Latest Posts

Conor Oberst – Salutations

April 7, 2017

Apparently, last year’s Ruminations was just an appetizer, as Conor Oberst is back with a new, fuller record (both in sound and length). The over-an-hour-long Salutations sees him shift from solo acoustic guitar/piano sparseness to rounded out, full band arrangements. The album includes reworked renditions of all ten tracks from Ruminations, in addition to seven brand new songs. There is a stark contrast to these songs compared to last year’s counterparts. Ruminations was stripped down and bare, and felt almost like a cry for help in its startling isolation. Instead, Salutations is amblin’ Americana rock, finding company with organs, strings, accordion and percussion, as well as additional voices. Songs like “Tachycardia,” “Next of Kin” and “Mamah Borthwick (A Sketch)” turn into swooning ballads, while “Till St. Dymphna Kicks Us Out,” “Barbary Coast (Later)” and “A Little Uncanny” become torch-bearing anthems. There are also the seven additional new songs, essentially another[...]

dreamcatchr – “Plans”

April 7, 2017

Seattle’s indie rock 5-piece dreamcatchr takes us on an intensifying and energetic adventure in their track “Plans.” The group, founded by guitarist Raven MacDaniels as an initial songwriting venture, has morphed into a full-fledged alt-rock band carving their name throughout the Pacific Northwest. “Plans” artistically plays with texture and tempo, revving up to speed with sunny guitar lines and expressively layered vocals, just to gently trail off into measured sense of finality. This song hovers at the forefront of the band’s recent sophomore EP Do Dog Ghosts Exist? released March 17th. Dive into dreamcatchr below for some exciting and strategic indie rock. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307970448″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bantug – “Just Like A Dream”

April 7, 2017

Indie-pop solo act Bantug delivers soaring melodies in a soft electronic setting via her latest single “Just Like A Dream.” Off of her recent March 31st EP release, Bantug brings a bright and enticing perspective to topics that stand the test of time. Having a background in psychology allows her to explore a variety of subject matter from anxiety to dreams, tying the whole package together with candy-coated vocals, driving guitar lines, and celestial synth work. Explore Bantug’s fresh pop perspective in “Just Like A Dream,” and be sure to check out her new EP Blue for more, catchy goodness. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315339958″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

L.A.N.C.E. – “Eve”

April 6, 2017

Fontana, California’s L.A.N.C.E. is quick with imagery and tight rhymes with his music. Over the traditional, light beat of “Eve” he details the complexity of a relationship between himself and another dreamer. Through his verses he drops complex rhyme schemes, third eye references, and goes into philosophy with Plato and Aristotle references. The best part of the track is the simplicity of the chorus, “One time one time, we was chilling in the park after dark.” In that moment, that succinctness and depth puts the whole track over the top and focuses the picture. Give it a listen below and check out more from L.A.N.C.E. here. 

capital. – “Pillsbury Boy”

April 5, 2017

Here’s an interesting one from LA-based MC capital. (sic). “Pillsbury Boy” is a quirky mix between hip-hop and indie jazz… The real treat here is his music video shtick, where capital. combines his smooth flow with a trademark blend of humor that takes a hard look at our millennial hipster culture. This one reminds us of Jason Mraz, Andy Grammar, or Macklemore – check out the vid below. Check capital. out on Instagram too.

Dolly Spartans – “Hanging Out”

April 5, 2017

People really seem to be digging the Dolly Spartans, and we’re no exception. Their latest single is called “Hanging Out,” a one-two punch of spastic guitar strumming and forlorn indie-rock vocals. “Hanging Out” has already cracked the top 10 for CMJ adds – the fastest addition of any “unknown” band in college radio history – pretty dope. Fans of The Stills, The Strokes, or Cloud Nothings will be into these guys. Swing by their Bandcamp page if you’re feelin’ it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312209316″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mount Defiance – “Shapes”

April 5, 2017

Mount Defiance hit us up with their latest jam, “Shapes,” and we dig it a lot. These guys bring a Modern Baseball and Moose Blood vibe to the table – combining a mid-tempo beat with ambient instrumentals and a unique take on sprechgesang. “Shapes” is a song about friendships and relationships colliding on the dancefloor – so grab a friend, put on some Mount Defiance, and start moving. Mount Defiance is on Bandcamp too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307148320″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Jaded – “In The Morning”

April 5, 2017

Jaded has been making waves since last year, when they landed a song in the Top 10 UK Viral charts on Spotify. The trio is comprised of three talented immigrants who now call London home. They specialize in bombastic and irresistible pop songs – case in point “In The Morning.” This one has all the hallmarks of a great dance-able song – a catchy and simple lyrical hook, fun brass samples, and a driving beat. Be sure to add “In The Morning” to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/311667279″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Chris Tall – “Lucy (Sun Goes Up) feat. Maydar”

April 5, 2017

Ooooh yeah, here’s a fun little song to get down to. We’re jiving with Chris Tall and his futuristic disco jam, “Lucy (Sun Goes Up).” Featuring a wonderful vocal delivery from songstress Maydar, this song is reminiscent of Bruno Mars or Michael Jackson-style pop music. This one’s sure to get your body movin’ and groovin’. Download “Lucy” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/313949333″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Malcolm – “Money Ain’t a Thing Freestyle”

April 4, 2017

Speaking with the confidence of the city that’s behind him, rapper Malcolm takes on the legendary beat behind “Money Ain’t a Thang,” the 1998 collaborative effort between Jay Z and Jermaine Dupri. The New Jersey native unleashes a calm fury in a tight two minutes of freestyle rapping, with standout bars like “Rush Hour at the trap, where the fuck is Jackie Chan?” Malcolm makes references to Hov by name and also with the delivery of his street-smart attitude. Check out his YouTube page for more freestyles over classic beats and stay tuned for an upcoming EP.

J Blaze – “CAMP”

April 4, 2017

J Blaze makes rap anthems that shame your cookie cutter radio singles. Fresh in his Alonzo Mourning jersey, Blaze boasts unconventional brags that separate his one-liners from the stuff you’re used to. Fuck a coup, Blaze is into his four-door Teslas. The beat blurs the lines of trap and allows for Blaze to switch up his flows at ease. To put it simply, it’s a fun track to listen to. Blaze has charisma and his lyrics have character. It’s perfect to rap along in the car to with the top down, and if Blaze had it his way Elon Musk would be riding shotgun. Listen below.

Feverbox Release New Single “Victoria”

April 4, 2017

Kenmore garage rockers Feverbox are getting ready to release their first EP in the coming weeks and the release’s first single, “Victoria” shines bright. The indie rockers from Buffalo’s best first ring suburb announced themselves nicely with a few well received singles last year, but “Victoria” definitely shows a band tightening it up, with those dreamy vocal harmonies, driving riffs and shimmering synths flying higher than ever. On a side note what is up with all these local bands representing with impressive vocal harmonies? Must be a lot of Beach Boys and Fleetwood Mac fans around here. Anyway, Feverbox’s EP arrives April 14th with a show at Babeville with Deadwolf and Super American, and you can check out “Victoria” below:

Orations – Wych Elm

April 3, 2017

Following up on their previous EP, Incantation, Buffalo quartet, Orations, have released their debut 12” LP, Wych Elm on March 17, through Custom Made Music. Showcasing the variance in 80’s post-punk, Orations’ debut is in part a look back, a revivalist endeavor so to speak, while also being a record that stands on its own merits. Orations is Jess Collins on vocals, Paul Morin on guitar, Jason Draper on bass and melodica, Matt Chavanne on drums and percussion, with additional help from Aaron Ratajczak and Rick Wright. Present on Wych Elm are some of the various iconic sounds that made up a chunk of the post-punk sonic aesthetic from the 80s. Like the jangly, sometimes airy and dreamy guitar, the dark, low, rhythmic bass, and the often brooding, dour vocal delivery. The reproduction of the genre is flawless and the band really wears their influences on their sleeves, including bands[...]

Heavy Heart – “High Dive”

April 2, 2017

London rockers Heavy Heart have been real busy releasing songs… Their latest is the sparkling “High Dive,” an ambient effort featuring spitty, distorted guitars and haunting female vocals. “High Dives” has lyrical themes of being underwater, but the icy electronics and droning instrumentals make the song sound like a cold, lonely journey through space. “High Dive” is surely worth a listen. Check it out below or swing by Bandcamp to pick it up. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/271195679″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lynette Williams – “Au Revoir”

April 2, 2017

In a unique bend of folk and jazz influences, singer-songwriter Lynette Williams crafts a haunting ballad of complex emotions in her song “Au Revoir.” Blurring verses and chorus between English and French, Williams allows for a direct look into her past, as if being watched on a dim, black and white screen. Written and produced in her living room, she creates at once an honest account and a striking brand of storytelling. Everything about “Au Revoir” and recent EP Love Thee, Not Chaos is entirely her, making it all the more soul-bearing and raw. Delve into all that is Lynette Williams below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297986714″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]