Latest Posts

Talking Under Water Release Video For “We Used To Dream”

June 13, 2017

To borrow and adapt a now classic Rick James quote, nostalgia is a hell of a drug. Ephemeral, elusive and irresistible, we can’t escape it now matter how hard we try (trust me, after a while you just go with it), and for Exhibit A of this human phenomenon would have to be the video for Talking Under Water’s “We Used To Dream.” Already lovely and melancholic slab of Beatles, Beach Boys and Chicago infused 80’s mega pop, the clip from the Rochester quintet is practically weaponized nostalgia… for the joy of youth, the Tom Hanks classic “Big,” and a magical time long ago when blowing on things like videogame cartridges really did fix them. The clip and single hail from the bands eponymous debut album which arrived in April and can be found here.

Jon Lewis – Exquisite Corpse

June 12, 2017

Jon Lewis is a pretty much a staple in the Rochester music scene. The hard-working musician is more or less a fountain of new material, be it from his well-rounded solo project Jon Lewis Band, or his Wiggles-inspired educational alter-ego Mr. Loops. This week we’re checking out his brand new full-band album Exquisite Corpse, which proves Lewis’ shining time as a musician and songwriter is all but fleeting. Exquisite Corpse drives home the idea that unadulterated indie rock is not dead. So many mainstream acts today aim to reinvent the genre–often times favoring decadence over organic musicianship–in an effort to distance themselves from the ordinary; the result can barely be considered indie rock. This exodus of sorts has left a void–a void that Lewis seems to fit perfectly. With a pop rock sensibility to rival that of Matthew Sweet and hooks around every corner, there is no shortage of catchy material[...]

Cheerleader – “Feel Like That”

June 12, 2017

Philadelphia group Cheerleader dropped “Feel Like That” to promote their new album The Sunshine Of Your Youth out now on Bright Antenna Records. The indie pop act has shared the stage with notable of the Wombats and Eliot Sumner. “Feel Like That” is a one-off, served as some material to hold fans over while the album was still being produced. The song carries pop-savvy guitars that work well with the light vocals about not wanting to feel like… that. Listen to “Feel Like That” below.

Toy Savoy – “Clean Floors”

June 10, 2017

We’ve been spinning this warble-fest by Toy Savoy in the buffaBLOG offices as of late – “Clean Floors” is an ever-so wonky pop song that combines warped guitars, keyboards, and feel-good harmonies into something irresistible. Fans of Magic Potion, Mac Demarco, or The Shins will get down to this one. Be sure to stick it out till they go half-time. If you’re feeling it, add it to your Spotify playlist.

Bent Denim – “All My Friends Are Dead”

June 8, 2017

NOLA trio Bent Denim caught our ears with the muffled beauty of their latest single, “All My Friends Are Dead.” Focusing on beautiful, narrative-driven songs, BD jams lo-fi sentiment into a succinct 2:15. “AMFAD” is fleshed out with hush-hush vocals and a hooky piano motif that is sure to please any fan of indie pop, bedroom pop, dream pop, or *insert modifier here* pop. Check out their latest release via Bandcamp.

RaneRaps – “Have To Go”

June 7, 2017

Los Angeles based RaneRaps drops a song for the heartbroken through the release of his new single “Have To Go.” In question is the rapper’s love interest, who he compares as a cross between Beyoncé and Sasha Fierce. Producer Hirsh creates a confused atmosphere with some jazzy keys as RaneRaps drifts through his experiences with his love interest. RaneRaps changes back and forth from rapper to singer as he progresses through his story. At the close, he is left asking why she wasted his time in the first place. Check out “Have To Go” below on Soundcloud.

The Plastic Faction – “Falter”

June 7, 2017

Fresh off the press, Albany’s pop punk pride and joy The Plastic Faction releases another gem from their upcoming LP, Trinket. In just over 2 minutes, “Falter” hits the ground running with captivating harmonies, meandering guitar lines, and salient electronic elements. There’s very little this band can’t do, encapsulating a sweet acoustic lament, an electropop banger, and an emo rock anthem over the course of a single song. If this is any indication of what’s to come, you won’t want to miss the rest of the album, set for release on June 22nd via Newlywed Records. Until then, head over to The Plastic Faction’s bandcamp to ride out the wait.

Hot Collars – “Tongue Tied” (The Go! Team Remix)

June 6, 2017

Bringing throwback tunes from the United Kingdom, Hot Collars gets a new take on their song through the remix of “Tongue Tied.” Serving as a collaboration with The Go! Team, the song takes new form as the remix adds to the already jovial single. Kicking off with bouncy steel drums and a blaring trumpet that carries through the entirety of the single, there is a theme of ’80 club dance-pop throughout. Choppy vocal effects melds with the mix of the harmonica in the background. Listen to the remix of “Tongue Tied” below.

Pronto Mama – “Cold Arab Spring”

June 6, 2017

Six-piece Glaswegian band Pronto Mama dropped “Cold Arab Spring” to promote their debut album Any Joy out now via Electric Hone. Drawing influences from Bombay Bicycle Club and Dutch Uncles, the song takes a traditional approach to indie with some surprises sprinkled throughout. Buzzy guitars lead into catchy pop hooks that are guided by gentle vocals. Stepping away from tired old sounds, the band drifted into a new direction from cultural influences. Combining influences, “Cold Arab Spring” brings it all together to create a well-rounded piece. Listen to “Cold Arab Spring” off Any Joy below via Soundcloud.

Surrender Signal – “Tired”

June 5, 2017

Fuzz rock collective Surrender Signal sends some sleepy sludge our way with their track “Tired.” The Denver based trio have an affinity for experimental meters and a dynamic range, and we get a taste of that throughout this single. “Tired” hits a unique contrast through hearty drumset work and rampant guitars coated in distortion, while listless vocals croon on overhead. The effect is a slow-burning ember, hooking you in from the start but never reaching overwhelming intensity. This track appears at the forefront of the band’s 9-track album Landgrab, released this past spring. Head over to Surrender Signal’s soundcloud for more fiery goodness. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/319513479″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

DONCAT – “LA in ’83”

June 4, 2017

Beyond the pleasing pastels and ultimate chill-out vibes that the video for “LA in ’83” exudes is DONCAT‘s excellent songwriting prowess. Referred to as “superbly laid back Laurel Canyon style folk,” “LA in ’83” has just enough sparse guitar and soulful lyrics to have you feeling ever-so-relaxed. If you’re feeling it, add it to your Spotify playlist.

matt pond PA – “Still Summer”

June 4, 2017

Any fan of the 2000s indie-rock scene should recognize the iconic sound of matt pond PA and his distinct brand of shimmering indie-pop. Pond is back at it again with his 12th full-length album, kicked off by catchy and irreverent lead single “Still Summer,” a song glorifying the fond memories of doing dumb and dangerous things in one’s youth. Sadly, this will be Pond’s last album under the moniker matt pond PA, but long-time fans fear not… There is more music to come from Pond in the near future. Swing by their webstore to pre-order Still Summer.

KENNY FREQ. – “Real Love”

June 4, 2017

“Real Love” shimmers with retro synths and lo-fi vibes, perfect for a chill-out sesh or a laid-back Sunday. Greek quartet KENNY FREQ. are the architects of our latest recommendation, a group of guys who push each other to write light-hearted, euphoric pop songs. This one reminds us of The Shout Out Louds or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. If you’re digging it, you can support via a variety of platforms here.

Spring Breakers – “Shaking Hands”

June 4, 2017

Yo, we’re digging the warbly vibes from new slacker-rock duo Spring Breakers. “Shaking Hands” switches from a Mac Demarco-inspired verse to a dreamy chorus without flinching, which isn’t an easy task. What’s more exciting – this is the first song these dudes have written together. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next. For fans of Kurt Vile, Mac Demarco, or Beach House. Add it to your Spotify playlist too.

Bleach Dream – “Fifth & Mainview”

June 3, 2017

Melbourne dream pop duo Bleach Dream sets the season aglow with their song “Fifth & Mainview.” After bonding over a love of music, friends Marty Greensill and Dave O’Kane combined their efforts to pursue the musical effigy they’d always dreamed of. Inspired by artists like The Cure, Wild Nothing, and DIIV, the two gradually honed in on their sound, using spare weekends to construct their album. Debut track “Fifth & Mainview” is pure wistfulness, wrapped up in hazy vocals, echoing guitars, and a prevailing bass line to convey a desire to be elsewhere. This is the first single off of Bleach Dream’s upcoming debut album Saudade, out later this month. Until then, hang in there with “Fifth & Mainview” below as we count the days. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/322263517″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]