Latest Posts

Patch Kid – “This Old Bird”

February 27, 2017

Patch Kid is the mathy indie rock brainchild of Brooklyn-based musician Sam Palumbo. Mostly written in the brutal winter of 2015, the songs on his debut Bad At Friends are a reflection of Palumbo’s transition from Philadelphia to NYC, and the struggle to find balance between making new friends while keeping your old ones. We recommend “This Old Bird” for its noodly guitar work and unique chord progressions. You can also check out Patch Kid on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/288773464″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

CD-ROM – _001

February 27, 2017

Rochester synth punk outfit, CD-ROM offer up a multi-textured and infectious on their debut EP titled, _001. Assembled together like Voltron from various Rochester bands, Green Dreams, Leus Zeus, and Sports, CD-ROM consists of Jesse Amesmith on vocals, Nate Briscoe on bass, Trevor Amesmith on drums, Mike Turzanski on mono synth, and Kevin Burns on poly synth. _001 was self released by the band on February 18th. With a run time of almost 25 minutes, _001 is pretty dense for a debut EP, and that’s a plus because there’s a lot to unpack with this record. For one the group does not have a traditional punk set up going. There’s really not much of a guitar to speak of. Instead it’s synths trading back and forth that are backed by solid drumming that keeps the tight rhythms locked in. The bass here is really interesting because at times it’s in[...]

Tr38cho – “Big Twinkie”

February 27, 2017

Buffalo’s Tr38cho (Tre Ocho) needs just one verse to make waves on his single “Big Twinkie.” Taking influence from legendary lyricist Eyedea, Ocho fits in punchlines and commentary into the minute and a half track, with statements like “I’m from the part of the city they aren’t trying to gentrify.” The instrumental has a grimy 90s NYC feel to it, and the Ghostbusters Twinkie scene leads in and out of the song. Give it a listen below.

El Capitán – “Sun Tzu”

February 27, 2017

California rap duo El Capitán identity is expertly represented in their single “Sun Tzu.” The track’s production has a country twang, built around desert guitar strums. The mental image of a tumbleweed crossing the sand will enter your brain when you hear this song, guaranteed. Abhi the Nomad takes the first verse and rips of a string of tight lines and then Local Foster takes over before a the beat flips and the energy blows. Both Abhi and Foster flow with relaxed, sharp intensity and are prone to quick-witted lines and “researching the cure to the common rapper.” “Sun Tzu’s” video is a cinematic epic and worth the watch regardless of how good the tune is. Press play below.

Tourists – “Masquerade”

February 24, 2017

“Masquerade,” the latest single from British dream-pop quintet Tourists brings some intensity and a pinch of neo-psychedelica to the genre. The six-minute composition manifests nebulous guitar strains and commanding synth melodies, depicting an incoming storm overheard. This is not the mind-numbing dream-pop of old; this is calculated and acutely stimulating. Just see for yourself below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304753558″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

CHILDCARE – “Kiss?”

February 24, 2017

Zesty indie-pop band CHILDCARE recently ended 2016 as the year of big breaks, with their conclusion as support to Bastille’s North American arena tour. The London four-piece is following up the flame ignited with the release of their single “Film Club” with the second single off their new EP. “Kiss?” takes an awkward encounter and spins it into an internal battle of lackluster reciprocation. The song is deliberately energy-inducing with pulsing split vocals, unrelenting guitar lines, and lively percussion; all sharp hits and sweet melodies. CHILDCARE is making strides on all the major music-consumption fronts, so it seems safe to say we can expect to hear more from the band very soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302015619″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Crush Club – “We Dance”

February 24, 2017

Burgeoning indie-pop act Crush Club brings back the soul-fueled pop of the 90’s with their single “We Dance.” The New York City duo brings a fusion of funk, house, and Latin style to their track, adding a burst of flavor to the indie-pop scene. “We Dance” features rhythmic piano and bass, up against strident synth and electronica, bringing the type of invigorated energy perfect for a night out. Catch this song below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306909588″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

LUXXURY – “Feel The Night”

February 24, 2017

Blending the best of electronica with our fondest recollections of the disco era, LUXXURY gets back into the swing of things with their latest single “Feel The Night.” This track is everything groovy-psychedelica wishes it was, while taking cues from modern electro-pop to spice things up. It’s just about impossible to not get up and move to this song, with rampant bass lines, electrified vocals, and slick electronic infusions. With this single, along with their December 2016 release “Breathe (Again)” it seems pretty safe to say we can expect to hear more from LUXXURY very soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/308055989″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Crooked Colours – “Flow”

February 24, 2017

This week we’re really digging Crooked Colours’ latest single “Flow.” Lovers of Glass Animals and Miike Snow – this track is right up your alley. It features funkified bass lines, wispy vocals, and crisp percussion, hitting the sweet spot between laid back and upbeat. The trio’s use of electronic elements goes on to set this band apart. Be sure to check out more from Crooked Colours with their upcoming LP due out this winter. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306693948″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bottler Drops Debut Single

February 23, 2017

It’s been roughly six months since Sleepy Hahas bid us adieu at their last live performance, but that long absence hasn’t been for naught. Pat Butler, former frontman of Sleepy, has been slowly unveiling a new pop-tronica project under the name Bottler. Bottler’s debut single “Phases” is an eruption of sound.  It’s somewhat of a heavy tune despite the ethereal disposition. It makes use of  thickly layered synths and a vocal melody that, interestingly, coerces your ear away from the accompaniment quite a bit. It’s an alluring tune, in that it hangs on some unexpected progressions and never feels fully resolved — which may turn out to be a pretty cool direction for this type of music if it’s executed with intention. Overall, I think Bottler holds immense potential to be a hook-driven treasure trove. Catch Bottler’s Buffalo debut on March 10th with Humble Braggers, Chad Valley, and dreambeaches, but in the meantime check out the single below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/282160358″[...]

Nightmen – “Ahahahah (Oh No)”

February 23, 2017

Garage rock outfit Nightmen are back with a second album, set forth by their latest single “Ahahahah (Oh No.)” It’s all sludgy vocal lines, rhythm guitars, and kinetic drum lines. The group hails from Sweden, branding themselves as a topic of interest with their fusion of captivating pop with energetic indie-rock. Hyper and striking with a hint of an edge. Keep your eyes peeled for Nightmen’s upcoming album Can’t Avoid Success out April 7th via Lövely Records.

Gothic Tropic – “How Life Works”

February 23, 2017

Indie pop artist Gothic Tropic makes a splash with her latest video for the single “How Life Works.” The L.A. songstress melds stimulating pop with a hair of psychedelia, painting a picture of pure summer haze. The song speaks on that feeling of trying to appease everyone, but losing sight of yourself a bit in the process. The video plays upon this by representing a wayward character searching for the mystical creature Chullachaqui, featuring a sun-soaked vintage California with a soap opera-sequel storyline. Look for more from Gothic Tropic in the coming months, with her debut album Fast or Feast dropping May 19th.

Alex Napping – “Living Room”

February 23, 2017

“Living Room” by Austin four-piece Alex Napping is a soft place to land on the road to figuring out adulthood. The first single off the band’s upcoming sophomore album, “Living Room” encompasses the twangy guitars, warm vocals, and placid drum beats associated with the best of indie rock and DIY, while still sounding polished and compelling. It speaks on remaining true to yourself, while addressing the romantic expectations of others. It’s defiant but rings of heartfelt divulgence. If this band has won you over like they have me, get ready for the release of their new album Mise En Place, out May 5th via Father/Daughter Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306405052″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Masasolo – “On My Own”

February 22, 2017

Danish indie-rock outfit Masasolo links 70’s pop influences with bright synths and lofty guitar tracks in their single “On My Own.” Off the band’s debut EP Breakup, this song touches on an assertion of independence after a failed relationship, and the sense of dignified freedom that comes with it. Taking cues from the likes of Connan Mockasin and Mac Demarco, “On My Own” features guitar-centric melodies and sloping vocals that are reminiscent of rock’s heydays. It’s packed with energy but still comes across as tentative and emotive. See for yourself below, and dive into Breakup for more from Masasolo.

Lucian – “Ashes to Snow”

February 22, 2017

“Ashes to Snow” by LA artist Lucian is the synth-pop jam of the week. The track features a thumping bass line and a cacophony of wispy vocals that has you enveloped by the first beat of the chorus. It’s moody and introspective in all the right ways. This song is featured in Good Kids, a comedy on the ascent into adulthood that Lucian has provided the soundtrack to. Expect more from Lucian on the electronic front in the near future. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305990786″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]