Latest Posts

All The Pretty Horses – “Frances”

September 25, 2024

“Frances” is the latest single from Boston based All The Pretty Horses. Not to be confused with the 90’s glam punk band four piece Venus de Mars and All the Pretty Horses or the novel from the ‘Border Trilogy’ by Cormac McCarthy. I couldn’t find much on the band themselves, but I respect the mysteriousness. The track itself is an ode to a sweet cat named, what else, “Frances” – it’s a ramblin’ lo-fi hued dandy, slowly building around a simple drum beat and crescendoing up to a synth soaked, early-Weezer-ish finale. The guitar shows up too, but very gently, and stays below the radar underneath bandmember Austin Traver’s lyrics. Fans of Elliott Smith, Grandaddy, or anything melancholic would find a lot to enjoy here. You can hear “Frances” on YouTube or head on over to Spotify for the track plus nine other from the full length (with the coolest[...]

Cigarettes for Breakfast – “Seeing Stars”

September 25, 2024

Cigarettes for Breakfast, an idea that sounds slightly less appealing than Cigarettes After Sex (but still part of a balanced breakfast), brings us their latest track “Seeing Stars.” It is a fuzz filled fracas that leans heavily shoegaze with a nice ethereal sheen of dream pop a la early era Smashing Pumpkins, Slowdive, or My Bloody Valentine. As you might expect from that description, there is a *lot* of guitar packed in, but due to the magic of shoegaze, it all blends together but incorporates like a perfect stack of flapjacks from a box (just add water [or pedals, in this case])! You can watch the music video for “Seeing Stars” below from YouTube. If you’re more in the mood for just listening it’s available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Soundcloud. The other half of the single, “Solitaire” is also well worth the listen if you enjoyed “Seeing Stars” (plus[...]

Astrud Gardener – “Wander”

September 25, 2024

From out yonder Catskills (in the village of Catskill) comes Astrud Gardener and her newest single “Wander.” This is only her second release (“Runner Of Love” being the first) but if these are any indication of future efforts, I’m all for it. Aptly described as: “This track was recorded with tape machines, computers, friends, violins and drum kits. It was made for getting up, and also for getting down.” “Wander” musically is a pleasant romp that feels part funk (dat bass line tho) but also includes the previously mentioned violin – so it’s quite the mix. The chord progression created, at least for me, a sort of weirdly haunting (but the cool kind of haunting) feel that I appreciated. Fans of the bands Steady Sun and Camp Saint Helene would find a lot to enjoy, as not only were members of both part of the recording, but bring a similar[...]

Mister Tickle Hands – “False Alarms (Feat. Brielle Von Hugel)”

September 25, 2024

With a name like Mister Tickle Hands and a single cover borrowing from the Jurassic Park emblem, I had no idea what to expect. New Jersey based Roshane Karunaratne and Andrew Robinson, along with vocals by Brielle Von Hugel, bring us a sometimes-dreamscape, quasi-disco mouthfeel… treat! Low in calories but oh so sweet, this could easily be an iPhone commercial or a David Byrne acid trip (David Byrne is the acid, in this hypothetical). Without spoiling too much (because we all need surprises sometimes), there’s a bit of everything but mostly lead forward with the drums and Von Hugel’s vocals. Don’t forget the synth, the effects, the errant brass, and everything in between. You can hear “False Alarms” down below from YouTube or add it to your wildcard playlist on Spotify. At the very least you can enjoy the clever single cover – but we’re sure you’ll enjoy both.  

GRIPPA – “Want That”

September 25, 2024

Isabella Grippa, better known as GRIPPA, brings us her latest track “Want That” – an in your face EDM-tinged pop track. Originally from Florida, GRIPPA is off to a good start with a handful of tracks EPs and singles released all before her 19th birthday (which hasn’t happened yet). The track itself is a sublime mix of drums, GRIPPA’s vocals, and effects that combine for a supremely satisfying beat. The lyrics are Zen-like and very much about being focused in the now, which is exactly what Siddhartha Gautama had in mind when he started Buddhism (though I can’t speak to the sexual undertones). Fans of EDM and pop in general would find a lot to enjoy here, as would Billie Eilish aficionados. You can hear “Want That” below from YouTube or add it to your bumpin’ playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.  

Irish hip hop group Game Set.

Game Set – “Party’s Over”

September 25, 2024

Two dudes just got into a fight and everything’s weird now – fun’s done, party’s over. Who’s at fault doesn’t even matter, it’s a tale as old as time. But in the hands of Irish newcomers, GAME SET, it’s a compelling hip hop tale equal parts Beastie Boys and Jamiroquai. “Party’s Over’s” baseline teases some Dexys Midnight Runners but quickly transitions into a bumping backbone while production evolves with funky disco guitar tones, DJ scratches and an aggressive lyrical duel over this dumb fight that killed the vibe. But alas – the party doesn’t stop, it just moves. “One monkey don’t stop the show.” GAME SET comes to us by way of Ireland, with their hip hop scene steadily growing a foothold in mainstream circles. Get in early by giving them a follow on Spotify, where you’ll hear a couple more singles that show off their multitude of influences in[...]

Carnival Youth – “Empire of Temptations”

September 23, 2024

Carnival Youth, a four piece based out of Latvia, bring us their latest track “Empire of Temptations.” With the groove and chill factors turned up to 11, this is an impossibly catchy track. Whatever synth they used in the making of this track should be given songwriting credits on it. The tones felt like warm Latvian Spring, so I’m guessing something vintage. The crescendo to the middle of the track felt like a spiritual awakening in its complexity with the inclusion of a brass track and just…listen to it and you’ll see what I mean. You can hear “Empire of Temptations” below from YouTube in all of it’s artsy music video glory. The track is also on Spotify for inclusion on your chill mix. Be sure to keep your ears peeled for more, as they’ll be releasing a new album in 2025 with more to come leading up to that[...]

Housewife – “Life Of The Party”

September 23, 2024

“Life Of The Party” is the latest from Canada based Housewife, the project of Brighid Fry (she/they). Written about about the difference between how people perceive how your life is versus how it actually is, “Life Of The Party” bubbling over with poppy beats and some dank synth (second track this week with the *perfect* amount). Fry’s vocals mesh well with the drums and bass; which aren’t so much driving the track but are in a quirky throuple relationship with the aforementioned synth. Fry’s voice manages to be airy in the beginning and maintains that, yet gradually crescendos through the track. Check out “Life Of The Party” music video below from YouTube or over the audio on Spotify. I would have recommended the Soundcloud link but if you’re in the USA, for some reason it doesn’t want to play there. We’ll forgive it though since we’re neighbors and these things[...]

Slark Moan – “Nervous Breakdown”

September 23, 2024

“Nervous Breakdown” is the newest track from Slark Moan, aka Mark Sloan. It’s been a minute since we last wrote about Slark Moan, (about three years) but we’re still loving’ what’s going on. I could try to explain how much I enjoy swapping consonants with first and last names, but that would be weird if you’re not in on it like Slark Moan is (they get it, glad it’s not just me). The track itself is a subdued affair, but that’s where all the magic happens. Wandering into bedroom pop territory with lightly fuzzed guitars and the *perfect* amount of synth. It just sort of comes in like a surprise guest but just the person you want to see walk through the door. Speaking to the track Slark/Mark had this to say: “The song comes from a place of anxiety and defeatism but there is a redeeming message – not[...]

Adulting – “Dumpster Fire”

September 19, 2024

Adulting is both something I’m mediocre at and a four piece band from Portland, Maine (aka “the real Portland” as per the band’s bio). Luckily, I’m writing about their new single “Dumpster Fire” off of their album Happy Fucking Congratulations and not my adulting skills. Falling into a jaunty, Midwest-y thing with hints of Saves the Day and The Get Up Kids, Adulting brings the perfect mix of punk and emo that both elder millennials and newer fans would find a lot to enjoy. Singer Stanley Beck nails every single high note and guttural scream with aplomb and you can just *feel* a band perfectly in sync from the first note to the last high hat. You can hear “Dumpster Fire” below from the band’s YouTube, or throw it on your emotastic Spotify playlist. If you enjoyed this track, their album has ten more that you should listen to, or don’t,[...]

Dr. Boat – “Catch A Foul”

September 19, 2024

Dr. Boat, a four piece from NYC, purportedly a ‘Medically Accredited Dreamboat Experience,’ recently released their newest single “Catch A Foul.” While I’m not sure which governing body decides on accreditation for dreamboat experiences, I am sure that this is definitely one of the rockingest tracks I’ve heard in a minute. Not only that, the band has a Buffalo connection in drummer Max Kalnitz, who hails from our fair city. This is glam rock through and through; with the guitar turned up to 11, slick as fuck bass riffs, drum kit on fire, and a singer who clearly has some swagger. I really couldn’t describe it any better. If you enjoy The Darkness, Wolfmother, or think Jack White’s love of the guitar should be shared by everyone… This do be the band for you. You can hear “Catch A Foul” below from YouTube, Apple Music, or Spotify. Be sure to[...]

ROE – “Caravan”

September 19, 2024

Based out of Northern Ireland, ROE has been steadily releasing new music since getting her big break at Glastonberry in 2017 – “Caravan” is her latest. If the acoustic guitar is the standard bearer here, ROE’s heartfelt vocals are the commander of her army of sound. This track is good ‘ole pop at its finest, plain and simple, but elegantly done. Fans of Soccer Mommy or Lucy Dacus will be familiar with this approach and find a lot to enjoy here. Speaking to the track, ROE had this to say: “‘Caravan’ is a song about friendship. Generally when you’re young you think everything lasts forever – but eventually relationships change, friends move away and suddenly the people you spent every hour and every minute of the day with once aren’t in your life anymore.” You can hear “Caravan” below from ROE’s Soundcloud or add it to your poppy Irish artists[...]

Matya – “Nosebleeds”

September 18, 2024

Los Angeles based Matya brings us her latest track “Nosebleeds,” released in anticipation of her EP Like The Roses, So It Goeses out October 3. The instrumentals are surprisingly bass centric with slick riffs throughout that is soooo easy to groove to. The poppy aesthetic with a side of synth keep the track on its toes and reminded me a bit of latter career MGMT with their lighter touch. Taking a few pages from MGMT’s book is never a bad thing, especially when you make it your own and go as hard as Matya goes -with a light dusting of solo era Gwen Stefani added for flavor. You can hear “Nosebleeds” below from YouTube, in music video format no less! If Spotify if more your thing you can check it out there. If you like what you hear don’t forget to check out the EP out October 3.    

Make Friends- “Maybe Tomorrow”

September 18, 2024

“Maybe Tomorrow” is the latest single from English four piece, Make Friends, off of their Loaded Fun EP. The guitar intro gave me Sting and the Police vibes, and while it keeps that vibe, it throws in horn accompaniment and keeps things interesting with a solid smattering of sounds. Clean guitars with a strong-yet-subtle bass track that pops up drive this track forward – think shoegaze without the effects. The inspiration from Foals is easy to see, but I also felt a connection to Vampire Weekend… But only if they slowed down a bit and instead of singing about Oxford [commas] they lived closer to Oxford. You can hear the track below from Soundcloud or add it to your indie Brit pop playlist (brindie pop?) on Spotify. Don’t feel like it right now? Maybe tomorrow. (but seriously, just go check it out it’s literally embedded below)      

Rachel Angel – “Bottom Seas”

September 16, 2024

A Miami native but very much a wandering soul, Rachel Angel brings us her latest track “Bottom Seas;” a rollickin’ alt folk tinged adventure. Dueling electric and acoustic guitars battle throughout, and everyone wins – especially our ears. Reminiscent of Waxahatchee or even Neutral Milk Hotel at their… milkiest? Most neutral.. est? You know what I mean. The track itself deals with feelings of loss, loneliness and a so-called “inexplicable dream.”  I’m terrible at parsing out lyrics without them right in front of me so I missed the dream sequence, but I’m sure it’s there. Angel is clearly a master of her craft, building up to such a wonderful crescendo and goes in a direction you may (or may not) guess (I won’t spoil). You can hear “Bottom Seas” below on YouTube, Bandcamp, Apple Music, or Spotify and figure out what part of the song I’m vaguebooking about.