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Marble Empire – “Twenty”

February 7, 2017

London-based Marble Empire has given 2017 a strong start with the release of “Twenty.” This single encompasses a wide spectrum of electropop, from 80’s synth to modern chillwave. It’s all groove, all the time with funk-fueled base lines, off-beat synth chords, and crisp snare hits. The subject matter itself references a coming of age story influenced by love, recklessness, and conflict, culminating to rest of the shoulders of a twenty-year-old psyche. It’s not quite an elegy, and contributes more of an escape than anything else. Young and incredibly musically articulate, we’re sure to be seeing more of Marble Empire very soon. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292957596″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ladyfriend – “Cool”

February 6, 2017

Los Angeles duo Ladyfriend dive into the future of indie-pop with their track “Cool.” This song is the alluring new kid in school that wears a leather jacket and cuts class. It’s dreamy to the highest degree with soft, reverb-drenched vocals, sweet harmony clusters, and a background of churning synths. Singer Erik croons “Cool but not ‘cause you want to / Cool but not ‘cause you care,” defining the quintessential theme of this track. It achieves captivating vocals and engaging instrumentals with seemingly no effort. Take a listen below, it will probably be the ‘coolest’ thing you do all day. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302361704″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Wren Williams & The Sons of Luther – Venom & Sugar

February 6, 2017

Rochester native Wren Williams has been an active WNY musician since the early aughts, but has recently been making lots of waves in our lovely, Buffalo music scene… With the help of his backing band, a trio of cousins affectionately named “The Sons of Luther,” Williams dropped an ambitious full-length last month in the form of the 11-song Venom & Sugar.  Venom & Sugar is a telling title; the album starts out biting and menacing and gradually morphs into something sweet and pretty. Vitriolic songs “Inevitable Collapse” and “Conspiracy Theory” kick off the album with a one-two punch, introducing the listener to the band’s indie rock ‘n roll vibes with a hint of glam. The album has strong themes of duality and touches poignantly on issues of mental health, something the outspoken Williams should be proud of. Eventually the listener is greeted by the meat-and-potatoes triad of “Psycho Maniac,” “Out Of Touch,” and “Saving Grace.”[...]

Stoop Kids – “Tahoe”

February 6, 2017

Stoop Kids are back at it again with their own brand of slacker rock, highlighting a touch of psychedelica in the band’s new track “Tahoe.” Penned after the coffee-and-cigarette-fueled odyssey that was their first extended tour, this song encapsulates life on the road and the sense of unrest that comes with it. It starts off as funk inspired easy-listening, adding some edge little by little, culminating to the song’s gritty finale. This five-piece has made quite a name for itself, all on it’s own accord. Expect to see more from these guys in the not-so-distant future. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303145168″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rina Mushonga – “Atalanta”

February 5, 2017

Rina Mushonga brings soul to electropop with her latest single “Atalanta.” The song is an ode the Greek mythological icon for female strength; Atalanta. It holds on to elements of synth-pop, but takes it a bit deeper with robust vocals and and earthy synth/bass strumming work. Mushonga knows how to create an impact with a heavy-hitting chorus and infectious hooks, and the production by Brett Shaw (Florence & The Machine, Rufus Wainwright) reflects that strikingly well. This is the first of a number of singles to be released in anticipation of her second album, due late 2017. There are so many elements effectively at play here, all that’s left is to lose yourself in it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304262813″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Static Masks – “Aware Wolf”

February 5, 2017

A mildly schizophrenic blend of melodic pop and heavy-to-progressive rock, Static Masks take their understanding of alternative rock and make it a journey for the ears with their new single “Aware Wolf.” It starts off light with various guitar themes afloat, later cranking it up a few degrees with distorted strumming, to finally conclude with a musically introspective ending. This song is engaging up to the very last note, which isn’t always easy to find in today’s pop strata. If any of this has piqued your interest (and it should,) make sure to check out the band’s debut album Late Bloomer to be released March 24th this year.

PATHS – “Neoprene”

February 5, 2017

Burgeoning one-woman synth-pop act PATHS is breaking into the alternative electropop scene with the release of her single “Neoprene.” Drawing influence from Jamie XX, St. Vincent, and HAIM, PATHS merges soothing vocals with upbeat synth clusters and strident percussive elements. The result is a carefully stratified soundscape that manages to be both aurally stimulating and easy on the ears. Expect to hear more from newcomer PATHS soon, as she takes on her live debut February 16th at Output in Belfast, Northern Ireland. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303346895″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ainsley Farrell – “Lady Long Hair”

February 5, 2017

Through folky twangs and subdued vocals, singer-songwriter Ainsley Farrell surmises the mysterious nature of dreams in “Lady Long Hair.” Drawing influence from powerhouse female vocalists like Aretha Franklin and Big Mama Thornton, Farrell marries the blues with her brand of folk-infused indie pop. Known for drawing inspiration from her dreams and personal inquisitions, Farrell tells the tale of Lady Long Hair; a weathered yet misunderstood women who often appears in her dreams. She tells a story while attempting to interpret it herself, and the result is a dynamic and wistful four-minute devotement that’s beautifully unsettling. Take in Ainsley Farrell’s subconscious musings below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302310598″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Saturday Drive – “Heart Stop”

February 4, 2017

Saturday Drive brings a touch of 90’s garage rock back to life in their song “Heart Stop.” If you’re a fan of Counting Crows mixed with the punk infusions of Go Radio, you’ll feel right at home with this track. The New Jersey natives meld jam guitars with unique mixture of pop-punk-meets-folk vocals, bringing nothing but good vibes to this upbeat tune. The song simultaneously acts as a pep talk and a cry for help, which Is addressed as a dialogue between two people in the track’s video. The video itself plays upon themes of contrast with the use of color, featuring two characters interacting while the band performs the soundtrack on the scene’s TV set. It’s playful, with distinct sincerity. Get the full visual experience below.

Lunch Ladies – “Pick Yourself Up”

February 4, 2017

Dreamy indie-pop quartet Lunch Ladies sends some words of motivation your way with their track “Pick Yourself Up.” It’s a toss up between the sun-drenched guitar riffs and the ethereally harmonized vocals as to which aspect of the song is most impressive, so we’ll settle for a tie. This track is essentially a reality check, but the endearingly scolding kind a mother gives her toddler the first time they scrape their knee. Letting you know reality is harsh, but don’t let that get to you. Dig into “Pick Yourself Up”, and stay tuned for the debut album Down on Sunset Strip, due March 10th via Good Eye Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304063879″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Glassio – “Search and Destroy”

February 4, 2017

Soul-infused “Search & Destroy” is the latest brand of electropop from New York duo Glassio. The song is a politically-charged response, encapsulating feelings of uncertainty and unease by channeling an upbeat gospel chorus into a reshaped Iggy Pop war anthem. It dismisses hate by romanticizing it. Through a unique mix of electronic soundscapes and soothingly haunting vocals, this track has a way of swallowing you whole, ultimately emerging more at peace than before. Dive into some wholesome discontent with Glassio below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302905706″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Robat – “Seeds”

February 4, 2017

Minneapolis five-piece Robat has spearheaded the release of their debut album with the single “Seeds.” This is some DIY indie rock at its finest, featuring mellow vocals, dialoging guitars, and snappy percussion. Singer Alex Wright intones “lost but on the loose / sunflower seeds and evergreens / fractions of our youth,” effectively striking a chord with all the sad kids struggling with the sense of stagnation that comes with aging – we’ve all been there. It’s a heartfelt outcry to hold onto recklessness and naivety, while soothing all your cares away. If you like what you hear, be sure to catch more of Robat’s latest album, Tiny. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301330891″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Humble Braggers Reveal New Single

February 3, 2017

Humble Braggers are diving head first into 2017, announcing earlier this week the Buffalo-based trio will be releasing their first full length album I Know Better, I’m No Better on March 10th. Along with the album announcement, the band dropped the lead single off of the album “Weight,” an M83-y sprawling indie pop song with lyrics about dealing wth anxiety and overcoming that feeling. As we’ve come to expect from the band, “Weight” is a big sound banger. Humble Braggers will be celebrating their release on Friday, March 10th with support from touring UK indie-pop act Chad Valley, local baroquers dreambeaches, and the first performance of ex-Sleepy Haha’s frontman Pat Butler’s new project, Bottler. Put ht at in your calendar and in the meantime check out “Weight” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305311389″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Photo by Krit Upra

Sleater Kinney – Live in Paris

February 3, 2017

With a career spanning over 20 years, Sleater-Kinney has left an indelible mark on modern alternative music. As pioneers of the riot grrrl movement, they helped usher in a new era of female powered rock that is edgy, raw and empowering. However, even after a long career, there are still some things they haven’t done. Their latest release for Sub Pop is the first ever live album in the band’s tenure. Live In Paris was recorded on March 20, 2015 at La Cigale in Paris, France. It was during the tour in support of their killer eighth studio album, No Cities to Love. Sleater-Kinney’s live shows are highly energetic and all out in your face, and that vibe isn’t lost here. In capturing this sold-out evening, the record showcases the group’s anthemic and abrasive style well. The dynamic between the four women packs a heavy punch, one that’s been cultivated[...]

L.A. Spring – “Heart and Soul”

February 3, 2017

L.A. Spring brings out a rousing ode to the loved and lost venues of London in their single “Heart and Soul.” A sore subject for many Londoners, this song encapsulates the anger surrounding these closures and what that will mean for the arts. The band uses an iron-clad method of vibrant synth and a groove-laden bass line to express their despondency, with a desire to return to roots that are quickly disappearing. This song is a call to arms disguised as the next soft rock jam. All it takes is one listen. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305161408″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]