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PLAZA – “Origami”

January 28, 2017

UK band PLAZA bring to light the musical result of a suppressed teen angst in their single “Origami.” They start strong with sparse instrumentation and soft vocal lines, then hurdle into distortion-heavy guitars and grungy vocals. They know the formula and they’re sticking to it. It’s gloomy and it’s pleading; it’s harsh and it’s angular, a full spectrum of emotion in one dynamic rock song. “Origami” is all about looking for an escape in the face of rapidly approaching adulthood, made clear from the first guitar strum to the last drum hit. Have a listen to “take [yourself] away from it all” and look out for more PLAZA this April. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303132738″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fejká – “Moonlight”

January 28, 2017

We’re enjoying the subtle pulse of “Moonlight,” the debut single from German prodigy Fejká. “Moonlight” features a moody and atmospheric melody but is relatively instrumental. This one gives us a unique vibe – equal parts mystery and danceability. You can purchase “Moonlight” on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/148983822″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Snowball II – “Anais & Me”

January 28, 2017

L.A.’s Snowball II brings back the glory of the 90’s with their latest single “Anais & Me.” This full-fledged pursuit of indie rock bears marks of the garage and punk of yesteryear, bringing us back to rock in all of its pre-millennium splendor. Band leader/producer Jackson Wargo takes DIY to a whole new level, without giving any indication of an indie production. The track features hypnotic rhythm guitars and a punchy bass line, all tied together with jam-based vocals. A time-honored tale of boy meets girl, boy tries to win over girl through song about having her figured out. Take a trip down memory lane with “Anais & Me” and stick around for Flashes of Quincy out mid-February this year. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/298700333″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

closely – “Years”

January 27, 2017

Toronto trio closely is up to something… “Years” sounds truly unique – a minimalistic song that could be the 2017 reincarnation of Prince’s “Kiss.” “Years” is packed with reverbed-out vocal samples, snappy falsetto, and lush electronic drums. Trust us when we say it’s something you have to hear for yourself. Check them out on the ‘Gram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297739495″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

joan – “Take Me On”

January 27, 2017

Indie-pop duo joan may be newbies in the game, but they are off to a strong start with the release of their premiere single “Take Me On.” The melding of eighties instrumentals with 90’s funk gives joan an old-school feel, with a dash of modern electronic influence. Co-produced and mixed by Tim Pagnotta, the track definitely draws parallels to hit-makers like Walk the Moon and Saint Motel. It takes on the classic theme of exciting love and makes it a party; two of music’s favorite things. Jump on the wagon soon, joan is bound to make a name among the big dogs and it’s only a matter of time. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304166099″ 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 Dahmers – “Night Crawler”

January 27, 2017

The spooky new single “Night Crawler” off The Dahmers upcoming album is a haunting conglomerate of grungy garage punk and indie rock for headbangers and horror-film fanatics. The band livens up lo-fi with tension-heavy themes and spunky guitar lines, along with some strategically placed clap tracks and screams. Despite the dark theme, this track unbeatably energetic and all-around exciting to listen to. Presumably taking the namesake of the famed serial killer-cannibal extraordinaire, The Dahmers are setting themselves up for a lengthy career of lighthearted horror punk. If you just can’t get enough, be sure to check out their album In the Dead of Night out March 24th on Lövely Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301806380″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Julie Byrne – Not Even Happiness

January 27, 2017

There’s something about the songcraft of downstate-based singer-songwriter Julie Byrne that appeals to more than just the ears. Her music, at once spectral and tangible, whisks the listener to Byrne’s weightless place of soft melodies and personal experience. And it is this very suspension in which Byrne spends most of her latest album, Not Even Happiness. A sprawling musical simplicity contrasts the album’s deepest exploration of feeling, in what can be considered one of the most striking collections of songs so far this year. Musically, Byrne channels artists like Cat Power, Leonard Cohen, and Sufjan Stevens, all of whom with music that shares innate, personal elements. Not Even Happiness uses that element liberally, with tracks that explore the places, namely the Pacific Northwest, and feelings of Byrne’s most recent years. The expansive skies and ebbing tides of this record almost purposefully paint it a faint blue, with songs that breathe[...]

Oya Paya – “Just Around The Bend”

January 27, 2017

Mmmm, we’re feeling “Just Around The Bend” from Liverpool trio Oya Paya. Spiraling minimalist guitars provide the backbone for Oya Paya’s true gift – their catchy vocal melodies and pleasant harmonies. Those of you who enjoy Pinback, Death Cab’s early catalog, or Attic Abasement should like this one a lot. Check them out on Instagram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301040036″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Moody Cosmos Reveals New Psych-y Single

January 26, 2017

Buffalo’s fearless freak Moody Cosmos are back with a heavy curveball of a new single called “Take Me Home” that’s arrived right on time. Trading psychedelic space rock for unhinged psych garage rock that’s every bit as out there as anything Peter Cahlstadt has done, but with a glorious flaming car crash ambiance that feels so right for this new era. It’s been gratifying and encouraging seeing concerned citizen artist/musicians stepping up locally over the last few months, and now we can add Moody Cosmos to that roster with this fiery, shredding jam.

Father John Misty – “Pure Comedy”

January 25, 2017

At this point this almost qualifies as “housekeeping” but yes Father John Misty (aka Josh Tillman) dropped the title track of his forthcoming third album the other day, and “Pure Comedy” more than lives up the hype. For those just tuning in, it appears that liberal democracy/American democracy/the West/western civilization is collapsing all around us in real time, and Josh isn’t immune to that growing sense of dread, hence this devastatingly trenchant piece of art from his Father John Misty alter ego, even though that constructed duality too seems to be collapsing. The video, directed by Matthew Daniel Siskin  is already in the running for “video of the year” (in my dreams) thanks to it’s almost ecstatic depressiveness and up to the minute black humor, and the fact that it sums up the existential quagmire of 2017 perfectly.  Pure Comedy arrives April 7, and hopefully a tour will be announced, including hopefully a[...]

Flo Morrissey and Matthew E. White – Gentlewoman, Ruby Man

January 25, 2017

Spacebomb Records has made a name for itself developing a polished sound reminiscent of ‘70s psych-soul. On this latest release, label founder Matthew E. White teams up with English singer-songwriter Flo Morrissey to deliver a batch of interesting covers, ranging from a Hare Krishna mantra (“Govindam”) to the theme from Grease. Titled Gentlewoman, Ruby Man, it’s a trip that’s equal parts sun-drenched and fuzzed out. Traditionally, when a female and a male singer get together to tackle an album worth of covers, the songs are usually well-known hits presented as romantic duets. This record is not traditional, and finds Morrissey and White trading singing duties and playing off of each other in unique ways. White’s understated voice has a low whisper to it, and it compliments the lilting and ethereal tone of Morrissey’s. Not to mention, there are a few deep cuts here by lesser-known artists, including tracks originally done[...]

True Moon – “Sugar”

January 24, 2017

True Moon is a Swedish act making frantic post-punk tunes with a raw approach. We think you should start with “Sugar,” a dark wave jam with a tendency to creep up on the listener. Starting with a jittery drumbeat and droning noises, the track eventually explodes into an epic and catchy chorus. Fans of Joy Division or Dum Dum Girls will be very pleased. “Sugar” is available for streaming via Spotify. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301418870″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hedge Fund – “Hot & Lonely”

January 24, 2017

Hedge Fund is an Australian duo making 80s influenced alt-rock with a modern twist. Like Fleetwood Mac, The White Stripes, and Die Antwoord before them, Hedge Fund started as a creative and complicated partnership between two lovers. The result sounds a little like Talking Heads, The Cure, and Pat Benatar with a lot of extra swagger. We think you should start with “Hot & Lonely.” Be sure to check out Hedge Fund’s website too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/303277212″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mallwalkers – “Dial ‘M’ For…”

January 23, 2017

Funk punk collective, Mallwalkers are back from their hiatus, or self imposed exile? Either way, they’ve returned and have brought with them to Buffalo a new LP,  “Dial ‘M’ For…” which is a follow up to their debut record, 2013’s Shake the Rust Off. Classic cinema fans will pick up the reference to the Hitchcock thriller, but unlike the director’s affection for putting his audience through a series of tense moments and plot twists, Mallwalkers places anyone who listens on a dance party crazed ride full of moments to get your heart pumping. A riotous mixture of musical genres ranging from hardcore, ska, funk, indie, soul and surf-rock, Mallwalker’s sound is hard to pinpoint. Even with their embracing of the funk musical aesthetic being as it is, they don’t sound anything like George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. Instead, the band collaborates together to create a sound that’s very much their own.[...]

Ansible – “Rest Of Our Lives”

January 23, 2017

80’s pop inspired twosome Ansible bring a nostalgia for the past with a neo-synthpop flare in their latest single “Rest Of Our Lives.” The track invokes a theme right out of a 1980’s romcom, shouldering the last-stitch effort at a failing relationship before giving it up entirely. They craft their sound through a measured mix of lulling vocals, pulsing synth, and a pinch of distortion. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Tears For Fears and Genesis (post Peter Gabriel,) Ansible take their own spin on the genre, if only a few decades behind. This track may have retro influences but still manages to bring in an inventive and contemporary sound. Join the time warp and take a listen to “Rest Of Our Lives” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/281019783″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]