Latest Posts

Lunacre – “[Re]Cycle”

Schtum. It’s just one of those words that you want to say over and over. It’s the new offering from Lunacre, and we think their new single “[Re]Cycle” begs repeated listens as well. This song is a slow-burner all around, highlighting a simmering drum beat and far-off “ooohs.” Fans of HRVRD, From Indian lakes, or Local Natives will feel right at home. Find out more about Lunacre here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/287443965″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Astral Cloud Ashes – “Housing In A Bubble”

Last time we checked in with Astral Cloud Ashes, we were touting their debut “Get Real.” He (Antony Walker to be exact) caught our attention again with his latest alt-rock blitz, “Housing In A Bubble.” Unsurprisingly, the song is about the failures of capitalism and the affordability of housing in both the US and the UK. Preach, Walker! We think fans of Modern Baseball or Against Me! would dig this tune. You can buy Astral Cloud Ashes’ stuff on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/286170603″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pwest & Bast – “Worse Things”

Pwest & Bast teamed up for their latest tropical-tinged banger, “Worse Things.” The video is a colorful love story set in their hometown of Los Angeles. We think this particular duo is operating in perfect harmony. Bast’s sultry vocal tones and Pwest’s raw talent work very well together on this self-produced jam. Find out more here.

Spirit City – “Do What You Want”

Utah-based act Spirit City sent us their new video for “Do What You Want” and we thought it was worth sharing. They capitalize on a carefree power-pop sound, specializing in effervescent lyrics and upbeat vibes. The video itself is all about getting away from the things that are getting you down… In other words, “doing what you want.” Go figure! Give these guys a like on Facebook.

Warm Binary – “Minus Horizon”

Santa Barbara producer Warm Binary sent us his track “Minus Horizon” and we think it’s worth a listen. “Minus Horizon” is an instrumental jam with an incredible ambient vibe. Binary himself describes his track as “a dreamy feel over a driving motorik beat.” Dead on, Binary. Warm Binary is offering their full length for a “pay what you want” rate on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/286758657″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cadence Kid – “The Darkness”

Last time we checked in with Cadence Kid, he was working with a 3x Grammy award winning producer for an extremely cinematic music video. This time, he sent us over a chill track that continues his laid back vibe a la MGMT or Grouplove. “The Darkness” is catchy, vibey, and uses a bunch of cool tape string synth patches – def worth a listen. Check “The Darkness” out below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/282230531″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Walkingshoe – “Can’t Sleep”

Walkingshoe is a financial analyst by day an a Chicago hip hop producer/musician by night. Oddly enough, his upcoming solo release falls more in line with modern indie pop. “Can’t Sleep” is our recommendation – bubbly vibes, chimy guitars, and Walkingshoe’s distinct delivery are highlights for us. For fans of Peter, Bjorn, & John, The Kooks, or Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. Keep an eye out for Walkingshoe’s debut, Hennie & Me, due out sometime next month. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/284610202″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Medusa Shares Experimental Hip Hop Album

Lula, the fifth release of the year from Buffalo experimental hip hop artist Medusa presents an industrial, forward-thinking take on the genre. With vivid narratives on tracks like “Manic Depression” and “Suitcase,” the album balances unfeigned lyricism with sinister production. “Drowning In The Kiddie Pool” includes an ominous bass line, menacing percussion and Spanish lyrics while “Digitell” is an abrasive electronic track complete with jittery synths and mantra-like vocals. Never pursuing the same idea twice, Aula is an engaging work from an artist able to convey a distinctive sound throughout. Listen/download below.

Leonard Cohen – You Want It Darker

Beloved Canadian poet and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen has had a long and illustrious career. The 82-year-old returns with his 14th full-length study album, and possibly a hint at retirement. You Want It Darker is bleak and grim in tone, and exquisite in its execution. Cohen doesn’t shy away from the inevitable: death. The record plays out like he’s preparing himself for it, as he gets his affairs in order. His trademark hushed and low growl is as dark as ever, and truly suits the undercurrent of the music. The arrangements here are carefully constructed, with each production and instrument choice having a precise and integral place. Although it is stylistically eclectic and layered, it is still quite sparse and intimate. The record opens with the title track “You Want It Darker,” a grooving synth-bass driven hymnal that almost sarcastically begs to plunge further into the abyss. Complete with a repeated[...]

Yellow House Debuts Single “Human Error”

With the drop of the first track on their upcoming tape, we get a peek into the mind of Yellow House, and man, is it a great sample.  The way the band blends shoegaze and punk leads to something totally unique within the Buffalo music scene, and is simply put, rockin’. The two standout elements of “Human Error” are the vocals and the drums, with a driving, layered, yelled and softly sung vocal melody pairing up perfectly with blasting drums, unrelenting from start to finish.  Things get even more interesting when you check out the lyrics for the track, surpassing the very surface level type lyrics I have come to expect from local bands, these are seriously interesting and require thought to begin to understand. Without a doubt, you need to check out Yellow House.  This is one of my favorite tracks dropped in Buffalo this year without question, and I can’t wait to hear the[...]

The Leones – Ghost in the City

Like something out of retro Gotham comes Ghost in the City, a melancholic gaze into the haunted homes of the album. For the most part, this gaze sets its eyes on love despite the album’s eerie, mysterious lyrical settings buttressed by the deep instrumentals. Ghost in the City tells it’s tall tales in Kurt Vile-style: The songs are usually five-and-a-half minutes or more. The men of The Leones, Justin Bachulak and Dustin Lau, used their indigo pallor to create something of wondrous quality. “Where I Want You” begins with brilliant retro synth that seems straight from the late Castlevania projects. A solid folk voice masked in some reverb joins the composition. The song talks of a girl named Anne. All she could do was “fold,” yet the main character (who seems creepy) sought her out for some reason. The guitar augments the final minute or so of the song, adding[...]

Night Talks – “Mr. Bloom”

Trippy! Night Talks sent us over the vid for “Mr. Bloom” which features them jamming over some swimmy, psychedelic imagery. Beyond the visuals, Night Talks specializes in alternative rock a la Field Mouse or Paramore with a touch of classic rock like Heart. We like their go-to hooks and classic alt-rock vibe. Night Talks’ debut is due out in 2017. Until then, you can catch them on Soundcloud.

Newmen – “Camping Goods”

Newmen is a Frankfurt act creating synthy indie rock tunes – we recommend “Camping Goods.” About “Camping Goods,” the band says, “The song describes the relieving moment of being alone, an escape, and the pointlessness [of the solitude representing] something meaningful.” Well said fellas. These guys remind us of Foster The People and Peter, Bjorn, & John. If you’re interested, you can check out their music video for “Camping Goods” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/282888582″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Garrett Klahn

Do you know who Garrett Klahn is? Klahn is known best for his seminal work as the frontman of emo figureheads Texas is the Reason. Klahn has had a long and storied career since (Solea, Atlantic/Pacific, and now his solo venture), and has sharpened his skills from a cathartic 18-year-old punk to a now-nuanced musician. Tonight he’s here as Garret Klahn & The Surrounding Areas with Buffalo emo kingpins Del Paxton and The Good in tow. Tonight’s show is at Mohawk Place. Bring $10 and show up at 8.

The Dig – “Simple Love”

The Dig‘s “Simple Love” is quite the jam. The band initially conceived this song as a simple drum and bass session; it has since evolved into something very unique and catchy. The band specifically uses old-fashioned lyrics (think 1950s-style), which is a surprisingly refreshing change of pace. Check them out below. If you “dig” it (pun intended), You can buy The Dig’s stuff here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/285439108″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]