Latest Posts

Johnny & the Man Kids Release Single “I’m Just a Man”

October 31, 2017

Within the first 40 seconds of “I’m Just a Man” by Buffalo natives Johnny & the Man Kids, a grouping of instruments coalesce one by one—rollicking drums, chiming guitar, a buoyant bassline, a keyboard replicating a theremin, and intervening vocal calls of “1, 2, 3, 4.” Lead singer John Marciniak lyrically pleads with a love interest, tossing his pride to the curb while insisting on living each day to the fullest. The lines “now I / know that I’ll find / some peace of mind / knowing you’re fine” meet a thunderous instrumental barrage before falling back to that initial guitar line and, fittingly enough, a call to “slow down.” “I’m Just a Man” then reintroduces the remaining instruments only to wipe them all away again with exception of an ascending bassline and ethereal sound effects. After another build-up, the words enter, flipping the message to “don’t slow down” instead.[...]

Jon Lewis Band – Baby Brother EP

October 29, 2017

Not too far removed from the release of their Exquisite Corpse full length back in May, Rochester’s Jon Lewis is back with Baby Brother EP, a new collection of emotionally penned, fuzzed out indie rock. “Let It Go” opens Baby Brother with reckless abandon; Lewis’ hazy yet potent vocals underpinned with fervent driving indie rock, before the band opts for cleaner tones and bright melodies on the following “I’ve Got Mine.” EP standout “Hanging On” is instantly memorable thanks to culpable melodies that leap off the record as Lewis spins urgent bar after urgent bar (‘What should you say / When my light is fading / And all my bad decisions come collecting / To keep me hanging on / Would you keep me hanging on?’). The mid-tempo “Ride With Us” features perhaps the best work of drummer Jacob Walsh, and passionate closer “I Want Your Heart” brings Baby Brother[...]

David Harks – “Avalon”

October 28, 2017

Berlin-based, British artist David Harks has us reeling from the easy-going electronica of his latest single, “Avalon.” “Avalon came to me in a dream,” Harks claims; a dream where he left behind his earthly possessions and traveled off to space to leave materialism behind. If only, David! Fans of Passion Pit, Capital Cities, or Foster The People will surely enjoy this one. “Avalon” is available via a variety of platforms, all of which can be accessed here.

Beach Kicks – “Obsession”

October 28, 2017

“Obsession” is an attempt to embody pure ecstasy, that is, according to mastermind Cezar of Beach Kicks. We can’t help but agree; “Obsession” is a smooth, almost hypnotic combination of electronica, r&b, and indie rock sentiment. Featuring unique vocal samples, swirling synth pads, and delay-laden guitars, we think Cezar does a pretty good job of spreading the love. Dig it? Add it to your Spotify playlist.

Harlan – “Sunny”

October 28, 2017

Memphis, TN act Harlan is a fresh new indie act with a bright debut single in “Sunny.” Lead singer Harlan Hutton’s voice conjures images of fellow indie-rock queens like Lauren Mayberry (CHVRCHES) or Molly Rankin (Alvvays). The rest of the band is a perfect compliment, running the gamut between peppy indie-pop and swimmy psych-tinged guitar rock. Their debut is due out in early 2018 – till then, get your fill of “Sunny” below.

Davis Absolute – “Flood”

October 27, 2017

Phoenix, Arizona native Davis Absolute supplies us with some invigorating hip hop to head up our weekend with his single “Flood.” The track combines powerful vocal delivery with ambient soundscapes, tiptoeing the line between the calm and the storm. All bases are covered instrumentally, tying in hauntingly sustained synths and bubbling electronica with sizzling cymbal work and syncopated bass beats – setting the tone as languid and electrifying at the same time. “Flood” comes off Davis Absolute’s recently released 7-track EP, Eden.

Juke Ross – “Colour Me (Autograf Remix)”

October 25, 2017

Every now and then, a dank remix hits our inbox and we know we have to share… The latest is from Chicago act Autograf with their heady EDM remix of Juke Ross’ “Colour Me.” Between the exquisite,  bouncy bass lines and Ross’ sultry voice, this particular remix is sure to get you feeling froggy. If you’re into it, add it to your Spotify playlist.

YØUTH – “Alright, Kid”

October 25, 2017

Nashville solo-artist YØUTH (aka Julian Denté) hit us up with the warm indie rock of his latest single, “Alright, Kid.” About the song, Julian explains that it is slightly tongue-in-cheek, about two star-crossed lovers clinging to a connection no matter how dysfunctional the relationship. Either way, his longing vocals and guitar-based crunch is reminiscent of bands like Manchester Orchestra, Phantom Planet, or Kings of Leon. If you’re feeling “Alright, Kid,” add it to your Spotify playlist.

Silk Cinema – “Disappear”

October 24, 2017

Self-identified as “Sade in space,” London’s Silk Cinema meld together dream pop and soul in their latest track, “Disappear.” Set to a backdrop of pulsing synths, bass, and the ever-irresistible snap track, the duo experiment with vocal interplay and harmonization, blending a distinct nostalgia for late 90’s R&B with the extra oomph of astral electronic sparkle. Our takeaway? “Disappear” is a smoldering hit that’s more than easy to get lost in, and we’ve got our fingers crossed for a swift follow-up.

Dr. Doctor – “Seventeen (Say The Words)”

October 24, 2017

L.A quintet Dr. Doctor follow up their praised debut single with another breezy hit, “Seventeen (Say The Words.)” The track provides a fresh take on laid back indie pop, channeling a bit of frontman Ralph Torrefranca’s soft spot for 80’s teen pop soundtracks to give the song a floaty, whimsical feel. Beachy guitar lines and radiant synths pave the way for lulling vocals with lilting falsetto, all wrapped up in a cozy blanket of reverb. This is as dreamy is it gets. Prepare to get swept away with “Seventeen (Say The Words)” below.

EI8HT – “Hardwood”

October 24, 2017

If you’re searching for some red-hot hip hop to get you through the week, look no further than EI8HT’s track “Hardwood.” The New Jersey rap aficionado sprinkles in looping marimba, crisp drum tracks, and rippling electronic elements, effectively setting the vibe while leaving room to keep his vocals in the forefront. Citing inspiration from Logic, Childish Gambino, and J. Cole, EI8HT’s strength is in his unrelenting flow and creative lyricism. Head over to his soundcloud for more tracks in the vein of “Hardwood.”

Passion in Constellation Returns with New Single

October 24, 2017

Buffalo-based producer Passion in Constellation has returned, joining forces with singer Star Cvlt to release the new single “A Little More About You.” The track is a sparkly affair filled with flashy keystrokes and surges of synth, all laid underneath Star Cvlt’s (aka Amanda Terragnoli) breathy vocals. “A Little More About You” succeeds in building to the crescendo, which crashes like a tidal wave once the beat drops. Anticipation swells as tempos slow, though it’s only a matter of time before the waves start to crest once again. As a matter of fact, this all happens within the first minute of the track, but that’s just a taste of what’s to come over the course of the next few minutes. “Light up these skies / So at night / I can keep you / Light up this tomb / I’ll be the moon / To reflect you,’ she sings during[...]

The French Amor Fati – “My Superhero”

October 23, 2017

It’s here, it’s French, it’s The French Amor Fati with their superior new pop jam “My Superhero.” Reminiscent of great pop songwriting of the 1990s with flavors of disco and contemporary electronica, “My Superhero” is a true pop banger from this French duo. Slam that play button below. There’s a music video for “My Superhero” as well – check it out here.

TRACE – “You Don’t Know Me”

October 23, 2017

Falling somewhere on the spectrum between moody west coast pop like Lana Del Rey and the introspective R&B flavor of James Blake, LA solo-act TRACE has us feeling some type of way after hearing “You Don’t Know Me.” Her earworm chorus of, “You don’t know me, I fall in love with everyone” is both hooky and relatable and is bound to bounce around your head all day. “You Don’t Know Me” would make a perfect addition to your Spotify playlist.

Jacob Faurholt – “Go”

October 23, 2017

Yo, check out this fresh track from our friend Jacob Faurholt. Jacob is one of Denmark’s most prolific songwriters, and his latest single, “Go,” caught our attention. Faurholt combines a tight drumbeat with quirky vocals and fuzz-pop guitar stylings, perfect for any fan of bedroom pop or 90s fuzz sentiment. Fans of Daniel Johnston, (Sandy) Alex G, or The Front Bottoms will like this one. Pick it up on Bandcamp if you like what you hear.