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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” /]

Bryan Johnson and Family Return with New Single

February 22, 2017

Local surf rockers, Bryan Johnson and Family, returned earlierr this month with a new reverbed-out single “Next Wave.”  On the Fam’s new single, the guitar is a wonderful blend of janglyness and smoothness. The bass thuds along joyfully while the hi-hat swarms about your head like a feather-down pillow. The xylophone-esque lead does the song well – it adds to the Hawaiian feels. “Next Wave” is a welcome return from the Buffalo staples. Check it out.

Formation – “A Friend”

February 22, 2017

London’s Formation has claimed their space as the band to watch this year with the release of their single “A Friend.” Through bombastic percussive interjections, chant-like vocals, and soaring synths, the track is a fiery thrash into catharsis. The video, directed by Davis Silas, reflects this strikingly through a bloody fist-fight on the London Tube, blurring distinctions between rage and affection; friend and adversary. It’s scathing and it’s undisguised, melding cutting visuals with anthemic swells. If this track has you hooked, be sure to check out Formation’s upcoming debut album, Look At The Powerful People, out March 24th.

Newish Star – American Angelica Tree

February 21, 2017

It’s been over a year since local low-fi/indie group, Newish Star released their last record, 2015’s You Missed Everything – Part II. After ending their tour and with little noise coming from the trio in terms of new releases, there was the possible fear that we’d never hear anything from them again. Another tale of a local Buffalo outfit that ended up splintering band members and kind of fading off into the distance. But no, that’s not what this is about. Because on February 13th, the band put out a brand new release titled, American Angelica Tree. To say that it’s just a new release from the band wouldn’t quite do it justice. It is a collection of songs from the band released for us all to hear and enjoy, true, but really, it feels more than that. After a flurry of releases in 2015, it’s altogether possible that the[...]

Short Moscato – “Whisper (Disappear)”

February 21, 2017

Buffalo rapper Short Moscato is a proven wordsmith that also comes through with thematic songs and projects on the regular. His latest track “Whisper” discusses his methods of escape from his insecurities and beyond. The voice of John Lennon talks of the transcendental powers of meditation, and Moscato follows him up by delving into his own explorations. He delivers just one titular verse, allowing for Lennon and medasin’s production to frame his messages. Medasin’s light-yet-abrasive outro captures the flux of Moscato’s deliverance, and wraps up a tight track. “Whisper” is the first single off of Moscato’s commercial debut The Colour of Air, due out March 17th.

The Fontaines – “Evaporate”

February 21, 2017

Brother-sister duo The Fontaines bring a touch of funk to their brand of new-wave pop in their latest single “Evaporate.” It’s coy and evasive, as singer Charlotte Fontaine intones “I want but I don’t need / Let me remind you this is a catch and release.” In a flurry of salient guitar themes, powerhouse bass lines, and seductively murmured vocals, this track grabs hold of you and refuses to let go. This band is sure to be one to watch at their live debut at this year’s SXSW, but until then be sure to vibe to “Evaporate” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306489842″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Steven Benjamins – “Silence”

February 21, 2017

Steven Benjamins crafts the latest upbeat, yet calming tune through his single “Silence.” The Toronto native creates a new meaning for singer-songwriter, with an electrified twist that remains endearing and peaceful. “Silence” is an anthem of reassurance, stringing powerful phrases together to emanate nothing but soothing encouragement. Benjamins is currently cranking out singles left and right, so if you like what you hear be sure to stay tuned for another single coming to a set of speakers near you. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/306463237″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Karma Club – “Timelines”

February 21, 2017

UK four-piece Karma Club introduces their upcoming album with the release of their debut single “Timelines.” Garnering inspiration from The Cure, Foals and Bombay Bicycle Club, among others, this track is all spunky bass lines and crisp guitar melodies. It’s a brew of the best of indie-pop with a tinge of grungy distortion and groove-laden rhythms. The band’s debut EP Smile, It’s Good For You is due out March 31st on Funnel Music, but until then we recommend jamming to this track for the long haul. You’ll be glad you did. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305384105″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Infidelix – “American Spirit”

February 20, 2017

Rapping by the way of Texas, Berlin, and elsewhere around the world, emcee Infidelix brings a global perspective to his music. His worldwide experience works in his favor when it comes to owning his sound and his message. On his newest single “American Spirit” Infidelix rhymes “I’m not in it for the business I’m in it because I need to get shit off of my chest.” That personal connection is rife in his music, where the passion for the art comes first and foremost.  He’s been through the gutter, and turned that adversity into opportunity (“I bought a one-way ticket to the rest of my days.”) With dizzying flows and a classic hip hop beat, Infidelix’ “American Spirit” is an awesome rap performance that has us hyped up for his upcoming project Busk Life. Listen below.