Latest Posts

Syracuse Act Ohne-Ká and the Burning River Release Apocalyptic Instrumental, “Where the Forest Ends”

December 15, 2016

Syracuse act Ohne-Ká and the Burning River caught our ears with the apocalyptic sounding “Where The Forest Ends.” Taken from their latest release, Tree Lines and Birth Rights, “Forest” is a part of a concept album accompanied by a book (or digital PDF) that you can read while you listen (or even on its own). The story follows the travels of several forest animals and the pack leader wolf they all follow. Musically, fans of mewithoutYou, Explosions in the Sky, or Thrice would dig Ohne-Ká’s style. Check these guys out on Bandcamp too.

Cities Vanishing – “I Want To Know What The Wind Blows Like”

December 15, 2016

Noisy duo Cities Vanishing caught our ears with the overblown, lo-fi production of “I Want To Know What The Wind Blows Like.” This is the first of five urgent songs that the duo penned together, with “the girl” ripping the theremin and some guitar, and “the guy” shredding drums and some more guitar. Fans of The Thermals or Ted Leo will be jazzed for sure. We think you all should get into these guys before everyone else – listen below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295166278″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Soviet Dolls Release New Dark-Pop Song, “Ghostlover”

December 14, 2016

Rochester electro-pop act Soviet Dolls recently released their latest single, the dark and looming “Ghostlover.” The quintet combines lush synth textures with an alternative rock backbone and the cherry-on-top vocals of dusky singer Alexandra Wendt. The result is a dark pop banger that we can’t help but crush on. Fans of CHVRCHES, Metric, or The Naked and Famous would really dig this tune. “Ghostlover” is available via Bandcamp for a “pay what you want” rate. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/296780980″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

NE-HI – “Stay Young”

December 14, 2016

After cutting their teeth in underground Chicago venues, NE-HI have refined their songwriting into blissfully hazy guitar pop, demonstrated best by lead single “Stay Young.” We especially dig their music video for the tune, which continues their vintage and hazy vibes with swirling visuals and an overall nod to nostalgia. Dream poppers, post-punkers, and Springsteen fans will all find solace in this mid-western quartet’s music. If you dig “Stay Young,” pre-order Offers on Bandcamp.

Space is Haunted Drop Full Album Contact

December 14, 2016

Buffalo-based low-fi post-punk duo, Space Is Haunted’s new record, Contact is an energetic barrage of crunchy guitar and ephemeral vocals that are all held up by consistently solid drumming. The duo is made up of primary guitarist and vocalist, Jamie Levy and drummer and vocalist, Katie Quider. Contact was released on local independent label, Drug Party in early December. Those familiar with Space Is Haunted through their local gigs and their two previous releases will notice some songs from the past that have found themselves on Contact, namely “Gone” and “On an Ocean,” from past releases Space is Haunted and For Science respectively. The new renditions of these tracks are tighter, more focused, with an extra bit of polish but still showcase the same drive and combination of elements that make the band so enjoyable to listen to. The group has grown and become more experienced but without having to[...]

Oghenero – “Def”

December 13, 2016

Calgary MC Oghenero’s lone wolf makeup comes through in his powerful rhymes. On his first single “Def,” his cutting voice lays down verses of sobering aggression to his competition. He’s rapping with the attitude of someone confident enough to only need himself, and remind his listeners of that in his verses with lines like “You call it burning I just call it rerouting.” “Def” has the spirit of a freestyle and its Bobby Shmurda-esque instrumental provide the perfect landscape. Give it a listen below, and check out the rest of Oghenero’s tracks here.

Dezert Eez – “Rolex Dreamin ft. Talib Kweli”

December 13, 2016

Michigan staple Dezert Eez link up with hip hop legend Talib Kweli on their single “Rolex Dreamin’.” An awesome posse cut, “Rolex Dreamin'” features four furious verses from Kweli and the Dezert Eez trio of 5-Star, Nivek and O’Nill. Talib kicks things off, likening himself to a bird of prey as he vocalizes his viciousness. From there, Eez takes their turns dancing around a great chorus shouting out good drinks, weed, and a great home in the Great Lakes. These dudes are pure spitters, with verses heavy on wordplay and internal rhyme schemes. Even a smoke session has imagery to it in the hands of Eez, highlighted with the line from the closing verse, “smoking algae in the squad in my unc’s garage, collared greens now it’s Nike’s out the box, breaking bread with the guys at the liquor spot.” It’s a dope posse cut from a dope posse, give it[...]

Turquoise Noise – “Matters of Fact”

December 12, 2016

Turquoise Noise is Los Angeles-based neo-psychedelic, alt-rock quintet. We think y’all will enjoy their latest jam, “Matters of Fact.” The group combines swimmy atmospherics with an overall upbeat disposition, being sure to toss in lots of stop/start dynamics. Fans of Young The Giant, Cold War Kids, or Atlas Genius should feel right at home. If you’re into it, stream that jazz via Spotify. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295630177″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Animal Feelings – “Lonely feat. Morgxn”

December 12, 2016

Animal Feelings, (aka Oli Chang, member of dream pop band High Highs), shared jis new single with us and we dig it. “Lonely” is the first song to be release from his new EP, due out in January 2017. “Lonely” is a slow burning and incredibly chill song that highlights a forlorn vocal contribution from Morgxn. “Lonely” could appeal to fans of chillwave like Washed Out or modern hip-hop with an indietronica twist. Animal Feelings also has a Tumblr – check it out. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295709304″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Furniteur – “Redundant Buzz”

December 9, 2016

Furniteur is Washington DC visual artist/vocalist Brittany Simms, and former Brett members Mike Toohey and Kevin Bayly. They teamed up to write our latest recommendation, “Redundant Buzz,” a wistful, beat-driven track that is equal parts Echo & The Bunnymen and Purity Ring. About the track, Sims says, “‘Redundant Buzz’ tells a story of falling in love with your first impression or idea of someone, whether or not that is the person they really are.” Hop to it! Buy “Redundant Buzz” on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/295141510″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mount Horeb – “No One’s Gonna Bother You”

December 9, 2016

Mysterious German recording artist Mount Horeb (a.k.a. Elias Binder) sent us his ode to solitude – we think it’s worth blogging about. “No One’s Gonna Bother You,” according to the artist, is, “the song that I recorded in a week of isolation, just going on walks, and drinking wine.” His understated vibes, easy going tempo, and droning vocals support that imagery quite well. Fans of Porches, Radiohead, or Interpol would dig this tune. Support Mount Horeb by clicking on this Bandcamp link. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293520558″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Salvador Jolly – “Dro Money Dro Problems”

December 9, 2016

Inspired by Notorious B.I.G., Salvador Jolly‘s latest, “Dro Money Dro Problems” is a laid-back electronica song about buying the wrong cables from Radio Shack. Their vibes remind us of Washed Out, Passion Pit, and MGMT. Their style has an uncanny way of lulling us into a state of ultimate chill with twinkly synths and a vintage sounding mix. Salvador Jolly’s latest release, Jolly Llama, is out now – check it out on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/254735526″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Taking Meds – My Life as a Bro

December 9, 2016

Pieces of punk, a pinch of indie, a bit of math rock, and bitter pathos get thrown together to form the sonic base for Rochester, NY four-piece, Taking Meds. Released November 4th via Broken World Media, the band’s full-length debut record, My Life as a Bro is a sonic endeavor that seeks to incorporate math rock inspired riffs with the indie-punk sound that various members in Taking Meds had been playing with in their previous band, Such Gold. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Skylar Sarkis, who left Such Gold in 2013, along with current Such Gold members, lead guitarist and vocalist, Ben Kotin, bassist, Jon Markson, and drummer, Matt Battle. Taking Meds started when Sarkis was a part of Such Gold where he along with Kotin started experimenting with math rock style guitar compositions. My Life as a Bro opens with “Taking Meds” which gets up and going quickly. Full of[...]

Childish Gambino – “Awaken, My Love!”

December 8, 2016

Donald Glover has been proving a lot recently that he is one of the more prolific creative minds out there today. He’s a successful stand-up and comedic performer, a skilled dramatic actor, a writer/director/producer/star of an acclaimed new television show Atlanta, and of course, a rapper/hip-hop artist. Under the stage name Childish Gambino he already has a handful of releases under his belt, gaining scores of fans with his unique and frenetic style. His latest offering, however, is completely out of left field. After keeping the recording process a virtual airtight secret, he has surprised everyone with a big departure from his alt. hip-hop style we’ve come to know. His third full-length record “Awaken, My Love!” is steeped in soul, R&B, funk and psychedelic rock. It bares a deep resemblance to the funkadelic movement of the ‘70s that combined the popularity of psychedlia in rock ‘n’ roll music with the[...]

The Leones Share Two New Christmas Songs

December 7, 2016

The Leones just released a beautifully melancholic new Christmas single that’s sure to fall on the “love” side of your love/hate relationship with Christmas songs. Featuring a sleeve by local artist Mickey Harmon, “Ghosts Of Christmas” b/w “Blue Christmas” is a festival of naked emotion; “Ghosts Of Christmas” floats on cloud of piano and sweet reverb to us from out of the Rust Belt void, while “Blue Christmas” is an achingly bittersweet ode to the Everly Brothers, Phil Spector, and the mighty Roy Orbison. “Ghosts Of Christmas” can be found on bandcamp and purchased for $2, an ideal way to support local music and art, and wallow in all of your feels.