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Jinka – “Shock Mounted”

December 19, 2017

“Shock Mounted,” with simplicity and grace, captures a feeling of freedom in the dark, post-breakup abyss. Transylvanian producer Jinka allows her new single to float on an unorthodox, jaunty dance rhythm, complete with head-turning vocal effects and subtle doses of bass and synth. The tone of the song sounds so nonchalant and charged up, seemingly adverse to its subject matter but also an admirable, hard-to-attain emotional response to heartbreak. It all adds up to a hooking electro-pop track.

The Tins – City Lies

December 18, 2017

Buffalo mainstays The Tins’ have released the 4-song, 13-minute EP City Lies, a sure-to-be timeless offering of warmth and introspection. “Lifeline,” the introductory track, is couched in a sweltering texture that should mesmerize with its yearning harmonies and swaths of plush instruments, which hold onto a Tame Impala-esque dreaminess in the sense that it simultaneously comes across as relaxed and penetrating. The song conveys the spirit of hedonism by way of its plea to be brought to “the place where the sun will rise again,” an expression of escaping despair. The soothing title track is a slow-burning acoustic number encasing lyrics of welcoming opportunity and thankfulness, detailing a city lying wide open before the narrator. “City Lies” utilizes intriguing studio treatment without being weighed down by overproduction, giving it a raw but full sound. The EP’s penultimate tune “Meditation Song” is reminiscent of either Big Star or Elliott Smith, or[...]

Western Scene – “Going Back”

December 16, 2017

LA indie rock band Western Scene provide a sun soaked followup to their first EP with a new single, “Going Back.” Channeling ambient rock soundscapes similar to M83, the band blends together soaring vocal melodies with running guitar lines and crisp percussion, providing momentum while giving the track a bright, uplifting feel. It’s the ideal soundtrack for taking in the world around you, from a lazy drive down the coast to a beginner’s anxiety-inducing skydive towards the ground. The song’s lyric video takes this feeling and runs with it, stitching together scenes from Google Street View as each setting slips by. This is Western Scene’s fourth single release since their 2013 debut EP, with word of a sophomore album on the horizon. Take in “Going Back” in all its golden panoramic glory below.

Corniglia – “But It Wasn’t That Long Ago”

December 16, 2017

Dreamy shoegaze duo Corniglia wistfully reflect on the past in their new single “But It Wasn’t That Long Ago.” Hailing from Perth, Australia, the band combines stirring, psychedelic guitar lines with languid vocals to make for a calming, yet emotive experience. Lead songwriter Matt channels his work in physiotherapy into the narrative, capturing a deep-rooted despondency that’s all too relatable via lead vocalist Chloe’s fluid croons. This track in particular, written about a battle with Alzheimer’s, grapples with the passage of time while smoothing things over with soothing melodies and ethereal sound quality. Not just a song, but a full and gripping experience both sonically and emotionally. Listen to “But It Wasn’t That Long Ago” below, and take in more of the Corniglia has to offer via their past releases here.

L.A. Salami – “Generation L(ost)”

December 15, 2017

Don’t be fooled by the moniker L.A. Salami – he’s actually a prolific songwriter from London. His latest music video for “Generation L(ost)” is a series of live clips that bring his frantic and urgent indie rock to life. In summation, lyrically the track is “about feeling lost during the journey of finding yourself,” whilst the accompanying video “is what you do whilst on that journey.” Do yourself a favor and check it out below. If you like Salami, he’s got you covered… You can purchase/stream/enjoy his music via a variety of platforms, all located here.

The Whiskey Circle – “Sweet Darlin”

December 15, 2017

The Whiskey Circle just released a new album called Into The Valley, and their first single, “Sweet Darlin” is getting us amped. This is a guitar-driven banger if we’ve ever heard one, pairing jangly tones, angelic female vocals, and big pop hooks. About the song, the band says: “It’s about all the things you do throughout the day to take your mind off being away from your significant other and how you long for their return. It’s about that young, foolish big love that has no bounds and inspires.” Here is the link to The Whiskey Circle’s Bandcamp. Be sure to stop by.

Holy Golden – “Arrival”

December 15, 2017

Holy Golden are a spacey duo who juxtapose dream-pop vibes with lo-fi garage sentiment. We’d like to draw attention to their latest single, “Arrival,” which has been rubbing us in just the right way all week. The duo is more formally known as Leslie Schott and Andrew Valenti; their compositions have drawn comparisons to groups like The Cranberries, The Cardigans, and Cocteau Twins backed by grungy acts like The Jesus and Mary Chain. Holy Golden has an entire website where you can learn more about them… Check it out here.

KOALAS – “Lover”

December 15, 2017

Manchester synth-pop duo KOALAS sent us over their track “Lover” and we’re digging it a lot. Sincere 80s vibes permeate the entirety of this track – think lots of synths with tight and springy snare hits… Not to mention the duo’s close attention to pop melodies via catchy male/female harmonies. Fans of Caribou, Daft Punk, or Empire of the Sun will like this song. If you like “Lover,” head over to iTunes to snag a digital download.

Carmen & Lizzy Release Folksy New Single “Runnin’ Away”

December 13, 2017

We’re excited to spotlight acoustic duo Carmen & Lizzy, who have been making lots of waves in the WNY music scene as of late. C&L (more specifically cousins Carmen O’Keefe and Lizzy Bassler) specialize in crafting a gentle brand of acoustic folk, reminiscent of acts like The Staves, Nickel Creek, or HAIM. We’re jazzed on their latest offering, “Runnin’ Away,” which features an emotion-filled guitar line and lush harmonies sure to warm even the coldest of hearts. Where Are We Now? is out now via Nonexistant Records. If you like what you hear, head over to Bandcamp for a digital download.

Ethica – “Alarm”

December 11, 2017

Russian dream pop quartet Ethica supplies a juicy guitar-driven jam with their latest single, “Alarm.” This track brings an edge to the typical indie shoegaze ethos, meeting silky smooth vocals with gritty guitar lines and pounding bass. They play up the contrast well, keeping things refreshing with subtle layers of synth and guitar countermelodies. The result is as much a sympathetic journey on the ears as it is a fiery release. We’re talking distortion-heavy instrumentals a la Muse, matched with the unwavering dreaminess of Alvvays‘ Molly Rankin’s vocal textures. Ethica is traversing new musical terrain, and we’re hungry for more of it. Be sure to look for the band’s upcoming EP set for release next year.

Esai – “Groove”

December 11, 2017

Hip hop wonder kid Esai spits full on fire in his single “Groove.” In just under 2 minutes, the 17-year-old rap aficionado manages to paint a full picture with clever lyricism delivered at the speed of light with perfect clarity. Citing influence from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Eminem, Esai takes the full storytelling potential and poetic abilities of the genre and runs with them. The track is set to a low-key, jazz inspired loop with high hat beats, setting the mood while his vocals whirl past. With four mixtapes and three albums under his belt, there’s no shortage of Asai material to sink your teeth into. Check out his latest self titled album for more witty and impactful tracks like this one.

Good in the Dark – “When the Night Is Through”

December 11, 2017

“When the Night Is Through” stands as the debut single from Good in the Dark, the collaboration among Chicago-bred multi-instrumentalist Heather Perry, percussionist Carlos J. Zapata and guitarist Grant Goldsworthy. The band sustains a noise pop sound mixed with traces of disco and pulsating dance, as well as the edge of a post-punk band to a certain extent. Good in the Dark’s first-ever EP Rafters was released late last month. The music video for “When the Night Is Through” could be pinned as a bit perplexing to some, but its oddball humor should shine through and the tune itself should impress too.

The Dirty Clergy – “Summer Days” (ft. Karina Noelle)

December 11, 2017

The Dirty Clergy’s “Summer Days” should feel like an escape or maybe more so a cause for longing if you live in western New York this time of year. The track sounds like vintage Weezer brightened up by angelic backing vocals and talk of everlasting summer. Nominated for an Independent Music Award, mentioned on the Nights with Alice Cooper radio show and featured on AXS-TV as well as MTV, The Dirty Clergy are headed skyward all while entirely devoid of record label or booking agency assistance.

Why Not – “Dear Friend, Pt. 2”

December 11, 2017

Minneapolis band Why Not applies a formula of indie rock mixed with math rock and punk to their 2-minute-long single “Dear Friend, Pt. 2.” The track houses irrefutable energy brought on by cutting guitar riffage and unbridled percussive bashing, all of which leads to reminiscence of a Minutemen tune. Furthermore, the song’s somewhat clumsily placed and sung lyrics serve to underline its raw punk aesthetic. “Dear Friend, Pt. 2” was released as a single off the band’s debut full-length released on November 25th, entitled Friends.

NEWMEN – “Debbie Harry”

December 11, 2017

With a song title like “Debbie Harry,” it comes as little to no surprise this recent single from German indie rock band NEWMEN encapsulates a sleek new wave sound bearing partial resemblance to that of Blondie, the legendary New York outfit Harry famously fronted. The track is teeming with crisp dealings of guitar and waves of what sounds like ’80s-era synthesizer, not to mention a short passage of softly sung but inviting vocals. This verse is followed by nearly three minutes of building instrumental wonder, which lasts for the rest of the song.