Latest Posts

Bedroom Folk Musician Alex Radice Releases Brooding Debut Single

February 9, 2017

Mysterious Williamsville native Alex Radice knows a thing or two about anxiety, a topic he covers in his debut single, “Am I Hollow.” Radice laments over his anxiety’s hold on his long-lost emotions, questioning himself with “Is anyone there?” In reality, Radice’s use of his longing baritone voice and gentle ambient instrumentals has resulted in a beautiful and catchy song reminiscent of Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, and Volcano Choir. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304696910″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Henry’s Rifle – Arkansas

February 9, 2017

Recording under the alter ego Henry’s Rifle, John Alfred’s music is rooted in backroom Americana and weathered country-blues. The Albany native singer-songwriter’s latest EP, titled Arkansas, is raw and completely stripped down, both in tone and subject matter. With help from members of The Slaughterhouse Chorus and Linear North, the EP was recorded in various houses around Albany as well as the live room at WEQX in Manchester, Vermont. The music of Henry’s Rifle has an innate sadness to it. There is this kind of classic barroom sorrow to it that can be traced back to modern folk’s earliest days in the clubs of Greenwich Village. John Alfred’s rough, half-screamed voice adds another layer of darkness as well. All together, its somewhere in between solo Neil Young and early Avett Brothers. While the sonic focus is tight, the arrangements do vary slightly. The EP starts out with a dirge like[...]

Blank Space – “Promiscuous Mortality”

February 8, 2017

Californian quartet Blank Space debuted their chill-out indie rock with “Promiscuous Mortality.” They have only been a band for about four months, but that hasn’t stopped them from packing their songs with noodly guitars, catchy whoa-oh vocal runs, and laid back vibes. Fans of Beach House, Private Island, or Young the Giant will be into this one. Blank Space is on the ‘Gram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304991289″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Benji Heinke – “Why Won’t You Reply To Me?”

February 8, 2017

Do you have 1:47 to spare? If so, we think you should check out Benji Heinke‘s latest demo, “Why Won’t You Reply To Me?” Benji combines lo-fi, DIY production values with jangly guitars and an upbeat vocal melody – not to mention subject matter that would appeal to most millennials. We’re always down for some quality bedroom-pop. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304623987″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mutes – “Vanishing”

February 8, 2017

Noisy UK post-punk act Mutes caught our attention with the first single off of their upcoming debut LP, “Vanishing.” The Kraut-rock quartet infuses typical post-punk fervor with a strong sense of melody and just the right amount of ambiance – not to mention their blistering, mid-song guitar solo. Fans of Television, Sonic Youth, and Cloud Nothings will dig this one. If you want to support, “Vanishing” is already available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301195700″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TOMA – “Going Nowhere”

February 8, 2017

TOMA is a group of Texans creating fresh-sounding indie rock laced with squiggly keyboards. If you’re wondering where to start, “Going Nowhere” is our recommendation – we dig the band’s pop-minded songwriting skills, peppered with great guitar tones and Phoenix-esque vocals. “Going Nowhere” is also available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293695789″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Deadwolf Achieve Liftoff On Latest Single “Half A Man”

February 8, 2017

“Half A Man,” the latest single from Buffalo psych rockers, blew my mind straight up. If you haven’t already gotten this towering, epic jam into your ears, you really need to do so immediately. Anchored by drums that conjure seventies Genesis, spaced out, Drozdesque guitars, and glorious California folk rock vocal harmonies, “Half A Man” achieves celestial liftoff  and doesn’t come back, opting for sweet electronic oblivion instead. It’s B-side “To The Garden” is six minutes of nimble, psychedelic garage rock that simultaneously reminds me of Talking Heads and The Beach Boys and the American songbook these dudes are joyfully shredding on. Please check them out below and Deadwolf’s Bandcamp page for more goodness.

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” /]