Latest Posts

The Gift – “Big Fish”

March 25, 2017

For fans of Talking Heads, The Gift’s “Big Fish” is the latest spark of groove-infused energy to get you through the week. The band has been around for a little while – twenty years to be exact – and their seasoned musicianship shows. They’ve captured layering of catchy melodies, spot-on group harmonies, and creative instrumental interplay. It has a distinctive 80’s synth-pop feel, but still manages to bring in modern musical elements to keep up with the times. If you’re hungry for a slice of the past, be sure to check out The Gift’s upcoming EP ALTAR due April 7th on digital platforms and May 5th in physical forms, and catch up on their recent single releases here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305647122″ 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 Fuzzy Crystals – “The King Is Dead”

March 25, 2017

L.A. six-piece The Fuzzy Crystals channels their inner flower child in the band’s new track “The King Is Dead.” This is modern psychedelic rock in its purest form. Featuring inspiring guitar solos, groove-heavy bass, and a cacophony of vocal harmonies, this is the kind of politically-charged aural journey we’ve been yearning for for decades. The song is complex, and plainly depicts an evolution of an idea, ending with a note of optimism. Holding true to their vintage sound, the band’s second album was completely recorded live with analog technology, only delving into digital when the final mixes were converted to audio files. Join The Fuzzy Crystals on their journey back in time below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/311453923″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bleeding Knees Club – “Chew the Gum”

March 25, 2017

Australia’s Bleeding Knees Club sends metaphoric spitballs our way with the band’s latest single “Chew the Gum.” The song is the epitome of sleazy garage-pop. It centers around the idea of growing out of your old self and the things you once enjoyed. Frontman Alex Walls puts it as “It’s about over-doing things that are fun, to the point that it’s not fun at all anymore. Chewing the gum till there’s no flavor left, and it just tastes gross.” Featuring grungy rhythm guitars, crisp drum lines, and punkified vocals, this song packs a punch in a sickeningly sweet kind of way. If you want more where that came from, keep an eye out for the band’s upcoming EP Chew The Gum to be released April 14th.

Headphone Hair – “Bleeding Game”

March 24, 2017

Headphone Hair is the moniker of Ian Walters, a 6th grade History and Science teacher from Oakland. Outside of the classroom, his passion is music, and we dig his latest single “Bleeding Game.” It caught our ears for his hushed falsetto (a la Bon Iver) and use of left-field instrumentals like xylophone and trombone… Plus, it was all recorded in his classroom in one marathon session (and sounds pretty killer regardless). If you’re feeling generous, you can contribute to Bleeding Game’s Kickstarter here.

Rich List – “Esha Ness”

March 24, 2017

A little bit of history for y’all – Esha Ness was the name of a race horse that ran the second-fastest time in history, and famously “won” a race that never was. Electro-pop activists Rich List have cleverly turned that experience into a metaphor for the human condition… But we dig it for its retro stylings and clever use of 80s-style synth work. Fans of the 1980s, Duran Duran or Tears for Fears will like this one. “Esha Ness” is available via a variety of formats. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/308682788″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Morbs – s/t

March 24, 2017

Eric Ellman is a pretty busy guy in the current local scene. In the past six months he’s pumped out two Green Slime releases and now with the help of his cohorts Emily Churco, Mike Herman and Rona Eliyahu, Ellman has revealed the self-titled debut for Morbs. The 10 track debut which clocks in just under 20 minutes was recorded by Matt Chase and mixed and mastered by John Angelo. The self-titled debut from the Queen City garage-punk outfit comes out of left field. It’s hard to determine what stands out more, is it the stripped down pure adrenal gland capsule that is Ellman’s guitar? Or is it the vocals of Churco? Churco’s lips are fast moving even when they are stuck in traffic, like on the slower tracks “Co-Pilot” and “Made of Bones”. Even on these songs her vocals seem to still be moving at the speed of light. However,[...]

Ugly Sun Drop Latest Single “Marble Eye”

March 23, 2017

Buffalo garage rock power trio Ugly Sun are back with their latest single “Marble Eye,” and it’s a thrilling burst of triumphant goodness. For a band keen to keep things on the rough and wild side, the deploying of both discordant and mightily sweet harmonies behind John Crook’s plaintive wail and those epic riffs takes this whole enterprise to a higher level and almost flirts with beauty. In a city with a growing list of rock bands you can believe in, you can add Ugly Sun to the list. They’ll be playing the just announced Made Violent show at the Studio At The Waiting Room with Sixties Future May 5th, with tickets going on sale this Friday.

B O K E H – “Don’t Leave The Fire”

March 22, 2017

We think you should check out B O K E H (sic), the alter-ego for Berlin-based solo artist Chloë Lewer. The video for “Don’t Leave The Fire” is a glorious look at what might be a dancefloor/go-kart track hybrid, juxtaposing shots of B O K E H racing around the track with segments of her marching around with her squad. Beyond the epic video, B O K E H specializes in electropop tunes with a distinct nod to the 1980s influences – we think you’ll dig it a lot. If you like this song, support it by following this link.

Evan Wize – “Bad Habits”

March 22, 2017

“Bad Habits” has been a hit at the buffaBLOG offices lately, and for good reason. Evan Wize is an electropop whiz kid from Philadelphia. We recommend the sultry groove of his latest song, “Bad Habits.” Wize combines mysterious chords and menacing funk-bass with accessible lyrics and a pop-minded approach… All in all, a worthwhile listen. Give Evan a follow on Instagram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310279776″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Wyldest – “The Poet”

March 22, 2017

We’re over here grooving to the latest dream pop jam from London power trio, Wyldest. Swirly guitars, hushed vocals, and a deeply groovy drum beat permeate this track… This is one of those jams that isn’t an outright dance banger, but still gets your body moving in its own, understated way. Fans of Warpaint and Blonde Redhead will definitely jive with this one. Be sure to add “The Poet” to your Spotify playlist too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310953935″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Soviet Dolls Release New Single

March 20, 2017

Soviet Dolls delivers us a taste of wholesome synth-pop with their track “Dreams.” The Rochester natives craft a sweet brew of alt-rock intensity with the synth-driven whimsy of indie-pop. It has a familiar feel, but manages to present a unique idea through stimulating production and captivating electronic elements. The group has built quite a name for themselves by sharing stages big names like The 1975, Joywave, and Broods. It seems only fair to assume this won’t be the last we hear of Soviet Dolls. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306492952″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Coral Collapse – Post New York

March 20, 2017

Buffalo dream-pop quartet Coral Collapse has barely allowed a year to pass before offering up some fresh new material, and nobody’s complaining. Drawing comparisons to airy indie contemporaries like Wild Nothing and DIIV, Coral Collapse has built their platform on the same soaring soundscapes, only with an endearing, almost garage-ish charm. And continuing in the wistfulness of last year’s debut EP Hafla, the band’s new EP, Post New York, is a concise 4 tracks of indie-pop bliss and our album of the week. Dream rock bands don’t have it especially easy right now. The genre, in its relatively crowded state, is teeming with bands that follow the indie pop cookie cutter. Many of them are able to craft good solid tracks, but the real issue is standing out. Offering up something tweaked ever-so-slightly—tracks that don’t get inadvertently get lost in the sonic white noise. Coral Collapse finds the perfect balance[...]

Rosie Tucker – “Fault Lines”

March 18, 2017

Singer-songwriter Rosie Tucker crafts her brand of indie-rock with a bit of a DIY edge in her latest single “Fault Lines.” The song is chuck-full of gently soulful vocals, twangy guitar lines, and lax drum beats. It revolves around the idea of feeling alone in the sun-soaked utopia that is Los Angeles, and how to find solace in that. For fans of Waxahatchee, Frankie Cosmos, and Alex G, you won’t want to miss this. Catch up on Rosie’s last album Lowlight and more from the indie songstress at her website. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307932236″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rudie Edwards – “Lover Like You”

March 18, 2017

Britain’s Rudie Edwards takes us on a journey through movement and color in her music video for the single “Lover Like You.” The song itself is reminiscent of 90’s R&B with a rock-meets-disco edge. It’s seductive, idealized, and full of energy. This is pure pop shot straight through the bloodstream, but manages to be different than anything we’ve heard in recent history. As Edwards puts it; “The mission is to wake people up…I want to make some bloody noise that doesn’t sound like all of the other bloody noise out there.” It’s pretty fair to say she’s bringing something new to the table, and we for one hope there’s more where that came from. Take in the visual experience that is “Lover Like You” below.

Brandon Thomas De La Cruz – “New Wave”

March 18, 2017

Portland’s Brandon Thomas De La Cruz takes an artistic approach as an acoustic singer-songwriter in his track “New Wave.” This song, as well as others on the upcoming album, was inspired by artists and poets like Rainer Maria Rilke and Picasso, conjuring strong imagery and vivid anecdotes. De La Cruz’s gentle vocals and tender acoustic guitar strumming lend to his picturesque musings, while leaving the rest to the listener’s interpretation. The full album, I Am Calling For My Lover is due to be released on March 24th, and promises to be full of dreamy symbolism much like this track. Test the waters with “New Wave” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/294356351″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]