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The Growlers – “City Club”

September 14, 2016

Wonkmasters The Growlers are no strangers to Buffalo – they’ve been mainstays at Mohawk Place for a few years now. Needless to say, we’re delighted to showcase their newest single, the title-track from their upcoming LP City Club. Boasting their trademark raspy slur, bizarro guitars, and a notable Julian Casablancas production credit, “City Club” is truly a great listen. Fans of Les Savy Fav, Scissor Sisters, or The Blood Brothers would dig this tune. City Club is out September 30th via Cult Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276970162″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Shakes – “Strange Tides”

September 14, 2016

Mysterious quartet Shakes found their way into inbox this week and we’ve been jiving on their vaguely psychedelic tune, “Strange Tides.” The single has been getting a lot of attention lately, probably for its crisp production value and its retro vibes. We also really enjoyed their music video, which showcases the band looking snappy via some pretty hilarious innuendo. Fans of The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, or Tame Impala would dig Shakes. Check Shakes out on Bandcamp.

Full Body Drops “Magnesium Deficiency” Singles

September 13, 2016

Full Body, a slackrock trio from Rochester, released two versions of one song, “Magnesium Deficiency,” on August’s final day. The first, “Magnesium Deficiency,” is a quick punk song with fuzzy bass, robust electric guitar, and Blink-182-like lead vocals. The second, dubbed “Mag Def,” is a beautiful, slowed down take of the same song with the addition of synth, easier vocals and drums, and chorused guitar. Both versions are equally as potent. Both carry the same relatable lyrical lines, such as “Validation is a curse,” and “Everything that’s not yours is shared.” But, for separation’s sake, the first sounds like Dads and the second is something you’d hear from Balance and Composure. Check out the demos below, and stayed tuned for their upcoming split with Soft Cough.

Mutual Friends Release New Single “Always Thinking of You”

September 13, 2016

What really defines “knowing” someone in 2016? Friends, friends of friends, that girl who messaged me, that guy who added me, social media has made this question trickier. There’s people we may communicate with face to face that feel like strangers and those we’ve never even met who feel like they’ve opened their whole world to us. Is this a true connection aided by technology or a simple respite from loneliness? Mutual Friends don’t have the answers to the questions, but they’re willing to play with these ideas. The band is new to the Buffalo music scene but was formed by some of it’s biggest heavy-hitters including Nelson-Type’s Kevin Scoma and the ever prolific, Bryan Johnson. Right out of the gate the band has been smart about their presentation, from their band name to their hazy debut single, “Instant Gratification,” which was accompanied by a promo shot that shortened it to[...]

Alexander Biggs – “Tidal Wave”

September 11, 2016

Melbourne folkster Alexander Biggs has us crushing on the gentle din of “Tidal Wave.” Biggs is hot off the heels of 250k+ streams on his previous single, “Out In The Dark.” His use of washy vocals, reverb-soaked guitars, and overall good vibes is pretty much irresistable. Fans of Bon Iver, Band of Horses, or The Lumineers would dig “Tidal Wave.” Check out “Tidal Wave” on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278423240″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Woolsoul – “Shift”

September 11, 2016

Montreal act Woolsoul is an electronic alliance that exists between producers Humphrey Bates and Xhavi. They specialize in a sound that infuses house beats with a rock flavor and an overall swimmy feel. Their ambient use of guitars, retro-effected samples, and a loud, groovy bass caught our ears and helped us sink into a smooth vibe. Fans of Phantogram or Radiohead should be pleased. Swing by Soundcloud for a free download of “Shift.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279135209″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Trails and Ways – “Happiness”

September 10, 2016

Last time we checked in with Trails and Ways, we were digging the cheeky pop of “My Things.” This time around, they caught our ears with “Happiness,” a punky and peppy ode to being happy. About the track, singer Keith Brown said, “This song is my answer to an argument with an old friend… She says, if you have to try to be happy, then it’s fake happiness… I think seeking real happiness means you have to be honest when you’re not, and that’s the scarier path.” Well-said Keith. “Happiness” reminds us of The Polyphonic Spree, Fun., and The New Radicals. Bandcamp is only a click away if you’re digging “Happiness.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279451623″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Constant Companion – “Cognitive Dissonance”

September 10, 2016

Constant Companion is an interestingly named band from NYC. Singer and guitarist Cassie Youngstrom says the name, “… refer[s] to all of the companions that stay with us… the demons, the depression and anxiety, the traumas… the music, the art, and the people who make our lives ultimately worth living.” The band is fronted by charming female vocals and nimble guitar leads that are reminiscent of the lo-fi emo bands of the late 90s. Fans of Rainer Maria, Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band, or Adventures would dig Constant Companion. Check out “Cognitive Dissonance” below and go here if you like what you heard. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259036018″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sundara Karma – “She Said”

September 10, 2016

Reading act Sundara Karma is a jangly indie rock band with an edgy, 70s aesthetic in both musica and fashion. “She Said” is the first single from their new album, Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect. Its carefree dance vibes feature a lead guitar din, solid vocals, and a brick-house rhythm section. The group sounds similar to Circa Waves or Tokyo Police Club. Check out the colorful tune below, or visit Sundara Karma’s website for more. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/279400725″ 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. Spring – “Passerby”

September 10, 2016

L.A. Spring is a relatively young London act having just formed this summer. The power trio most notably features a low tenor vocalist with a strong and charming English accent, accented by higher harmonies when applicable. “Passerby” has an erupting rhythm section that throws dance energy at its listeners. Fans of Foals, The Maccabees, and Somos would dig L.A. Spring. Check out the new single below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/278336648″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mothlight – “Monarch (feat. Shannon Inouye)”

September 10, 2016

Mothlight is a Californian dream pop act with a unique lushness that bursts from their colorful music. The trio describes themselves as “dream pop birthed from the loins of a nematode,” something surprisingly accurate once you look up what a nematode looks like. “Monarch (feat. Shannon Inouye)” is an immersive track. It brandishes gaping vocals, smart arrangements, rousing guitar work, and retro synth tones. Bands like Wild Nothing and Asobi Seksu sounds similar to Mothlight. Stream their new single below, or strengthen your commitment here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270072761″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Soffía Björg – “I Lie”

September 8, 2016

Icelandic songstress Soffía Björg released her debut single “I Lie” at the tail end of August and it’s been making waves in the blogosphere. Hailing from a rural area of one of the most remote places on earth, Björg’s songwriting is snarky, hi, and hyper aware. The single is all about sending trouble in a relationship, and figuring out whether or not you should be with someone. “I Lie’s” video is a retro Ed Sullivan type from the 1960s featuring Björg and her band. Fans of Neko Case or PJ Harvey would be into this one. Check it out below.

Talk Before Sleep – “Winona”

September 7, 2016

Sometimes you just yearn for music that sounds like it came straight out of a passionate basement session. Talk Before Sleep‘s “Winona” is a shoegazy, chorus-laden fuzz-bomb that sounds charming and hauntingly lo-fi. Fans of Turnover, Still Corners, or The Cure would dig their tunes. Check out Talk Before Sleep’s self-titled LP on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273432955″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Gifted – “Purity (feat. Kossisko)”

September 7, 2016

The Gifted are a Los Angeles production duo made up of Louis Castle and James Bairian. Their new jam, a collaboration with rapper Kossisko is “Purity,” a funky electronic jam with a very heavy disco influence. About the track, Castle said, “I just wanted to make a track that me and my lady could roller-skate to.” Fair enough Louis! He’s pretty spot on – “Purity” reminds us of Michael Jackson or Bruno Mars with an electronic twist. Check out the rest of The Gifted’s production resume here while you get down to “Purity” below.. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/277382371″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

LE BOOM – “What We Do”

September 7, 2016

Falsetto-pop act LE BOOM just released his debut single, “What We Do.” LE BOOM is a.k.a. Christy Leech, a Dubliner who has a knack for writing lo-fi dance/disco jams. Leech started LE BOOM with just a cheap guitar, a broken bass, and a laptop – now, he’s releasing his first official single with “What We Do.” Fans of Scissor Sisters, Foster The People, or Mika would dig LE BOOM. Snag a copy of “What We Do” from iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/276619539″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]