Latest Posts

Linn Koch-Emmery – “Forever Sounds”

May 30, 2017

Faintly melancholic, Linn Koch-Emmery’s single “Forever Sounds” taps into human nature’s nearsightedness over a bedrock of driving guitars and pounding percussion. Cheery pop melodies give the track a sense of buoyancy, while the lyrics are wrapped up in the all-encompassing present. “Forever Sounds” is the premiere single off Koch-Emmery’s debut EP, and sets the tone for HAIM-meets-Courtney Barnett-like breezy, rock-centered vibes. There’s a slow burning element to it; a deep intensity that can be masked by a chirpy chorus or spirited drum beat. But this track shows it can do both, bringing the heat with emotional depth and still sounding anthemically upbeat. Stay tuned for more alt rock vitality on Linn Koch-Emmery’s upcoming EP, out via Welfare Sound & Records later this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/324480151″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Joywave Returns with “It’s a Trip!”

May 30, 2017

Rochester indie powerhouse Joywave dropped their second single “It’s a Trip!” earlier this month from their new album Content due out July 28th via Hollywood Records/Cultco Music. The album will be a major followup to the band’s 2015 breakout release How Do You Feel Now? “It’s a Trip!” taps into the roots of psychedelia with a groovy guitar riff and a smooth synth to back everything up. Lead singer Daniel Armbruster cracks out the falsetto, which gains some twinges of analog sound embedded in the chorus.  Check out the music video for the new single below.

Amber Arcades – Cannonball EP

May 29, 2017

Two days may not seem like a lot of time to cut an EP, but Dutch artist Amber Arcades (aka Annelotte de Graaf) finished the Cannonball EP during her time off in New York from touring supporting Nada Surf. The EP follows the release of de Graaf’s debut album Fading Lines last year, which featured members of Real Estate, Quilt, and The Men. Nick Drake’s “Which Will” gets a new twist from de Graaf, trading Drake’s acoustics for an electric punch through the guitars. While it is a different interpretation sonically, the cover still pays homage to the message of the song, carrying a strong feeling of somberness as de Graaf’s vocals light the way through the hazy Krautrock instrumentals. On the third track “Wouldn’t Even Know,” Bill Ryder-Jones adds depth to the track with his somber crooning, which pairs well with the contrast of de Graaf’s lighter voice. The[...]

Hobart Curtis – “Want Me”

May 29, 2017

We’re into this song from Brisbane solo artist Hobart Curtis… “Want Me” is a cascading nugget of sweet indie pop, combining washy guitars, groovy basslines, and gauzy synth pads. “Want Me” is a simple song about wanting to be wanted, something we can all relate to. Match that sentiment with solid vocal hooks and Hobart’s unique delivery, and you have a buffaBLOG favorite. Check it out on iTunes if you’re feeling it.

Tonight: Pet Symmetry

May 29, 2017

Pet Symmetry, a veritable emo supergroup featuring members of Into It. Over It. Kittyhawk, and Dowsing, is swinging through Buffalo this Memorial Day eve. They are fresh off of the release of their latest LP, an 11-song offering called Vision, which is full of angular emo and punk with plenty of pop hooks. Rounding out the lineup tonight are Chicago Topshelfers Ratboys, Buffalo Topshelfers Del Paxton, and the haunting emo trio Honey Coma. Doors are at 7pm tonight. The show is at the Modeling Factory with a $5 donation. Vision by Pet Symmetry

i see red – “Nothingness”

May 28, 2017

In a modern take on experimental electropop, Sweden’s Joakim Alfvén edges into the future with his latest project i see red. His new single “Nothingness” sets the tone with churning synths, impassive vocals, and lofty percussion. The track speaks on interpersonal impact, as opposed to a faceless identity as individuals of a population. It’s subtly gripping, starting off calm and growing in intensity over the nearly three and a half minute arrangement. This single acts as a precursor to i see red’s debut self-titled EP, out now. Discover more from i see red on soundcloud and beyond. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/320807829″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Vargas & Lagola – “Dolores (The Awakening)”

May 28, 2017

Swedish production pair Vargas & Lagola craft a multifaceted dance track through their single “Dolores (The Awakening).” Starting from a refined, tonally dramatic orchestral loop, the track evolves into a playful head-bobber with strategically timed clapping, group vocals, and syncopated guitar. The project is the brainchild of renowned songwriter/producer duo Salem Al Fakir and Vincent Pontare, who are known for their work with big names like Avicii, Katy Perry, and Madonna. If this track has sparked your interest, be sure to check out Vargas & Lagola’s latest single “As Long As I Have To,” and keep an eye out for more dishy releases.

Mr Little Jeans – “Stitches”

May 26, 2017

Norwegian electropop artist Mr Little Jeans recently introduced a fashionably adventurous video for her track “Stitches.” Drawing comparisons to other fierce female power-pop figures like Lorde and Carly Rae Jepsen, Monica Birkenes as Mr Little Jeans brings a bit of spunk to glittering beats, dreamy vocals, and ruminating synths. The video ventures on a dual-sided stitch in time where the main character dons a sweater and is transported to all corners of the city to escape a tension-filled situation. “Stitches” is a standout single from her latest EP F E V E R S, released last year. Check out more from Mr Little Jeans for additional rousing pop anthems.

TV Sets – “Fools Day”

May 26, 2017

Lovers of sluggish dream pop are in for a treat with the release of TV Sets’ latest single, “Fools Day.” The Toronto trio found a unique start as neighboring apartment dwellers tracking down a third counterpart through the matchmaking powers of Craigslist, all sharing a similar passion for The Smashing Pumpkins and exploratory electropop. The track highlights languid vocals, ethereal piano lines and hazy synths, met with strident guitars and a bass groove that bring in a rockier edge. “Fools Day” is the premiere single off the band’s upcoming EP, set for release this July. In the meantime, get wrapped up in a synth-coated cloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/322993824″ 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 Plastic Faction – “Rain Season”

May 26, 2017

Albany, NY based band The Plastic Faction brings infectious pop-punk tunes through their new single “Rain Season.” The song is the first single off Trinket, the band’s first album. With a mixture of harmonic guitars and catchy vocals from singer Jake Crofoot, the band captures the essence of the mid-2000s emo movement. Listen to “Rain Season” below off Trinket, which is due out on June 22nd via Newlywed Records/Nothing Feels Good Records. Rain Season by The Plastic Faction

No, seriously by Hate Club

Hate Club – No, seriously

May 25, 2017

Hate Club is an Albany based band that exhibits all of the raucous and raw energy you’d want to find in an indie pop/slacker group. On April 19, Hate Club released their debut EP titled, No, seriously. It’s a refreshing 4 track outing that packs a punch. The 4 piece, consisting of Audrey Goodemote on vocals/guitar, Noah Bondy on vocals/guitar, Alex Brooks on bass, and Ethan Sullivan filling out the drums, are a relatively new band, only coming together in January 2017. The band describes themselves as Tweemo, a nice sounding portmanteau (unlike most other ones) of twee and emo. Vocalists Goodemote and Bondy trade off vocal duties, striking a balanced approach with neither band member overshadowing the other. Their voices mixed together have a dreamy quality to them, like wisps of smoke from two separate sources weaving in and out of each other. This particular sound quality is aided[...]

23 – 10 – “Oh You Mad?”

May 24, 2017

NV and Da-O-Boy of 23 – 10 pack a verbal punch in their new single “Oh You Mad?” Rapping out of Kokomo, IN, the group is working towards their first EP The Love Affair. The single cracked the top 5 of Def Jam and Cash Money Records producer !llmind’s “Oh You Rap?” contest. The song features production from !llmind, combining a smooth drum beat to a mix of haze that drifts into the unknown. NV and Da-O-Boy trade verses throughout the track and show great chemistry as a duo. Check out the music video for “Oh You Mad?” below.

Calicoco Releases Debut Single “Night Owl”

May 24, 2017

Calicoco is the moniker of the new project fronted by Rochester musician Giana Caliolo. “Night Owl,” Calicoco’s debut single, dives headfirst into the stresses of lifestyle changes. The outfit’s upcoming Needy EP serves as the culmination of the past four years for Caliolo with the ending of the band Buckets, and the balancing of projects Pony Hand and Secret Pizza. “Night Owl” goes into the changes that Caliolo went through in her life and the anxieties that came with the choices that she made to change herself for the better. The catchy guitar riff loops as the drums set a solid punch to back up the song and pair well with Caliolo’s gentle voice. Needy is set for release via Dadstache Records on June 9th. In the meantime check out “Night Owl” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319147863″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]  

Blume Hinges – “Silhouette”

May 23, 2017

“Silhouette” is a great jam, reminiscent of a simpler time… Namely the mid to late 90s where alternative rock bands like Third Eye Blind, Better Than Ezra, and Eve 6 were tearing up the pop charts. Let’s just say Blume Hinges has the same sort of songwriting prowess as these 90s legends, combining catchy guitar hooks with ever-so-slightly forlorn vocals. A true alternative rock banger if we’ve ever heard one. If you’re into it, check out the whole album here.

shallou – “Truth”

May 23, 2017

Indietronica producer shallou has us captivated with his breathy new jam. The Chicago native sent us “Truth,” which comes courtesy of his latest release, his debut EP, All Becomes Okay. Sit back in your seat and relax as you listen to shallou’s unique brand of atmospheric electronica. Blippy drums, pitch-shifted vocal samples, and a wide range of instrumentals await. Add “Truth” to your Spotify playlist.