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deer scout – “sad boy”

June 17, 2017

deer scout leaves a bright mark on the Philly DIY scene with fluorescent blue lipstick and homey imagery in the video for her single “sad boy.” Lamenting existential woes that are sharply specific but commonly felt, Dena Miller brings a light and shiny quality to her music with whimsical electronic elements and buoyant guitar lines. The song provides a narrative to moody, artsy college boys sulking their way through young adulthood with a 40 in hand, and captures it all on film with stunning luminosity. Drawing parallels to big indie acts like Girlpool and Waxahatchee, “sad boy” signals a promising future for deer scout. This track has a sweet, addictive quality, so feel free to hit replay as we anxiously await another release.

Creature Camp – “Psychic Waves”

June 16, 2017

Alabama’s Creature Camp jolt us to life with their energetic track “Psychic Waves.” With the help of producer Daniel Farris (St. Vincent, Polyphonic Spree) the foursome infuse bright synthpop into their alt-rock foundation, creating an electrifying anthem for the masses. Sighting inspiration from artists like LCD Soundsystem and Joy Division, it’s easy to see where their rock-fueled intensity originates from. Tune into their video for “Psychic Waves” below and prepare to be swept away in the polychromatic zeal of it all.

Ryan Laetari – “Brand New Baby”

June 16, 2017

Channeling laid back vibes à la Mac Demarco, Wichita native Ryan Laetari touches on the follies of young love in his track “Brand New Baby.” Featuring zinging stereo guitar lines, mellow vocals, and a walking bassline to bring it all home, this track gives a nod to its writer’s Midwest origins while nudging into lo-fi indie rock territory. The song comes to us from Laetari’s latest album A Thousand Days, released May 13th. Find more of his easy breezy jams here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/322446196″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ELLEH – “I Can Be Your Best Friend”

June 16, 2017

Tokyo’s ELLEH dropped a new single in the form of “I Can Be Your Best Friend.” Part of the Anthems EP series, the single serves as the first track off the second part of the series. While many of the tracks on the first EP come as somber tunes, there is an upbeat sound to this single. With a sea of synths leading the funk, this track is one for those that love to dance. Check out “I Can Be Your Best Friend” off the Anthems EP Pt. 2 due out in August below.

New Swears – “Halos in Hell”

June 15, 2017

Twangy indie rock quartet New Swears set the soundtrack for shooting the summer breeze with their track “Halos in Hell.” The single hits the ground running with rustic rhythm guitars, hearty vocal harmonies, and strategic tape manipulation, bringing a taste of folksy comfort from up north in Ottawa. With a campy energy that’s guaranteed to lift spirits, we’re eager for more. Luckily, the wait won’t be for long with the release of the band’s debut LP And The Magic Of Horses, out June 23rd on Dine Alone Records.

Pasha – “Prettyboi Bounce”

June 15, 2017

Norwegian rapper Pasha dropped a new music video for his song “Prettyboi Bounce.” Coming up through the Norwegian rap scene, Pasha has created a ton of buzz, even at the ripe age of 22. Due off Prettyboi Bounce on March 17 via Toothfairy, the single brings a playful vibe throughout. Bridging somewhere between the funkiness of the ‘80s and the smooth rap flows of the ‘90s, Pasha creates a unique sound through the combination of both styles. Soul Gems also contributes to the funk on the track with his groovy hooks. Check out the colorful video for “Prettyboi Bounce” below.

MADELIN – “Pinnacle”

June 13, 2017

Brooklyn transplant Madeline Mondrala draws up triumphant synthpop under the name MADELIN. Her latest single “Pinnacle” is a prime example of this, combining vibrant synth lines with playful brass and cavernous drum tracks. Joining the prodigious list of musical SUNY Purchase alum, MADELIN set to work under the pseudonym that would produce a premiere EP, five music videos, and now an upcoming album. “Pinnacle” speaks on a sense of jarring nostalgia after revisiting a pivotal place. Mondrala continues, “It’s about that feeling of bliss when you’re at the peak of a beautiful experience, when time seems infinite. The moment on a rollercoaster right before the drop. When you look back it’s just a blip. Barely there. As meaningful and perfect as it is fleeting.” Join MADELIN on her ride below, and find the rest of her self-titled EP where all things are streamed. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/321776563″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Talking Under Water Release Video For “We Used To Dream”

June 13, 2017

To borrow and adapt a now classic Rick James quote, nostalgia is a hell of a drug. Ephemeral, elusive and irresistible, we can’t escape it now matter how hard we try (trust me, after a while you just go with it), and for Exhibit A of this human phenomenon would have to be the video for Talking Under Water’s “We Used To Dream.” Already lovely and melancholic slab of Beatles, Beach Boys and Chicago infused 80’s mega pop, the clip from the Rochester quintet is practically weaponized nostalgia… for the joy of youth, the Tom Hanks classic “Big,” and a magical time long ago when blowing on things like videogame cartridges really did fix them. The clip and single hail from the bands eponymous debut album which arrived in April and can be found here.

Jon Lewis – Exquisite Corpse

June 12, 2017

Jon Lewis is a pretty much a staple in the Rochester music scene. The hard-working musician is more or less a fountain of new material, be it from his well-rounded solo project Jon Lewis Band, or his Wiggles-inspired educational alter-ego Mr. Loops. This week we’re checking out his brand new full-band album Exquisite Corpse, which proves Lewis’ shining time as a musician and songwriter is all but fleeting. Exquisite Corpse drives home the idea that unadulterated indie rock is not dead. So many mainstream acts today aim to reinvent the genre–often times favoring decadence over organic musicianship–in an effort to distance themselves from the ordinary; the result can barely be considered indie rock. This exodus of sorts has left a void–a void that Lewis seems to fit perfectly. With a pop rock sensibility to rival that of Matthew Sweet and hooks around every corner, there is no shortage of catchy material[...]

Cheerleader – “Feel Like That”

June 12, 2017

Philadelphia group Cheerleader dropped “Feel Like That” to promote their new album The Sunshine Of Your Youth out now on Bright Antenna Records. The indie pop act has shared the stage with notable of the Wombats and Eliot Sumner. “Feel Like That” is a one-off, served as some material to hold fans over while the album was still being produced. The song carries pop-savvy guitars that work well with the light vocals about not wanting to feel like… that. Listen to “Feel Like That” below.

Toy Savoy – “Clean Floors”

June 10, 2017

We’ve been spinning this warble-fest by Toy Savoy in the buffaBLOG offices as of late – “Clean Floors” is an ever-so wonky pop song that combines warped guitars, keyboards, and feel-good harmonies into something irresistible. Fans of Magic Potion, Mac Demarco, or The Shins will get down to this one. Be sure to stick it out till they go half-time. If you’re feeling it, add it to your Spotify playlist.

Bent Denim – “All My Friends Are Dead”

June 8, 2017

NOLA trio Bent Denim caught our ears with the muffled beauty of their latest single, “All My Friends Are Dead.” Focusing on beautiful, narrative-driven songs, BD jams lo-fi sentiment into a succinct 2:15. “AMFAD” is fleshed out with hush-hush vocals and a hooky piano motif that is sure to please any fan of indie pop, bedroom pop, dream pop, or *insert modifier here* pop. Check out their latest release via Bandcamp.

RaneRaps – “Have To Go”

June 7, 2017

Los Angeles based RaneRaps drops a song for the heartbroken through the release of his new single “Have To Go.” In question is the rapper’s love interest, who he compares as a cross between Beyoncé and Sasha Fierce. Producer Hirsh creates a confused atmosphere with some jazzy keys as RaneRaps drifts through his experiences with his love interest. RaneRaps changes back and forth from rapper to singer as he progresses through his story. At the close, he is left asking why she wasted his time in the first place. Check out “Have To Go” below on Soundcloud.

The Plastic Faction – “Falter”

June 7, 2017

Fresh off the press, Albany’s pop punk pride and joy The Plastic Faction releases another gem from their upcoming LP, Trinket. In just over 2 minutes, “Falter” hits the ground running with captivating harmonies, meandering guitar lines, and salient electronic elements. There’s very little this band can’t do, encapsulating a sweet acoustic lament, an electropop banger, and an emo rock anthem over the course of a single song. If this is any indication of what’s to come, you won’t want to miss the rest of the album, set for release on June 22nd via Newlywed Records. Until then, head over to The Plastic Faction’s bandcamp to ride out the wait.

Hot Collars – “Tongue Tied” (The Go! Team Remix)

June 6, 2017

Bringing throwback tunes from the United Kingdom, Hot Collars gets a new take on their song through the remix of “Tongue Tied.” Serving as a collaboration with The Go! Team, the song takes new form as the remix adds to the already jovial single. Kicking off with bouncy steel drums and a blaring trumpet that carries through the entirety of the single, there is a theme of ’80 club dance-pop throughout. Choppy vocal effects melds with the mix of the harmonica in the background. Listen to the remix of “Tongue Tied” below.