Latest Posts

Taking Meds – My Life as a Bro

December 9, 2016

Pieces of punk, a pinch of indie, a bit of math rock, and bitter pathos get thrown together to form the sonic base for Rochester, NY four-piece, Taking Meds. Released November 4th via Broken World Media, the band’s full-length debut record, My Life as a Bro is a sonic endeavor that seeks to incorporate math rock inspired riffs with the indie-punk sound that various members in Taking Meds had been playing with in their previous band, Such Gold. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Skylar Sarkis, who left Such Gold in 2013, along with current Such Gold members, lead guitarist and vocalist, Ben Kotin, bassist, Jon Markson, and drummer, Matt Battle. Taking Meds started when Sarkis was a part of Such Gold where he along with Kotin started experimenting with math rock style guitar compositions. My Life as a Bro opens with “Taking Meds” which gets up and going quickly. Full of[...]

Childish Gambino – “Awaken, My Love!”

December 8, 2016

Donald Glover has been proving a lot recently that he is one of the more prolific creative minds out there today. He’s a successful stand-up and comedic performer, a skilled dramatic actor, a writer/director/producer/star of an acclaimed new television show Atlanta, and of course, a rapper/hip-hop artist. Under the stage name Childish Gambino he already has a handful of releases under his belt, gaining scores of fans with his unique and frenetic style. His latest offering, however, is completely out of left field. After keeping the recording process a virtual airtight secret, he has surprised everyone with a big departure from his alt. hip-hop style we’ve come to know. His third full-length record “Awaken, My Love!” is steeped in soul, R&B, funk and psychedelic rock. It bares a deep resemblance to the funkadelic movement of the ‘70s that combined the popularity of psychedlia in rock ‘n’ roll music with the[...]

The Leones Share Two New Christmas Songs

December 7, 2016

The Leones just released a beautifully melancholic new Christmas single that’s sure to fall on the “love” side of your love/hate relationship with Christmas songs. Featuring a sleeve by local artist Mickey Harmon, “Ghosts Of Christmas” b/w “Blue Christmas” is a festival of naked emotion; “Ghosts Of Christmas” floats on cloud of piano and sweet reverb to us from out of the Rust Belt void, while “Blue Christmas” is an achingly bittersweet ode to the Everly Brothers, Phil Spector, and the mighty Roy Orbison. “Ghosts Of Christmas” can be found on bandcamp and purchased for $2, an ideal way to support local music and art, and wallow in all of your feels.

Xander Singh – “As Long As You’re Loved”

December 7, 2016

Former Passion Pit and Pepper Rabbit member Xander Singh has had a rough couple years – that’s all about to change with the release of his debut album, Muffin. We think “As Long As You’re Loved” is poised to explode – we dig the wonky warble in his unique brand of electronica. Fans of his ex-bands, Washed Out, or Four Tet will feel right at home. Muffin is available via Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293602383″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Night Drive – “Rise and Fall”

December 7, 2016

Texan duo Night Drive has just released a listen-worthy debut single called “Rise and Fall.” Their dark electro-pop combines driving beats with 80s pop sentimentality – what results is a dreamy atmosphere with a noticeable edge. Their contemporaries are CHVRCHES and Purity Ring, but could easily blend in with 1980s-era radio. Head over here to purchase “Rise and Fall.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293434916″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DJ Equal – “Postcards (feat. Sam Island)”

December 6, 2016

NY act DJ Equal sent us his latest jam, “Postcards” and we think it is worth sharing. “Postcards” is not what you’d expect from a DJ from NYC – instead of oversaturated synths and bass drops, DJ Equal specializes in easy going indie-pop vibes. Surprisingly, “Postcards” sounds more like a Tame Impala song than a Skrillex song. Give it a shot and see what we mean. Go to iTunes to purchase “Postcards.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274684724″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Softer Still – “Eulogy”

December 6, 2016

UK shoegazey dream-poppers Softer Still caught our attention with their latest single, “Eulogy.”  The band truly nails the 80s dream-pop sound and brings it to a dark place, touching on themes of death, love, and lust. The band pairs far-off vocals with chorus-laden guitars and vintage vibes. Fans of Slowshine, My Bloody Valentine, or Yuck will dig Softer Still’s style. “Eulogy” is available via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296486852″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DANSU – “Do Do Do”

December 6, 2016

Dutch indie-pop trio DANSU recently released their debut single via Japanese label Thistime Records. “Do Do Do” is our recommendation – we dig the gentle electronica feels, the trio’s attention to writing strong pop melodies, and the song’s easily digestible structure. We’ve also embedded the trippy video for the song for your enjoyment, featuring some pretty strange but interesting visuals. Add “Do Do Do” to your Spotify playlist.

Mario Bee and Mic Excel Team Up for EP

December 5, 2016

Buffalo ex-pat and current NYC-based DJ/producer Mario Bee recently collaborated with local MC/artist Mic Excel for a mini EP titled God Save The Queen. The project features snippets of Vincent Gallo’s film Buffalo 66 which mark the beginning and end of each new instrumental. The pair trade verses over a gloomy instrumental with busy percussion to kick off the release, while the second track goes into more traditional hip hop territory before ending on a 808 and bass-heavy, more experimental note as the emcees lay down dexterous flows over the producer’s shadowy melodies. Listen to God Save The Queen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/294375846″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Evan Meulemans – Lilac Drive

December 5, 2016

Evan Meulenmans crafts songs for people who hold optimism to a high standard. His music seems to be an effortless offering—a mere extension of his obvious inner positivity. The Wisconsin-bred, Rochester-based folk musician’s latest release, Lilac Drive, combines acoustic folk with easy-listening island vibes to arrive at a crossroad both inviting and uplifting. And loaded with support from more than a handful of prominent Rochester musicians, Lilac Drive is our album of the week. Opening track “Wisconsin” introduces the album with a thematic anomaly; the lyrical content details Meulenmans’ home state, while his rhythmic finger-style calls to mind a Hawaiian warmth not unlike fan-favorite Jack Johnson. This island influence find its way into most of the record, most notably “Open Road Lullaby” and the reggae-tinged clincher “Mo’ Bettah.” Yet, solitarily reducing the album’s influence to coconuts and tidal waves would be a glaring injustice, as Meulenmans’ fusion of island folk[...]

Country Priest – “The End”

December 5, 2016

Country Priest is the songwriting project for P.D. Young, who recently got together with some buds to record his latest offering, To See and Be Seen. “The End” caught our attention for it’s downtrodden vibes, sounding like a catchy indie rock dirge. Young utilizes rotary speakers, epic drum sounds, and background textures which gives the song a vintage vibe. Fans of Thrice, Pedro The Lion, or Cursive might dig his stuff. Head over to Bandcamp if you dig Country Priest. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293028163″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Skyler Cocco – “Parasite”

December 5, 2016

Do you ever feel like someone in your life is draining your energies with nothing in return? NY-based grunge-popper Skyler Cocco does – that’s what her latest single, “Parasite,” is about. Skyler has a distinctly 90s-influenced sound, combining grunge fuzz guitars with sticky-sweet vocal melodies. We think fans of Bully, Liz Phair, or Pity Sex would be down with this one. Be sure to add Skyler to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/290401784″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

KARMIC – “Higher Self”

December 4, 2016

KARMIC is an upbeat LA-based act comprised of two female vocalists, an electric guitarist, and a DJ. The unique quartet recently put out the equally unique single, “Higher Self.” The band mixes pop vibes with a unique delivery – fans of Tegan & Sara, The Ting Tings, or Matt & Kim would dig this jam. You can purchase “Higher Self” from a variety of sources – see them all here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292126390″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ivey – “Last Week”

December 4, 2016

Ivey is a young quartet specializing in swimmy alternative rock. The Gold Coast, Australia act caught our attention with their upbeat number, “Last Week.” We dig that they combine a baritone male vocal with a complimentary female counterpart… Not to mention their pleasant, chorus-laden indie pop. Check out Ivey on Tumblr. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/287772163″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

BRAIN TAN – “Moth”

December 3, 2016

Brooklyn synth pop act BRAIN TAN is back with his latest jam, “Moth.” Last time we checked in with them, they were riding high on their popular cover of Taylor Swift’s “Style,” and their lush single, “New Light.” “Moth” picks up where we left off, utilizing contemporary synthpop vibes and breathy vocals… Perfect for fans of Neon Indian, M83, and Ghost Beach. “Moth” can be purchased on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293310815″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]