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ISOMERS – “Entropy”

April 14, 2017

Vancouver’s ISOMERS brings the subtlety of indie/alternative to synth-intensive electropop in his latest single “Entropy.” As composer/producer/musician Ian Somers’ brainchild, ISOMERS’ tracks seem to hold on to a genuine and heartfelt quality that can sometimes get lost in intensely electronic settings. His tracks often feature friendly collaborations and this track is no exception, including backup vocals from Natasha Thursk of Catlow and Kurt Dahle of The New Pornographers, and Michael Hardy on synths. “Entropy” is the fourth single from ISOMERS, and promises to bring a sense of smooth destruction, as the track is so aptly named for. Take it for a spin below.

American Low Return with “settle_down”

April 13, 2017

Buffalo garage pop group American Low have been rather quiet for a while, but frontman Mike Brady has reemerged with a more stripped down approach with their new single “settle_down.” The track is pop infused Americana, combining a folky compositional vibe with a polished and radio friendly production. Its a fun little tune, complete with uptempo strummed acoustic guitars, shaker and tambourine accents, a catchy melody and just the right amount of speaker candy. Check out the song below and keep up to date with American Low over on Facebook. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315782702″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lucky Dice – “Memoirs”

April 12, 2017

Boston’s Lucky Dice plays politician perfectly in the video for his single “Memoirs.” Dice mirrors the passion, desire, grind and conviction of an upstart politician with that of the dedicated rapper that he is. “Memoirs” is just that, the diary of a rapper that concedes he hasn’t made it quite yet, but is honest and optimistic. The instrumental, courtesy of Bertz, is filled with that soul and hopefulness captured in Dice’s lyrics. “Memoirs” is the perfect single to represent Dice’s new project, Memoirs of a Starving Artist (M.O.S.A.). Give it a listen below.

The Band Ice Cream – “Sand Dunes”

April 12, 2017

“Dirty, fuzzy, slightly stupid rock n’ roll” – their words, not ours. Real talk, we’re actually fans of San Fran quartet The Band Ice Cream, specifically their new jam, “Sand Dunes.” It’s spastic and screamy with a mid-song break in intensity… Most importantly, it’s a fun listen. Definitely recommended for fans of Attic Abasement, Cursive, or Cloud Nothings. Pick up a copy of their latest, Classically Trained, here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273112846″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mojave Nomads – “Strange Love”

April 12, 2017

Mojave Nomads are a quintet from Utah whose “Strange Love” mysteriously appeared in our inbox… It quickly found its way into our hearts, touting a unique vocal delivery and effervescent indie pop vibes that are nothing short of irresistible. This song reminds us of the light-hearted pop of Foster the People or Grouplove – check it out. If you’re feeling it, click here to support Mojave Nomads. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312338408″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Employee of the Year – “Ivy (Frank Ocean Cover)”

April 12, 2017

Who doesn’t love a good cover song? The Frenchmen in Employee of the Year took a whack at Frank Ocean’s “Ivy” and we appreciate their take on it. Ocean’s version is delicate and soulful – EOTY have injected it with some serious EDM flavor, adding swelling synths and a skipping electronica beat for good measure They’re offering a free download via the widget below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312614279″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pronto Mama – “Double-Speak”

April 12, 2017

“Double-Speak” has been wafting through the speakers at the buffaBLOG offices lately, and for good reason. Pronto Mama is the band in question – between the frantic and jazzy drumbeats, ambient soundscapes, and simmering delivery, this Glaswegian sextet reminds us of Frightened Rabbit, Anathallo, and Foals. A dose of introspective lyrics is the cherry on top. Learn more about Pronto Mama here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312308106″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

brat’ya – Nightwalker

April 10, 2017

Buffalo synth-pop producer brat’ya (aka Alek Ogadzhanov) debut full-length Nightwalker is driven by layered, melodic instrumentation and inventive sound design to make for a lush, hook-laden release. The release is brat’ya’s first collaboration with internet savvy / futuristic chillwave label Business Casual. Opening track “Glow” kicks things off with an introspective pop jam with bright synth leads and engaging vocals. Using Daft Punk-esque vocoded vocals on “Goodbye,” brat’ya creates a nostalgic feel with its’ benevolent duet and pensive tone. Whether going for a more downtempo, melancholic sound on tracks like the ballad “Relief” and “Pretend” or more buoyant tracks like the sprightly title track “Nightwalker” and “Radio,” brat’ya’s ability to craft memorable hooks from a wide range of textures makes Nightwalker an immersive listen that reveals a focused collection of compelling pop. While the direct, synth-led leanings are reminiscent of artists like Passion Pit and M83, the dense bass and vibrant drums bring to mind Toro y[...]

Alice Ivy – “Get Me A Drink (ft. E^st & Charlie Threads)”

April 9, 2017

It’s always refreshing to see more women producers get recognition for their work in a fairly male-dominated sector. On that note, we’re incredibly excited to delve into Melbourne artist/producer Alice Ivy’s track “Get Me A Drink (ft. E^st & Charlie Threads.)” It’s a hypnotic electronic experiment with striking effects, consuming synths, and intensely low-key vocals, featuring a dynamic collaboration with Melbourne rapper Charlie Threads. Alice Ivy has been making her way touring around the world, including the US and Singapore, and is on track for another brief North American tour before settling down to finish her debut album, to be released this year. Until then, dive into “Get Me A Drink” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/311418233″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Safe To Swim – “Struggling”

April 9, 2017

UK band Safe To Swim delivers a much needed dose of fuzzy alt-rock with their latest track “Struggling.” There’s a distinct edge to the song’s winning melodies, featuring lyrics that cut to the core. Frontman Jim Filippides reveals “’Struggling”’ is about a relationship I was in where we were constantly trying our hardest to keep up with each other and fit in with the crowd. We thought it was doing no harm at first but we eventually realised that our hard efforts were only bringing more misery and issues into our lives.” Undoubtedly a song that hits home. Safe To Swim has been keeping busy pouring the equivalent of blood, sweat, and tears into creating new material, set to make an appearance later this year. Hone in on some of their hard work below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310295873″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cigarettes After Sex – “Apocalypse”

April 8, 2017

Brooklyn’s Cigarettes After Sex are back with their latest single “Apocalypse,” off their upcoming self-titled LP. The brooding, gentle stylings of the band, fronted by songwriter Greg Gonzalez, lend an ear to their dreamy imagery and soothing instrumentation. Influenced by the likes of Trinity Session, Red House Painters and Cocteau Twins, Cigarettes After Sex brand themselves as true romantics with a hint of moody indifference that leaves you craving more. Find more like “Apocalypse” on their bandcamp, and look for the new album out June 9th via Partisan Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/313439212″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hills – “Desert Driver”

April 8, 2017

In a whirlwind of ambient instrumentation and ethereal vocal harmonies, Austin’s folk-rock solo project Hills sings the modern western blues in his single “Desert Driver.” Hills’ Aaron Zachary takes influence from a variety of sources, including country, rock, folk, and the occasional sludge metal. The song hones in on the sharp lyricism and emphasis on storytelling that is so often associated with folk, while spicing things up with subdued synths and a bone-rattling guitar solo. Affectionately referred to as “bootgaze” the music of Hills draws up a unique concoction of alternative and folk, resulting in some dreamy desert pop. Take the genre for a spin with “Desert Driver” below, and keep your eyes peeled for a debut album, out this May. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312413960″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

moonweather – “Drying Out”

April 7, 2017

Fans of catchy indie pop will dig the latest from moonweather. Moonweather is a group of old friends who got together to pen the infectious “Drying Out.” They got together to combine crunchy guitars with whimsical bedroom pop vibes for a lighthearted and fun end result. This one should appeal to fans of electronica tinged indie-pop with upbeat vibes – think Electric President or Say Hi.

DANSU – “LOST IN THE CITY”

April 7, 2017

Bubbly indie electropop act DANSU bridges the global divide in the video for their single “LOST IN THE CITY.” The Amsterdam trio have an established influence in Japan, and are caravanning their vitalizing melodies from Western Europe across the Atlantic. Drawing ties to indie pop pros like Ra Ra Riot and Dresses, DANSU brings an electric energy similar to waking up to the sun. The video features a metropolitan love story of self discovery, while highlighting the hustle and bustle of city life in Tokyo. Take in the video below, and stay tuned for more from DANSU as they blaze their trail to North America.

Jay Pray – “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything)”

April 7, 2017

Following the March 3rd release of his debut full-length album, Jay Pray projects some colorful synthpop onto the small screen in his video for the track “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything.)” In an energetic exploration of the sensual and the mundane, Jay Pray takes everyday indie-pop and cranks it up three notches, swimming in all-encompassing synths, crooning vocals, and a commanding guitar solo. This is the kind of song that sucks you in, all too willingly. For more from Jay Pray, delve into his self titled album and experience the visual experience of “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything.)” below.