Latest Posts

Bucolic – “Daisy”

September 5, 2017

Bucolic brings a heavier DIY edge to his signature blend of shoegaze with his latest single, “Daisy.” This time around, Seth Carpenter trades in breezy synths for hazy distortion, lethargic vocals, and tunnel-like sound settings. Despite the laid-back feel, the track has its stalwart moments, where commanding vocal strains and luminous guitar lines keep you from completely losing yourself in the drowsy sludge of it all. The song’s message is one of self-discovery, while its hypnotic groove soothes all worries away. Here’s hoping that there’s more where this came from on Bucolic’s upcoming album Rope’s Wing.

Shane Allen – “Life is a Dream”

September 5, 2017

Singer/songwriter Shane Allen paints an uplifting picture of vitality with his track “Life is a Dream.” Largely concerned with clever lyricism to tell his story, Allen takes the jangly edge of rock, anecdotal qualities of folk, and the homespun zest for life akin to Americana to craft his trademark sound. His number one goal is relatability, using clear-cut imagery and narrative to bridge the gap between listener and artist. “Life is a Dream” comes straight from Shane Allen’s debut EP under the same name that was released this summer. Take the track for a spin below, and check out the whole EP for the full picture.

all-caps LADD – “Computer Kids”

September 5, 2017

Connecticut four-piece all-caps LADD brood over life’s harsh realities in their latest track, “Computer Kids.” Their sound has a raw, sobering edge that’s not often found in a band of young rockers. Combining souped-up distortion, nimble guitar lines, swift drum beats, and heart-wrenching vocals, the track takes bottled up teen angst and refines it into pure fuzz rock gold. Speaking on arduous and all too relatable topics of loss, hardship, and temporality, they know just how to shake the listener to the core and come out cathartically on the other end. “Computer Kids” comes from all-caps LADD’s most recent release, The Whole EP.

Pink Elephant – Around Your Neck

September 4, 2017

Rochester garage/noise-rock outfit, Pink Elephant are hot off their recently released single, and have dropped a new LP, Around Your Neck on 20 Blood Records. The four piece consists of Eric Witkowski on vocals and guitar, Greg Wilcox rocking the bass, Jeff Thompson banging on the drums, and Nick Walter rounding out the group on guitar. Around Your Neck is a conjoined effort to put out some solid tracks that bridge the gap between pysch-noise and post-rock. What sets Around Your Neck apart from other alt-rock records is with its diversity. There’s so much going on with the record that things never get stale, like week old bread left out on the counter. These songs aren’t a band trying to reinvent themselves, or a band straining to be “different”. Instead, this diversity just shows how strong Pink Elephant are as a band. Songs like the title track, “Around Your Neck”[...]

Iron & Wine – Beast Epic

September 1, 2017

On his sixth studio album, Sam Beam feels like he’s come full circle. When he first started out, Iron & Wine was a solo acoustic vehicle, defined by his DIY lo-fi home recordings. With each subsequent release, his sound evolved and his band expanded, all the while helping to define the indie folk movement of the last decade. On Beast Epic, there is a shift back to an acoustic-centric focus, but with years of experience now giving both fresh weight and familiarity to this set of songs. Beam’s poignant, narrative lyricism and trademark hushed-vocals have always been the winning ingredient to Iron & Wine’s music. It is what has allowed him to glide seamlessly through different styles and sonic palettes during his career without losing the warmth and immediacy of his songwriting. No matter what’s happening on the surface, whether it’s the orchestral jazz-folk of 2013’s Ghost On Ghost, or[...]

Sights and Sages – “Aghori”

August 29, 2017

San Diego four-piece Sights and Sages will have you humming along for days with their intensely hooky track “Aghori.” There’s more to this moody alt rock number than meets the eye, featuring a salient, falsetto-fueled chorus, racing drum beat, and a driving bassline to cement it all together. Their affinity for pop melodies does not go amiss here, while still maintaining a progressive edge with polyrhythms and a unique song structure. In the video for the track, Sights and Sages keep things wholesomely traditional by alternative/indie rock standards, showcasing band performance while toying with field of view and perception. “Aghori” comes straight from the band’s latest release, their EP Doubleplus.

Ronnie Lott – “14th Ave”

August 29, 2017

Rapper/songwriter/producer triple threat Ronnie Lott brings the fire with his fierce new single, “14th Ave.” The native Texan masters an unrelenting flow with a subtle back beat, achieving a sound somewhere between Drake, Big Sean, and Migos. The track is all energy all the time, harnessing a vivacity that both powerful and refined. Lott is no rookie to the game, previously working as Rated R within local San Antonio groups as well as solo. With numerous singles, an EP, and a full-length album under his belt as Ronnie Lott, there’s certainly a lot to sink your teeth into. Get your first taste with “14th Ave” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/338648973″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dean Chatham Drops Video for “Blueberries”

August 29, 2017

Buffalo rapper Dean Chatham has been on the grind for a while now, having released five projects throughout his career and taking part of the hip-hop collective Black Sol, Chatham seems as though he knows what he’s doing. With his newest released EP titled, Red vs. Blue, Chatham recently released a charming music video for the single off of the EP, “Blueberries.” Directed and edited by James Werick, it has a DIY element to it, yet it’s kept professional with clever editing skills like certain shots coinciding with different lyrics that give it a humorous and light feel. Showing shots of his family, friends, and footage of his shows, the video for “Blueberries” gives a genuine view of the rapper by capturing him in a candid and relatable light. “Blueberries” also gives an authentic view of Buffalo and how Buffalo welcomes anyone with open arms. At one point, Chatham sings with[...]

Oddnesse – “Are You Down”

August 28, 2017

Combining a seeping groove with silky smooth vocals, Oddnesse sets their standard for new love with “Are You Down.” What started as an in-studio collaboration amongst L.A. transplants became a newly forged duo with haunting pop sensibilities and storied music careers under their belts. With Rebeca Arango on vocals and Grey Goon heading up production, “Are You Down” takes on a sultry feel that is all together unhurried but dripping with emotion, akin to a Lana Del Rey serenade. Driven by meddling guitar lines, arresting vocal harmonies, and polished up with a shiny coat of reverb, this is the kind of track that speaks volumes even without the help of lyrics. Take in the magic that is Oddnesse below.

The/Wanderlust. – “Moving Mountains”

August 28, 2017

Orlando’s The/Wanderlust. channel pure optimism in their latest track, “Moving Mountains.” The instrumental indie rockers may not rely on lyrics to get their message across, but their ideas are conveyed as clear as day by way of sunny guitar tracks, all working in tandem. As if pieces of a harmonious vocal quartet, the lead line has a crisp, pinging quality that soars above the rest, while the bass and supporting guitars form a strong foundation. Following this notion of support, band prefaces the track as being written to “encourage the listener to overcome any obstacles that stand between them and their aspirations in life.” “Moving Mountains” comes straight from the band’s recent EP, Adventure Will Find Us. Dig in for more inspiring instrumentals.

Woolbright – “What’s It Gonna Be”

August 25, 2017

Indie rock with a side of punk grit is what’s for dinner, and Southern Florida quartet Woolbright is serving up a hefty helping in their single “What’s It Gonna Be.” Melodic guitar lines are met with rhythmic fuzz, while frontwoman Candice Maritato’s fervid vocals both soften and sharpen the song’s edges. The band is currently riding the high of their newly released debut record, heading up the east coast while in the midst of a 16 date tour. Even if you can’t make it to one of their famously spirited live shows, be sure to check out “What’s It Gonna Be,” along with the rest of their album Busybody LazyBones via Whelmed Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/327950672″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Faunaphor – “Standing In The Doorway”

August 25, 2017

Art-pop duo Faunaphor stitch together raw and dazzling instrumentals in their track “Standing In The Doorway.” Their means of minimalism in this case keeps vocals at the forefront, while ethereal synth and guitar ruminations shine through over more sustained tracks and a pulsing drum beat. The song pays homage to the past, all lit with a dreamy, rose colored glow. It’s brought together with a melismatic saxohpone solo to end the nearly six-minute track on a celestial high note. Stay tuned for more like this on Faunaphor’s upcoming debut album And There I Was, due out September 8th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319839097″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ayo River – “Mercedes”

August 25, 2017

Fresh off a debut album release, Ayo River keeps the ball rolling with a single from the LP, “Mercedes.” The track provides a quirky but hard-hitting narrative of an accidental car crash that singer/songwriter Weston Taylor experienced. Lyrically, he muses over feeling stuck, where other people’s transitions make staying in your hometown feel a bit small and suffocating. Despite this, the overall message is acceptance, with the track’s mantra of “people come, people go, no one really knows” driving home the idea that there’s really no right or wrong way to live your life. Jam to the song’s jangly guitar lines and lofty vocals below, and get the whole package with the full album, Failed State. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/338653234″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Love Glow – “Internet”

August 25, 2017

San Diego’s Love Glow deliver pure effervescence by way of their single “Internet.” The indie rock four-piece land somewhere between Alvvays and Wolf Alice, with Caroline Corn’s sweetly subdued vocals acting as the glue that keeps understated synth lines and guitars set for precision contained. It has an energetic, but composed conviction that leaves worries by the wayside and cares floating away with each sunny guitar strain. The track comes from Love Glow’s latest EP, Honey, with a debut full length album coming soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/338470625″ 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 Able Bodies Get Pumped with Debut Video “Flicker”

August 24, 2017

Rochester indie pop starlets The Able Bodies just dropped a video for their debut single “Flicker” that’s alarmingly fully formed, deeply satisfying, and utterly irresistible. Shot and directed by Adam Antelek, Krit Upra, and Nick Kundrat (from the gnarly and very groovy Rochester indie culture magazine Floated), “Flicker” is a feel good 80’s digital freak-out as a fitness infomercial, perfect for a glorious slab of Jackson 5 by way of Daft Punk and Cut Copy goodness. The Able Bodies (aka John Viviani and Eli Flynn) are definitely onto something here with a this instantly timeless single that feels… right. Check it.