Latest Posts

A Relative Term – The Bleak

November 20, 2017

Indie folk singer-songwriter Mark Longolucco is back with his third full length record. Recording under the name A Relative Term, the Buffalo-based multi-instrumentalist is known for his exploration of varying genres. On The Bleak, he further expands his sonic palette, building off of his past releases. Having started out as a straight-ahead indie folk artist, on his second album Longolucco began to play with combining synthetic sounds with acoustic ones. Here, he takes it fully into the realm of folktronica, striking a perfect balance between warm finger-picked acoustic guitars and lush electronic soundscapes. It is reminiscent of notable hushed folk singers the likes of Sufjan Stevens or Bon Iver venturing into this electric-meets-acoustic realm. Although Longolucco’s synthesis of the styles isn’t quite as erratic as the former’s, and not quite as glitchy as the latter’s. On this album, he isn’t afraid to get pretty heavy at times, with moments of[...]

Why a fox – “we hate it here”

November 18, 2017

One man band Why a fox is retiring from music, but not before he releases the last two songs he has left. “We hate it here” is the first of the two songs from the Austrailian artist. Originally from Brisbane, Why a fox has made his way around Japan, settling down in Fukushima and had played shows throughout Fukushima and Sendai. The single carries a mixture of elements from genres. The gently plucked guitar is reminiscent of most folk acoustics. The vocals were similar to The Front Bottoms lead singer Brian Sella because they were raw and told a story as the song went on. The song serves as a fitting end to Why a fox’s career, giving his fans a chance to get one last look at his music before he gives it up. Check out Why a fox’s entire collection Everything below. Everything by Why a fox

argonaut&wasp- “Prove It to You”

November 18, 2017

“Prove It to You,” a new track from argonaut&wasp, is pretty much as close to indietronica as musicians can get. The Brooklyn duo follows on the trail of bands like Hot Chip with the track’s undulating rhythm and velvety vocal stylings. The song oozes confidence, with a cool-as-can-be assertion of “let’s get it on,” while admitting to feeling lonely. The recurrent keyboard lines toward the end of the song serve to build the song to an energy-raising climax before ending somewhat abruptly beneath its propeller-sounding finish. Check out “Prove It To You” below.

The Hubbards – “Easy Go”

November 17, 2017

Leeds-based four-piece The Hubbards released the second single “Easy Go.”  The Hubbards released Body Confident on September 27 through Scruff of the Neck Records. Gaining notice from supports slots for Foals and The 1975, the band has enjoyed a nice transition to the mainstream. With a punchy guitar and smooth transitional vocals, the band encompasses the spirit of punk and indie pop. Continuing the narrative from “Just Touch,” the single continues the story through its lyrical content. Listen to “Easy Go” below via SoundCloud.

Canshaker Pi – “Pressure From Above”

November 17, 2017

Amsterdam quartet Canshaker Pi bring out heavy Dutch rock influences in their new single “Pressure From Above.” The single will be released on November 3 via RIP Records.  Canshaker Pi has also announced a UK tour in December, including  supporting dates with The Cribs in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds. The influences in production from Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus can be heard including the dead-pan vocals and heavy guitar play on the track. Canshaker Pi also incorporates Dutch rock into the mix with some heavy guitar riffs throughout the single. Listen to “Pressure From Above” via SoundCloud.

Bryde – “Desire”

November 17, 2017

Welsh songwriter Bryde employs her newest single “Desire” as a means to grapple with impulsiveness and the by-any-means-necessary approach to self-gratification inherent in humankind.  As told by the song’s ardently delivered lyrics, “we tie ourselves up and we tear ourselves down” while “we paint our faces and we tear our hair out” all in the name of desire. The rhythmic guitar laced throughout the verses inhabits a brooding quality but escalates to more anthemic, power pop-esque riffage once the track reaches the chorus. Chris Sorum and CJ Marks, the latter credited with assistance on recent works from PJ Harvey, St. Vincent and Wolf Alice, are responsible for the song’s pleasingly raw-sounding production. The almost undetectable utterance of “yeah” once the song ends points to satisfaction with the end result, like a weight was lifted. Listeners could, and should, foreseeably feel the same. Bryde’s debut album is slated for release in[...]

Johnny Paglino- “Psalms on Contempt and Incarceration”

November 17, 2017

Seasoned Floridian recording artist Johnny Paglino holds no reservations about expletives, it seems. But considering his aim was to write a breakup album with America, tackling such subject matter as child trafficking and oppression, why would he? His time in jail and vigilance toward what he views, in so many words, as the declining state of the country inspired such an endeavor. The new single, “Psalms on Contempt and Incarceration,” due out in January on Paglino’s upcoming EP A Collection of Crows, features airy instrumentation throughout, with notable inclusion of a pipe flute solo toward its closing. With the mindset of a shattered relationship with America applied, Johnny Paglino asks his country, “why’d you let yourself go?” as he pins down the metaphor of growing out of one’s jean size. The track also consists of unorthodox lines that make the song stand out even more, like “the meme lives on[...]

Rose Tiger – “Submarine (Where Have You Been?)”

November 17, 2017

Rose Tiger delves into his personal brand of DIY new wave, set to the glitter and pastel of the video for his single “Submarine (Where Have You Been?)” Vetting a reverence for 1980’s British electropop, 90’s synthwave, and vintage anime soundscapes, Wendy Killmann as Rose Tiger explores the glory of electronica past, while embracing an independent, DIY ethos. The track could easily be at home on the soundtrack of an old Molly Ringwald classic, painting with color via cavernous synth lines, pointillistic guitar support, and bubbling electronic elements. The video itself blurs the distinction between realism and whimsy, taking full advantage of all of the creative opportunities provided by a green screen. Get the full immersive experience with “Submarine (Where Have You Been?)” below.

Rust Belt Brigade Release Spin on “Low Bridge (Erie Canal)”

November 16, 2017

Buffalo’s own Rust Belt Brigade have released a new single from their forthcoming release Rhythm & Roll. This track is their take on the classic regional folk tune “Low Bridge (Erie Canal),” a song familiar to many of those who’ve attended grade school in western New York. Originally a folk-punk duo, Rust Belt Brigade is shifting its sound slightly, blending in new influences from the world of bluegrass roots. The band now includes a bassist and a banjo player, while this song features local violinist Sally Schaefer. The music is as rustic and lilting as you’d expect from a classic folk group, while still maintaining the group punk side. Lead singer Victor Castillo’s raspy, half-shout voice gives this centuries old dirge a new anthemic edginess. Rhythm & Roll is set for release on December 16th, with a release show happening on December 2nd at Nietzsche’s. In the meantime, check out Rust Belt Brigade’s[...]

Madeleine McQueen – “Wildfire”

November 15, 2017

Rochester-born singer/songwriter Madeleine McQueen specializes in upbeat pop rock, notably evident in her latest single “Wildfire.” About the song, Madeline says, “I wrote “Wildfire” when I was drunk one night and being a bitch. It’s pretty upbeat and catchy with some deeper and darker lyrics to contrast that.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves – recommended to fans of Florence & The Machine, Feist, or Ingrid Michaelson. If you like what you hear, add “Wildfire” to your Spotify playlist.

Tesse – “I’ll Tell You In The Morning”

November 15, 2017

Tesse is the collaborative project of Sydney-based songwriter Tom Stephens… His songs are brooding alt-folk compositions, centered around acoustic guitar riffs and peppered with flavors of baritone guitar and piano. “I’ll Tell You In The Morning” is the first offering from his yet-to-be-released debut; it explores the complexities and monotony of an unstable relationship. Stay up to date with Tesse’s happenings via their Instagram.

Spirit Award – “Diving”

November 15, 2017

Seattle-based trio Spirit Award specialize in dark post-punk with a new wave flavor, especially evident on their newest offering, “Diving.” “Diving” has its roots in some dark happenings and is based around the omnipresent stresses of every day life… According to Spirit Award, “It’s comforting to me knowing that someone shares my same struggles, and we can share in that difficulty together and try and move past it.” Click play on the widget below and let the driving bass line and siren-esque guitars take you away. “Diving” is being offered up on Bandcamp.

A.D.K.O.B. – “Giraffe”

November 15, 2017

Sydney Australia is home to indie-pop ADKOB, who are hot from the release of their latest (and catchiest) song, “Giraffe.” Their music video is a montage of the band at work, classic, yet effective… But we were especially hooked in by its rolling drumbeat and synth-tinged indie-pop sentimentality which is reminiscent of Foals or Bastille. Not to mention the true earworm of “Fuck me up inside again.” We’ve conveniently embedded their music video below – smash that play button if you know what’s good for ya.

Lazy Bones – “Take It Back”

November 14, 2017

We’re pleased to share a brand new band from Ithaca with y’all – Lazy Bones is here with a sparkling new single in the form of “Take It Back.” Their brand of low-key indie rock falls somewhere between the slacker vibe of Mac Demarco and the chorus-laden dream pop of a band like Turnover… Give it a listen below. “Take It Back” is available via Bandcamp for a “name your price” option… You know what to do. Take It Back by Lazy Bones

FEVA – “Blind”

November 13, 2017

Newcastle indie rock four-piece FEVA are off to a fierce start with the release of their debut single, “Blind.” Despite their recent outset, the band has already generated a buzz around the UK with nods from Huw Stephens of BBC Radio 1 and notable festival placements. For fans of Young The Giant and Cold War Kids, “Blind” provides all of that rock-driven bite and then some by way of rapid bass lines, robust guitar parts, and lithe percussion to keep up with frontman Sam Reynolds’ fervid wails. With such great hype so early in their career, it’s safe to say FEVA is looking at a bright future ahead. Take “Blind” for a spin and see for yourself.