Latest Posts

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” /]

Ruby Bones – “Heart of Darkness”

January 23, 2017

“Heart of Darkness” by New Jersey/Brooklyn’s Ruby Bones is all energy, all the time. As a frantic shot in the dark combatting aging’s cruel hand, the three-piece outfit garners their indie-rock sentiments to form the invigorating jam session that is this track. It acts as a reminder to hold on to your youthful vigor, because with settling comes bitterness and resentment. The band takes a quintessential alt-rock chorus and amps it up a few notches with rapid drum fills and roving guitar lines. Expect a debut full-length album fueled with vivacity later this spring. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/287083261″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bad Wave – “Daniel”

January 22, 2017

The L.A. based duo Bad Wave recently released their futuristic take on indie pop in their single “Daniel.” The song’s theme surrounds songwriter Tucker Tota’s inventive premonitions for the future of his nephew while Patrick Hart’s production bring the electronic flare. The lyrics paint a picture of the inevitable robotic apocalypse, leaving Daniel the last man standing. Despite the subject matter, the track carries a hint of nostalgia over the passage of time, mixed with the results of post-teen angst. The crooned vocals take on a quasi-lullaby feel, while bubbly synths and bright drum beats keep the energy level high. At this point Bad Wave seems to be cranking out material like there’s no tomorrow; check out “Daniel” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/298163948″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mia Koo – “See You Online”

January 22, 2017

Music Industry guru Mia Koo is taking her turn as pop artist extraordinaire on her new single “See You Online.” With almost 15 years of experience wearing a variety of hats in the industry, Koo has indeed mastered the formula for a five-star pop hit. “See You Online” is the song of choice when gearing up to go out for a night on the town – just try not to drunk text your ex this time. Through a tempered mix of rousing vocal lines, a thumping bass and rhythm guitars, she creates the next party jam-meets-love song that’s bound to be filling up your speakers soon. Check out the track and look for Mia’s upcoming album Paragon, out Spring 2017 on Shining Star Records.

Mating Ritual – “How You Gonna Stop It”

January 21, 2017

This likely isn’t the first time you’ve heard the likes of Mating Ritual, and it certainly won’t be the last. With the announcement of his debut album, the man behind the band, Ryan Marshall released title track “How You Gonna Stop It.” Immediately confronted with infectious synth lines and bombastic drum beats, this song is all party, all the time; only slowing to lament aging as the irrepressible passage of time. It’s clever and it’s playful, with just a hint of cynicism seeping through the cracks. Marshall’s gravely vocals breeze through just to spew fiery phrases as if telling vivid story within each verse. Mating Ritual has already begun gaining momentum in 2016, and with the release of an introductory album, it seems sky’s the limit for 2017. How You Gonna Stop It is due out January 24th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297465165″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Army of Bones – “Don’t Be Long”

January 21, 2017

Delve into the rockier side of the UK’s indie scene with Brighton’s Army of Bones. Their latest single, “Don’t Be Long,” introduces the hype surrounding their upcoming album. This track does a great job in layering and expanding on an initial melody, through a sprinkling of guitar interjections and revamped vocal lines. It has all the heaviness of a rock song, while still being exceptionally easy on the ears. With a chorus Matt Bellamy (of Muse) would be proud of, “Don’t Be Long” hones in on the science behind the music, crafting the right formula for a passion-fueled and anthemic rock song. It’s neat and tidy, while managing to take you on a journey that’s wholly moving. Save the date for Army of Bones’ March 3rd album release featuring “Don’t Be Long.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300914323″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Past You – “Faith”

January 21, 2017

New York’s own Past You has crafted a brand of shoegaze-infused dream-pop that’s easy on the ears, if not on the heart. Their latest track, “Faith,” lightly intones through toxicity surrounding a codependency, stitching it all together with the despondent chorus of “I can be the one you used to love/ Let me tell you how I wish you were.” Heavy subject matter, quite in opposition to the song’s production. The track itself takes on an almost whimsical quality with looping synth lines and murmured vocals, making it easy enough to get lost in the trance of it all. Cipher through “Faith” on Past You’s upcoming EP. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296056668″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /] Written by Cassandra Dailey

Callum Pitt – “You’d Better Sell It While You Can”

January 20, 2017

Indie folkster Callum Pitt got us to bob our heads to his latest jam, “You’d Better Sell It While You Can.” Penned when Pitt was just 15 years old, the song features piano, clean guitar tones, and Pitt’s distinctive falsetto. Pitt gives a nod to The War On Drugs, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes, whose influence can be heard throughout his music. If you like Pitt’s style, purchase his tunes here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297869476″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pool Art – “Gender Balance”

January 20, 2017

Grungy shoegaze act Pool Art caught our attention with the droning noise of “Gender Balance.” The Manchester-based duo penned “Gender Balance” about loneliness; although it’s semi-autobiographical, the song also takes inspiration from an article about gender imbalance in China and inequality for women. Fun fact: the cover image is the tail fin of the legendary 52-hertz whale, which some consider to be the loneliest mammal in existence. You can purchase “Gender Balance” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296802099″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]