Latest Posts

joan – “Take Me On”

January 27, 2017

Indie-pop duo joan may be newbies in the game, but they are off to a strong start with the release of their premiere single “Take Me On.” The melding of eighties instrumentals with 90’s funk gives joan an old-school feel, with a dash of modern electronic influence. Co-produced and mixed by Tim Pagnotta, the track definitely draws parallels to hit-makers like Walk the Moon and Saint Motel. It takes on the classic theme of exciting love and makes it a party; two of music’s favorite things. Jump on the wagon soon, joan is bound to make a name among the big dogs and it’s only a matter of time. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304166099″ 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 Dahmers – “Night Crawler”

January 27, 2017

The spooky new single “Night Crawler” off The Dahmers upcoming album is a haunting conglomerate of grungy garage punk and indie rock for headbangers and horror-film fanatics. The band livens up lo-fi with tension-heavy themes and spunky guitar lines, along with some strategically placed clap tracks and screams. Despite the dark theme, this track unbeatably energetic and all-around exciting to listen to. Presumably taking the namesake of the famed serial killer-cannibal extraordinaire, The Dahmers are setting themselves up for a lengthy career of lighthearted horror punk. If you just can’t get enough, be sure to check out their album In the Dead of Night out March 24th on Lövely Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301806380″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Julie Byrne – Not Even Happiness

January 27, 2017

There’s something about the songcraft of downstate-based singer-songwriter Julie Byrne that appeals to more than just the ears. Her music, at once spectral and tangible, whisks the listener to Byrne’s weightless place of soft melodies and personal experience. And it is this very suspension in which Byrne spends most of her latest album, Not Even Happiness. A sprawling musical simplicity contrasts the album’s deepest exploration of feeling, in what can be considered one of the most striking collections of songs so far this year. Musically, Byrne channels artists like Cat Power, Leonard Cohen, and Sufjan Stevens, all of whom with music that shares innate, personal elements. Not Even Happiness uses that element liberally, with tracks that explore the places, namely the Pacific Northwest, and feelings of Byrne’s most recent years. The expansive skies and ebbing tides of this record almost purposefully paint it a faint blue, with songs that breathe[...]

Oya Paya – “Just Around The Bend”

January 27, 2017

Mmmm, we’re feeling “Just Around The Bend” from Liverpool trio Oya Paya. Spiraling minimalist guitars provide the backbone for Oya Paya’s true gift – their catchy vocal melodies and pleasant harmonies. Those of you who enjoy Pinback, Death Cab’s early catalog, or Attic Abasement should like this one a lot. Check them out on Instagram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301040036″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Moody Cosmos Reveals New Psych-y Single

January 26, 2017

Buffalo’s fearless freak Moody Cosmos are back with a heavy curveball of a new single called “Take Me Home” that’s arrived right on time. Trading psychedelic space rock for unhinged psych garage rock that’s every bit as out there as anything Peter Cahlstadt has done, but with a glorious flaming car crash ambiance that feels so right for this new era. It’s been gratifying and encouraging seeing concerned citizen artist/musicians stepping up locally over the last few months, and now we can add Moody Cosmos to that roster with this fiery, shredding jam.

Father John Misty – “Pure Comedy”

January 25, 2017

At this point this almost qualifies as “housekeeping” but yes Father John Misty (aka Josh Tillman) dropped the title track of his forthcoming third album the other day, and “Pure Comedy” more than lives up the hype. For those just tuning in, it appears that liberal democracy/American democracy/the West/western civilization is collapsing all around us in real time, and Josh isn’t immune to that growing sense of dread, hence this devastatingly trenchant piece of art from his Father John Misty alter ego, even though that constructed duality too seems to be collapsing. The video, directed by Matthew Daniel Siskin  is already in the running for “video of the year” (in my dreams) thanks to it’s almost ecstatic depressiveness and up to the minute black humor, and the fact that it sums up the existential quagmire of 2017 perfectly.  Pure Comedy arrives April 7, and hopefully a tour will be announced, including hopefully a[...]

Flo Morrissey and Matthew E. White – Gentlewoman, Ruby Man

January 25, 2017

Spacebomb Records has made a name for itself developing a polished sound reminiscent of ‘70s psych-soul. On this latest release, label founder Matthew E. White teams up with English singer-songwriter Flo Morrissey to deliver a batch of interesting covers, ranging from a Hare Krishna mantra (“Govindam”) to the theme from Grease. Titled Gentlewoman, Ruby Man, it’s a trip that’s equal parts sun-drenched and fuzzed out. Traditionally, when a female and a male singer get together to tackle an album worth of covers, the songs are usually well-known hits presented as romantic duets. This record is not traditional, and finds Morrissey and White trading singing duties and playing off of each other in unique ways. White’s understated voice has a low whisper to it, and it compliments the lilting and ethereal tone of Morrissey’s. Not to mention, there are a few deep cuts here by lesser-known artists, including tracks originally done[...]

True Moon – “Sugar”

January 24, 2017

True Moon is a Swedish act making frantic post-punk tunes with a raw approach. We think you should start with “Sugar,” a dark wave jam with a tendency to creep up on the listener. Starting with a jittery drumbeat and droning noises, the track eventually explodes into an epic and catchy chorus. Fans of Joy Division or Dum Dum Girls will be very pleased. “Sugar” is available for streaming via Spotify. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301418870″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hedge Fund – “Hot & Lonely”

January 24, 2017

Hedge Fund is an Australian duo making 80s influenced alt-rock with a modern twist. Like Fleetwood Mac, The White Stripes, and Die Antwoord before them, Hedge Fund started as a creative and complicated partnership between two lovers. The result sounds a little like Talking Heads, The Cure, and Pat Benatar with a lot of extra swagger. We think you should start with “Hot & Lonely.” Be sure to check out Hedge Fund’s website too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303277212″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mallwalkers – “Dial ‘M’ For…”

January 23, 2017

Funk punk collective, Mallwalkers are back from their hiatus, or self imposed exile? Either way, they’ve returned and have brought with them to Buffalo a new LP,  “Dial ‘M’ For…” which is a follow up to their debut record, 2013’s Shake the Rust Off. Classic cinema fans will pick up the reference to the Hitchcock thriller, but unlike the director’s affection for putting his audience through a series of tense moments and plot twists, Mallwalkers places anyone who listens on a dance party crazed ride full of moments to get your heart pumping. A riotous mixture of musical genres ranging from hardcore, ska, funk, indie, soul and surf-rock, Mallwalker’s sound is hard to pinpoint. Even with their embracing of the funk musical aesthetic being as it is, they don’t sound anything like George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. Instead, the band collaborates together to create a sound that’s very much their own.[...]

Ansible – “Rest Of Our Lives”

January 23, 2017

80’s pop inspired twosome Ansible bring a nostalgia for the past with a neo-synthpop flare in their latest single “Rest Of Our Lives.” The track invokes a theme right out of a 1980’s romcom, shouldering the last-stitch effort at a failing relationship before giving it up entirely. They craft their sound through a measured mix of lulling vocals, pulsing synth, and a pinch of distortion. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Tears For Fears and Genesis (post Peter Gabriel,) Ansible take their own spin on the genre, if only a few decades behind. This track may have retro influences but still manages to bring in an inventive and contemporary sound. Join the time warp and take a listen to “Rest Of Our Lives” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/281019783″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ruby Bones – “Heart of Darkness”

January 23, 2017

“Heart of Darkness” by New Jersey/Brooklyn’s Ruby Bones is all energy, all the time. As a frantic shot in the dark combatting aging’s cruel hand, the three-piece outfit garners their indie-rock sentiments to form the invigorating jam session that is this track. It acts as a reminder to hold on to your youthful vigor, because with settling comes bitterness and resentment. The band takes a quintessential alt-rock chorus and amps it up a few notches with rapid drum fills and roving guitar lines. Expect a debut full-length album fueled with vivacity later this spring. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/287083261″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bad Wave – “Daniel”

January 22, 2017

The L.A. based duo Bad Wave recently released their futuristic take on indie pop in their single “Daniel.” The song’s theme surrounds songwriter Tucker Tota’s inventive premonitions for the future of his nephew while Patrick Hart’s production bring the electronic flare. The lyrics paint a picture of the inevitable robotic apocalypse, leaving Daniel the last man standing. Despite the subject matter, the track carries a hint of nostalgia over the passage of time, mixed with the results of post-teen angst. The crooned vocals take on a quasi-lullaby feel, while bubbly synths and bright drum beats keep the energy level high. At this point Bad Wave seems to be cranking out material like there’s no tomorrow; check out “Daniel” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/298163948″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mia Koo – “See You Online”

January 22, 2017

Music Industry guru Mia Koo is taking her turn as pop artist extraordinaire on her new single “See You Online.” With almost 15 years of experience wearing a variety of hats in the industry, Koo has indeed mastered the formula for a five-star pop hit. “See You Online” is the song of choice when gearing up to go out for a night on the town – just try not to drunk text your ex this time. Through a tempered mix of rousing vocal lines, a thumping bass and rhythm guitars, she creates the next party jam-meets-love song that’s bound to be filling up your speakers soon. Check out the track and look for Mia’s upcoming album Paragon, out Spring 2017 on Shining Star Records.

Mating Ritual – “How You Gonna Stop It”

January 21, 2017

This likely isn’t the first time you’ve heard the likes of Mating Ritual, and it certainly won’t be the last. With the announcement of his debut album, the man behind the band, Ryan Marshall released title track “How You Gonna Stop It.” Immediately confronted with infectious synth lines and bombastic drum beats, this song is all party, all the time; only slowing to lament aging as the irrepressible passage of time. It’s clever and it’s playful, with just a hint of cynicism seeping through the cracks. Marshall’s gravely vocals breeze through just to spew fiery phrases as if telling vivid story within each verse. Mating Ritual has already begun gaining momentum in 2016, and with the release of an introductory album, it seems sky’s the limit for 2017. How You Gonna Stop It is due out January 24th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297465165″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey