Brave.” While the original is a breezy acoustic-folk ballad, the remix brings the song to life with vibrant electric guitar, grooving percussion, and heavy dose of reverb. Even with the addition of electronic elements, the track keeps its melodic integrity, as if this arrangement was the original. The remix comes to us from a Freedom Fry EP full of remixes by Sofi Tukker, Penguin Prison, and other notable names. As their first stab at remixing their own track, “Brave” knocks it out of the park. Find more from Remixes here, and expect a debut album from Freedom Fry early next year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/332479505″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

M.A.G.S. Returns with New Single “Demon”

July 21, 2017

Buffalo-based multi-instrumentalist M.A.G.S. released “Demon,” the first single off his forthcoming self-titled album, due out September 8th via Admirable Traits Records. M.A.G.S., the moniker for Elliott Douglas, has proven to be on a quick rise to popularity. After his debut EP Cellophane in in 2015, his work was featured on the soundtracks for TV shows including Shameless, The Flash and Famous In Love. Douglas looks to continue his rise through “Demon.” Nestled under dreamy guitar riffs, we find Douglas’ falsetto vocals. Effects draw these vocals out further, giving them some grit and character. All the instruments on the track are played by Douglas, so we are left with a consistent product throughout. Check out the music video for “Demon’ below via YouTube.

Ayo River- “Porcelain”

July 20, 2017

Atlanta-based indie group Ayo River dropped their single “Porcelain.” Following up the release of their first single “Failed State” five months ago, the band expands upon that single in “Porcelain.” The guitar riffs match the somber vibe of the song. Gently picked strings pair well with the tapping of the cymbal in the background. Growing older is one of the main themes of the song, with lines like “I’ll be 25 soon/All my older friends never think it’s news,” showing how the change of age doesn’t really matter anymore. Listen to “Porcelain” below via SoundCloud.

Whales – “How Long”

July 20, 2017

Portuguese trio Whales recently released a vividly tongue and cheek video for their track “How Long.” The song is off to a groove-ridden start with pulsing drum track beats, filtering in haunting backing vocals, ruminating guitar lines, and driving synths for the total package. The thriving pop framework is soon taken over by a hearty alt rock conclusion, leaving the listener struck and hungry for more. This is the band’s second single release, with a debut album set for 2018. Dive into some stark visual imagery in the video for “How Long” below.

Rachel K Collier – “Rust”

July 20, 2017

Welsh electropop artist Rachel K Collier keeps things fresh and exciting with her new track “Rust.” The true embodiment of a one-woman show, Collier harnesses an independent and organic sound by way of her own production and performance. Featuring powerhouse vocals and swimming harmonies over a bed of animating house beats, the single blends party anthem with lovesick plea. Through tangible imagery, Collier sets the scene for a last stitch effort to reconcile and keep a relationship strong. Her second EP is set for release this fall, with a debut full length album out early next year. Until then, get your fix with “Rust” and more Rachel K Collier releases here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/323928124″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

annarestis – “full commie”

July 19, 2017

The Oakland-based commies in annarestis recently hit us up with their new jam, “full commie” and we dig it a lot. You may recognize one of the members, kbb, as a member of Trails & Ways, who we’ve written about multiple times. We think annarestis is just as deserving of a listen with its unique lo-fi mix and chill indie rock vibes reminiscent of early Shins, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, or Real Estate. Just so you know, “full commie” is very available via Bandcamp. full commie by annarestis