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Ruler – “Easy Life”

December 10, 2017

Matt Batey’s solo project Ruler finds the Montana-turned-Seattle-hailing musician pushing out the single “Easy Life,” a high-spirited pop-rock masterwork stitched together from the fabric of life’s woes. From dealing with a downer of a 9-to-5 job to a deteriorating relationship, the lyrics express a plea of “why me?” in a world that stomps on the idea of life being easier and more carefree than what reality presents. The final verse summons some advice, telling any soul in earshot to be the one who “takes the wheel.” The humorous music video for “Easy Life” shows Batey facing a slew of stumbling blocks, including opening his guitar case to the sight of broken strings, finding out too late that a practice session was relocated and discovering leaves in place of cash in his wallet.

Escapists – “Weirdo”

December 10, 2017

Escapists, a London-based quartet, lay down an air of menace as their recently released track “Weirdo” settles in with 10 seconds of radio-type frequency and sludgy distortion before breaking into a hard-edged, unrelenting rock groove. The track strikes a perfect balance between chaos and precision in this earworm of a tune lyrically centered around the outsider’s perspective and disillusionment. “Weirdo” is planned to be included on the second Escapists album, due out in 2018.

HAWAI – “Think About It”

December 10, 2017

The Orange County alternative rock four-piece HAWAI starts out their new, endlessly catchy tune “Think About It” with its elegant keyboard line in the forefront while twitchy vocal and separate instrumental cues hint at what’s to come. The track then jumps into a colorful synth-pop soundscape met with lyrics detailing a wordless but tension-filled interaction between two lovers, one sitting expressionless and the other overwrought with anxiety over whether or not he somehow angered her into silence. Written in large part by keyboardist Matt Gillen on a nine-hour flight from Iceland back to the states, “Think About It” is as relatable as it is anthemic. The track is one of five contained on HAWAI’s sophomore EP Hide in the Ocean, released on December 8th through Antler Records.

Been Stellar – “Midwestern Holiday”

December 9, 2017

Michigan five-piece Been Stellar conjure up wintery images a la Home Alone in their latest single “Midwestern Holiday.” Stitching together elements of indie rock, lo-fi, and garage rock, the band knows how to make an impact by way of distorted group vocals and interwoven guitar lines, just in time for the most wonderful time of the year. What starts out as a subdued, almost listless long distance serenade, gradually transitions to an energetic and angsty ode to growing pains and lost love. It’s lends itself as a reminder that coming home for the holidays can be both a blessing and a curse. Check out the single below, and find more from Been Stellar here for additional jangly tracks to carry you through the season.

Joe Russell-Brown – “Post-Youth Depression”

December 9, 2017

Lo-fi songster Joe Russell-Brown makes producing a breezy hit sound easy in his title-track single, “Post-Youth Depression.” The 19-year-old may be new to the bedroom pop scene, but he’s already captured the seeming effortlessness of the lethargic vocals and twangy guitar melodies synonymous with DIY greats like (Sandy) Alex G and early Porches. Russell-Brown explores a fondly nostalgic lyricism well beyond his years, smiling back at those simpler days that were hard to appreciate until now. His knack for piecing together instrumental components into a tightly bound, united sound is what takes this track a step further towards a refined and carefully crafted single, worthy of radio play. Is Joe Russell-Brown the next Day Wave? Only time will tell. In the meantime, get hooked on his recently released EP under the same name.

Michael Jablonka – “I Found You”

December 9, 2017

Sometimes there’s nothing more therapeutic than a bluesy guitar riff blaring out of your speakers… We think Londoner Michael Jablonka might be your latest fix, especially his latest single “I Found You.” Blending modern day indie rock feels with bluesy and soulful backbone, “I Found You” pairs a noodly guitar riff with an explosive chorus. Give it a whirl below. If you dig it, do Jablonka a solid and head over to iTunes.

Light Orange – “Hypnotized”

December 9, 2017

Mmmm, what a groove! We’re digging the funky pop vibes of Swedish producer Light Orange on his debut release, “Hypnotized.” The rolling rhythms and lush harmonies bring to mind equal parts Beck, MGMT, and Prince. With a pedigree like that, it’s no wonder this got the buffaBLOG offices dancing… Oh, and be sure to stick around for the blistering guitar solo at the end. Check ’em out on the IG too.

Scared of Girls – “Waihi Beach”

December 9, 2017

Does anyone else miss the summer yet? Scared of Girls are here to remedy your seasonal affective disorder woes with their summery new single “Waihi Beach.” According to the New Zealand based quartet, they are here for a good time, not a long time… and that sentiment is echoed pretty well through “Waihi Beach’s” peppy vibes. Lots of reverb-soaked guitar and bass shreds within. You can visit “Waihi Beach” too… Via Bandcamp that is.

JNNA – “Feel So Alone”

December 6, 2017

The last time we checked in with lilting songstress JNNA, we were gushing over the left-field instrumentation of her last single, “Waking Up With You.” Her latest offering is the equally-gushable “Feel So Alone;” again produced by electronica mastermind Tyzo Bloom (who we’ve also blogged about in the past), “Feel So Alone” explores the profoundness of being with someone and still feeling alone. Learn more about JNNA from her website.

Sonny Baker Returns with “Reluctant Thief”

December 5, 2017

Long-serving Buffalo musician Sonny Baker’s solo single “Reluctant Thief” is a 5-minute meditation on withering relationships perfectly suited for play at maximum volume. Sparse rhythm and slackened guitar accompany soothing, softly sung verses, while bursts of raucous guitar join in on the song’s tortured, soul-bearing choruses. With a command of both raw and reserved stylings vocally and instrumentally, Sonny Baker’s newest offering harkens back to the heyday of Dinosaur Jr. as well as bands who hit the music scene in the 21st century, like My Morning Jacket and Broken Social Scene. Check out Baker’s newest single, due out December 15th via Admirable Traits Records.

Jacob Peter – Echolalia

December 4, 2017

The byline for Jacob Peter’s debut EP simple states the definition of the phenomena for which this release is named; Echolalia [ek-oh-ley-lee-uh]: the uncontrollable and immediate repetition of words spoken by another person. Throughout the EP, the Buffalo-based multi-instrumentalist and composer implements this theme both lyrically and musically. He explores, reflects upon, and calls to question the vast repetitions we experience in life, both harmful and beneficial, unwanted and intentional. The arrangements and production match the subject matter, taking the listener on an eclectic journey of recollection and repetition, mining a deep well of musical influences, ranging from The Beatles to Joanna Newsom to Debussy to Grizzly Bear. Echolalia starts off with the instrumental track “Pattern,” a piano progression that lilts forward before the bursting open with twinkling ambience across the speakers. From there, Peter takes us on a tour of sonic textures, never letting each song (nor the EP[...]

Satin Jackets – “Mirage”

December 2, 2017

Satin Jackets’ new track “Mirage” encompasses a feeling that evokes the sound of perhaps a more pop-oriented version of Lorde. With danceable keyboard jabs and impassioned singing, it’s a tune tailored for a freewheeling atmosphere, such as a discotheque. The song is the follow-up to the group’s successful summertime collaboration with David Harks, which amassed a million-plus Spotify plays. “Mirage” is to be released on Friday through Eskimo Recordings but is now streamable on Soundcloud.

Gil Hockman – “Untitled”

December 2, 2017

South African musician Gil Hockman’s newest tune, which is either legitimately untitled or titled as such, is a relaxing ditty riddled with loose advice about letting things be and letting things go. Hockman lyrically and voice-wise can be compared a bit to how Damon Albarn would sound if he were maybe more into meditation. The song builds to a slightly more momentous conclusion as it approaches its last 30 or so seconds. Gil Hockman’s latest album, Becoming, on which “Untitled” was the second track, saw release on November 10.

Anteros – “Bonnie”

December 2, 2017

The new song, entitled “Bonnie,” from British pop group Anteros, bounces on a sleek beat, adding up to a boisterous, fun and ridiculously catchy tune stressing the idea of “dancing in the meadow.” The track is accompanied by a music video showing the band performing in a boxing ring while two women attack punching bags. The video, however, contains quite the twist ending.

Chow Mane – “Mooncakes”

December 2, 2017

San Francisco Bay Area rapper Chow Mane contemplates his obstacle-addled adolescence and heritage on new song “Mooncakes,” the title track from his six-song EP released in October. He spent this time in the care of his family, which consisted of Asian immigrants and Vietnam War refugees. He talks of sleeping on the floor, sharing space with eight in a house later seized by the government and his father leaving his mother. Nonetheless, Chow and his family managed to maintain a sense of hope in the face of adversity. The music video released for “Mooncakes” depicts Chow rapping beside his grandparents in between clips of old home video footage.