The Maras are an alternative bass & drum lounge punk act from Ontario. “J.O.Y.” is their latest offering – it has also recently received the music video treatment. “J.O.Y.” might be the kind of rolling surf jam you’d expect to hear in a demented bowling alley. That’s exactly the imagery these dudes went with. You can also snag “J.O.Y.” on Bandcamp if you’re feeling froggy.
Synth pop solo artist Von Sell hit us up with the twinkly synth-bomb of “Ivan (Revisited)” – we dig it, so now we’re sharing it with you. Von Sell originally posted this song as a demo but has “revisited” it to make it into the synthy delight it is now. We think Von Sell sounds like Passion Pit or Caribou – sparkly synth arpeggios and blasts of synthesizer pepper the track throughout. Check “Ivan” out on YouTube too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292959267″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Perth act Sly Withers hit us up with the delightful indie pop of “Nike Shoe” and we knew we had to share it with y’all. The band mixes peppy guitars with a nerdy grunge vibe and tops it all off with a distinct Australian delivery. Truly good vibes all around! Recommended to fans of Say Anything, Speedy Ortiz, or Modern Baseball. Check out the music video too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/285695588″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Last time we checked in with Swedish new wave punks, Delagoon, it was for their dream pop ode “Somehow.” They hit us up again and we are happy to report that they are back with their same brand of 80s post-punk fervor. “Visions” is an urgent and nostalgic offering that could sit comfortably on the shelf next to your Joy Division and DIIV vinyls. These Nordic teens are surely destined for great things. “Visions” is out now via Swedish label Hybris. Check Delagoon out on the ‘Gram. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292077831″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Blonde Maze‘s signature vocal sampling and glittery electronica caught our ears today – we recommend you check out her latest, “Antarctica.” The song pairs icy synths with glassy marimbas, creating an almost wintery ambiance. Fans of Ellie Goulding, Little Boots, or Imogen Heap would dig this track. Find out more about Blonde Maze here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292112110″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Seattle’s very own Nick Weaver reminds you to look at yourself on his single “What You Doin’ These Days?” The track is a mirror that anyone can explore, and reaffirm who they are and where they’re at in their life goals. Weaver reflects on his own sacrifices, financial and personal ones he made in order to chase success in the industry. He raps about an empty bank account and his whip status, saying “250,000 on my Civic and I might go and get it new rims.” Wholesome horns lay the framework for Weaver’s lyricism, accompanied by rattling snares and soft woodwind. Weaver goes acapella for a powerful outro, referencing quasi-racism, Colin Kaepernick, the president-elect and more. Give it a listen below.
Pittsburgh’s George Hollow works off of his roots in the psychedelic and country to pump out uniquely twanged hip hop. Single “New Boy George” comes from Hollow’s Dreams of an Insomniac project, and is a showcase of dope flows, clever words and smooth sounds. The beat combines a little bit of chipmunk sampling with some dazzling piano and delicate guitar plucks. It’s lush but has the boom bap that lets Hollow handle it with the tenacity of a traditional emcee. The track is autobiographical, as Hollow discusses his past and present, his hopes and dreams, and his ideas and vices. Give Dreams of an Insomniac a listen and check out “New Boy George” below.
Manu Crook$ and Miracle double-team a silky guitar instrumental, and the result is the subdued hype that is “Blowin’ Up.” Manu’s ruggedness trades with the smooth voice of Miracle, and it’s as natural of a collaboration as there can be. Manu and DOPAMINE collabed on the instrumental, which shines just as bright as the vocal contributions. It’s sparse when needed, but full enough to make the track bang. Sunset and sunrise are encapsulated in the track’s vibes, with a sense of mysticism. Crook$ and Miracle know what their night will feel like, even if they couldn’t tell you what it’ll look like. Press play below.
Connecticut’s FC is a boom bap understudy with a sound in the wave of contemporary NYC rap. His single “This Way” is a pledge to imperfection, evident with the opening line “Most my life lessons I regret cause I’m quite reckless.” FC shakes off his youthful demeanor with a polished sound that captures your ears as you nod along with a head-bobbing beat. “This Way” features a sharply rapped hook, and sounds extra crisp with the baritone voice of FC. His lyricism focuses on overcoming self-doubt and progressing, while still holding true to himself. Give it a listen below.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but there are definitely days where I lament the passage from childhood to adulthood and wind up feeling like a lump of saurkraut. Your Dog hits that feeling dead on, combining bumbling acoustic guitar riffs that channel eternal awkwardness with blasts of necessary distorted angst. This one’s a real banger folks, give it a listen for sure. Go to Bandcamp and purchase “Saurkraut” immediately. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292249135″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Texan lo-fi solo act Moth Wings has just released an anti-video for the song “I Used To Hate Myself.” The fast-paced, 90s-tinged video is lo-fi on purpose; Moth Wings himself says, “The first time I saw a music video I thought it was distracting and overbearing… That’s why it’s as ridiculous and lo fi of a video as it is. Anything more would have just been hollow.” As always, we can get behind that refreshing sincerity. It is time to peep Moth Wings on iTunes.
“COFFEE AND WEED/I FEEL WEAK!” What a fantastic mantra to live by… Noisy Brooklyn indie-rockers NGHTCRWLRS have immortalized the twenty-something diet/mindset in their latest offering, “Coffee and Weed.” These dudes compile noisy fuzz guitars and shout-it-out vocals into a surprisingly succint (and catchy) 1:05. NGHTCRWLRS latest is out now via Sniffling Indie Kids. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/286908651″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
How many foodies do we have in our buffaBLOG audience? Well, this one’s for you – Yuksek‘s newest jam, “Sunrise” comes accompanied by a music video that finds a happy couple snacking their day away. Beyond that delightful imagery, the producer/songwriter Yuksek has crafted a synth-laced indie pop jam that anyone could enjoy. Make sure you stick around for the surprise ending, it’s a knee-slapper. If you’re feeling “Sunrise,” find out how to purchase it here.
Bristol quartet New Carnival are here with “How Dare You.” If you’re looking for a raucous new jam with a tangible UK flavor, look no further. New Carnival specialize in clean and punchy rock jams with an iota of 80s sentiment. Recommended to fans of Bloc Party, The Smiths, or Kaiser Chiefs. iTunes link – you know what to do. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/291358565″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Ithaca, NY based indie-punk quartet, Izzy True blends an intoxicating cocktail of catchy, sweet melodies and emotive lyrics to form their debut full length record, Nope. Released in August on New Jersey punk label, Don Giovanni Records, Izzy True don’t strain themselves with trying to be different for the sake of being different. Instead, the four piece use their separate identities to create a sound they can feel good about calling their own. Headed by frontwoman and guitarist, Isabel Reidy,, her brother and lead guitarist,Silas Reidy, bassist, Jon Samuels, and drummer, Angela Devivo. Lead singer, Isabel started making music originally under the name, Fight A Scary Dog, a bluegrassy, indie-folk project. The four members of the band came together first as close friends and played in the Ithaca Underground, an arts and music community in the Ithaca area. Here the band met with co-founder of Don Giovanni Records, Joe Steinhardt.[...]