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Happy Gilmore – “Bad Wine”

April 29, 2017

Mellow DIY indie rock act Happy Gilmore slips smoothly into the scene with his introductory single “Bad Wine.” The track is initially a lulling look within, providing stability with rhythmic arpeggiated guitar lines and a soothing falsetto to write home about. At around the two-and-a-half-minute mark it’s all cranked up several notches, adding percussion, harmonies, and beachy guitar interjections. What starts off as a sweet singer-songwriter showcase turns into a full-on house show with all the energy and more. This solo act of Connor Gilmore was all written, recorded, and mastered in his Nashville bedroom, as equally impressive as it is surprising for such a dynamic, crystalline sound. If “Bad Wine” is any indication of what’s to come for Happy Gilmore, we’ll be patiently counting the days until his next release. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/316611836″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Husky – “Ghost”

April 29, 2017

Melbourne’s alt-rock gem Husky sends synth-infused waves our way in their latest track “Ghost.” This song smoothly enforces the age-old motto that there’s nothing like a catchy synth motif to hammer a melody home. Featuring fuzzy guitar chords, sharp drum work, and musing vocals, “Ghost” tells a pensive story while channeling buoyant positivity towards the future. The track is simultaneously moody and freeing, pulling in the listener with every added instrumental element. If Husky has caught your fancy, stay tuned for their upcoming LP Punchbuzz, out June 2nd via Embassy of Music. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/316283646″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Taylor Knox – “Running Into Love”

April 29, 2017

Toronto singer-songwriter Taylor Knox channels a pop-driven super-melody into an indie-rock foundation in his latest track “Running into Love.” Through a dense texture of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, synth, and a host of vocals, Knox understands the importance of introducing a musical idea and continually building on that throughout the song. He not only tells a story lyrically, but through instrumentation choices, which is so often overlooked but incredibly effective. His buoyant vocals paint a romantic picture surrounded in a rose-colored haze, timely enough to hit as summer love drives into full-swing. This track is the first single off Knox’s upcoming album appropriately monikered LOVE, set for a June 9th release. If “Running Into Love” just isn’t enough to hold you over until then, we recommend delving into Taylor’s debut EP Lines where all things are streamed. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307010185″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

No Telescopes – “Girl, Frankly”

April 28, 2017

Crafting a rocked up version of doo-wop, LA outfit No Telescopes channels their inner Brian Wilson in their track “Girl, Frankly.” An endearing mix of punk and surf rock, this track drives home good vibes with sun-soaked guitar lines, energetic drumming, and captivating harmonies reminiscent of a simpler time. The song centers on the story of boy meets girl, boy is swiftly smitten, even if that affection defies reason. “Girl, Frankly” is the second single release leading up to the group’s debut album release on May 3rd. If you’re hungry for more in the meantime, check out some of No Telescope’s previously released tracks on soundcloud. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/317039863″ 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 Otherme – Blacksheep

April 27, 2017

When The Otherme‘s (aka solo artist Aidan Licker) new album came floating into the buffaBLOG inbox, it brought us back to a simpler time… Namely, the mid to late aughts where emo acts were blossoming from basement show staples to full-blown rock stars. Blacksheep is a startling tonal shift for The Otherme, whose previous efforts have been more hip-hop flavored (think Asher Roth or Atmosphere). This time around, Licker has eschewed the beats and the raps for personal, heart-on-your-sleeve anthems about long-lost relationships, summers past, and existential novelists. Licker is armed with nothing more than a lone electric guitar and his voice, bringing to mind Drive Thru acts like Dave Melillo or even The Starting Line. Blacksheep‘s most poignant moment comes in the form of the title-track, a song about yearning for approval, despite an unshakable “black sheep” status. On one of the catchiest moments of the album, Licker proclaims, “I stopped living for the people[...]

Jet Rewind – “Someone Else”

April 27, 2017

Jet Rewind’s recent single release, “Someone Else” is a sunny slice of indie rock reminiscent of your favorite early 2000’s Californian-teen drama. The Stockholm band delivers smoothly rhythmic melodies in a neat and tidy package, satisfying a need for a cruise down Highway 1 as the sun sets. The four-piece gets their name from the rewind function on old VHS players, which aptly captures the band’s nostalgic emphasis on the long gone but never forgotten. “Someone Else” seems to encapsulate that willingness to dwell in the past, with a sound that brings to mind millennium era pop/rock mixed with the indie-slacker tendencies of today. Jet Rewind is in it’s formative years, and if “Someone Else” is any indication of what’s to come, we’re hoping for a swift follow up. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/317529342″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Super American – Disposable

April 24, 2017

Disposable (recorded/mixed by Jay Zubricky) unabashedly throws gentle nods to the golden era of late 90’s/early 2000’s pop-rock anthems. Though that pocket of nostalgia can be a tough one to inhabit and present in an updated, relevant way, it’s one that Super American pulls off pretty well on their debut release. This isn’t an album to overthink, and that’s one of the most enjoyable parts. It’s a hook-heavy  collection of tunes with strong vocals and enough lyrical variance to hold a listener’s attention. I envision this record landing in the hands of someone just graduating college, going through a particularly lamentable breakup or entering the summer in an emotional lull, and having the auxiliary power to carry them through that experience. At the same time, it has the mnemonic power to forever remind the person of that period of time whenever they hear a similar melody or guitar lick ( a quality that I feel like a lot of[...]

Pale Grey – “Billy”

April 22, 2017

Through a progressive slice of dream-pop, Belgian trio Pale Grey brings to light a sense of youthful innocence met with encroaching cynicism in their single “Billy.” The track features an assortment of genres including electronic, folk, indie-pop, and experimental, all melded together to form an introspective masterpiece. Each piece of instrumentation is added seamlessly into the texture, be it rattling synths or thrumming bass notes. Pale Grey is in the process of making their way across Europe’s most notable venues – here’s hoping their travel leads them across the pond sometime soon. Until then we have “Billy” to hold us over below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315290522″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

NoSo – “I Love the Mountains”

April 22, 2017

L.A. singer-songwriter NoSo drafts her introduction into the indie/alternative scene with her single “I Love the Mountains.” Honing in on deliberately straightforward lyrics, NoSo tells a coming-of-age tale of individualized experience through stark storytelling. Although it sounds completely lighthearted in the I’ve-decided-to-stop-caring kind of way, the lyrics are laced with nostalgia and a wistfulness for simpler times. Through interlocking guitar lines, sharp percussion, and subtly soulful vocals, NoSo drives her story home. Her bright, enthusiastic sound will draw you in, and her clear-cut lyricism will have you staying for a while. Listen to NoSo’s journal of self-discovery via “I Love the Mountains” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/316303222″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Novo Amor – “Carry You”

April 22, 2017

It seems almost sacrilegious to refer to Novo Amor a singer-songwriter. As an accomplished instrumentalist, vocalist, producer, and songwriter, Ali Lacey can do it all. Shaping the most compelling of soundscapes, Novo Amor’s new single “Carry You” sounds like the soundtrack to an aesthetically ethereal documentation of the English countryside. It’s raw yet cultivated, playing upon its dynamic and lulling qualities. Featuring a falsetto that would put even Bon Iver to shame, Lacey harnesses the best of indie-folk and makes it an experience. Novo Amor is already making waves on various streaming platforms with his previously released single “Anchor,” and it seems likely this one will perform no differently. Take in Novo Amor’s captivating orchestration below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315930782″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tipling Rock – “A Side / B Side”

April 22, 2017

Boston’s beachy indie rock 5-piece Tipling Rock serves up a hefty dose of summery vibes in their latest single “A Side / B Side.” Featuring twangy guitar lines, crooned vocals, and a steady drum beat, this track is as laid back as they come, but maintains a polished sound. While exploring classic sun-soaked imagery, the song’s lyrics simultaneously delve into a taste of summertime sadness even Lana herself would envy. Frontman Ben Andre coos “Well I guess I’m just a b side to you / I know that that don’t mean much to you,” as a sleepy lament coated in SPF 15. It’s downright infectious, and will quickly have you wishing for your day in the sun. Tipling Rock have staked their claim on the hearts of Spotify playlisters, and for good reason. Join the wave and find more of the band’s music on a streaming service near you. [soundcloud[...]

Pleasure Curses – “The Push”

April 22, 2017

Portland dwellers Jahn Alexander Teetsov and Evan Maxwell Grice combine creative forces via their alt-disco project Pleasure Curses and serve up groovy vibes with a heft in their single “The Push.” Born of the evolution of their punk-derived basement show days to today’s higher profile exploits, Pleasure Curses pumps waves of nudisco and a smattering of R&B influence into an alternative base, and the result is more than effective. “The Push” has all the makings of the next get-up-and-dance anthem, but still manages to seem coolly subdued. Drawing up disco with a cause, Pleasure Curses aren’t afraid to call out social injustices where they see them, all with standout melodies and a thumping bassline. “The Push” is the forerunner of the duo’s upcoming EP Screens, to be released on Prince George Records mid-May. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/308732987″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cavego – “Red Light (feat. Arielle)”

April 22, 2017

Norway’s nudisco sensation Cavego joins forces with Australian singer-songwriter Arielle in his latest single “Red Light.” The track features vibrant electropop sensibilities paired with the zest of disco. Arielle’s vocals pack a punch, surrounded by strident synths, energized electronic motifs, and a compelling bassline. “Red Light” flings us full-fledged into the summertime party season, and we couldn’t be more ready for it. The Bergen-based DJ (home to other big names like Kygo and Røyksopp) has already received some acclaim in Scandinavia, and is on his way to becoming a global force. Drawing inspiration from the height of 70’s disco, Cavego takes an electronic settling and cranks up the groove a few notches. “Red Light” is just a taste of what Cavego has to offer, therefore we highly recommend you check out his other releases to get the full picture. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315378945″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

People Flavor – “No Vox”

April 19, 2017

If you’re into dreamy indie rock, we think you should peep the new track from California’s People Flavor. “No Vox” pairs some swirly guitars with anthemic vocals and an overall chill vibe – perfect for a relaxing commute home after a stressful day of work. “No Vox” is on Bandcamp if you dig it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295764409″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Blaenavon – “Alice Come Home”

April 19, 2017

Blaenavon has us jazzed on their new video for “Alice Come Home.” Featuring live footage of the band performing in NYC at four in the morning, “Alice Come Home” is packed full of frantic guitar strumming, beautiful falsetto vocals, and a stunning outro that drones out for the last two and a half minutes. This is one of those songs that is truly an experience the whole way through, falling inexplicably on the spectrum between Sigur Ros and Pavement. Their music is available via a variety of platforms, all of which can be found here.