Latest Posts

Cold Violets – “Here”

August 9, 2016

At the intersection between cold and calculated 1980s-era post-punk and present-day indie rock, you’ll find Cold Violets. The LA act has evolved from a singer-songwriter folk project to the lush band effort you hear today. Stylistically, Cold Violets are now specializing in synth-heavy songs – think New Order, The Rapture, or Bombay Bicycle Club. “Here” is available for streaming via Soundcloud. Check it out below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269531617″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

RAEKO – “Need 2 Know (Feat. Mating Ritual)”

August 7, 2016

Raeko is the moniker of California-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Jason Suwito (he’s also one third of indie-pop band Sir Sly). “Need 2 Know” is Suwito’s latest musical offering, a collab with buddy Mating Ritual. It’s a summer anthem-style tune that takes strong cues from 80s synth pop and modern dance music. Fans of Passion Pit or CHVRCHES would also dig RAEKO. “Need 2 Know” is available through iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273388376″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Sam Padrul – “Hold On Me (Feat. Mammals)”

August 7, 2016

We like Sam Padrul‘s new jam. “Hold On Me” is a groovy pop track, perfect for a nostalgic summer night. Padrul utilizes vintage tones with a modern sensibility – think 80s Hall & Oates vibes meets contemporary 2016 pop. Fans of Empire of the Sun or Goldroom would also be fans of Padrul. If you’re into it, stop by iTunes and pick up “Hold On Me.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273808361″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ugly Sun Releases Debut Single “Mock Me Out”

August 5, 2016

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Arctic Death frontman John Crook. Since the band’s split in mid 2011, the members have held tenure in an impressive run of great Buffalo bands, including, but not limited to: Nelson-Type, Crooks, and Father Baron. Ugly Sun is Crook’s new project, rounded out by longtime collaborators Trey Hollowood and Harrison Crook. The trio released their debut EP, Cherokee, earlier this month. Recorded with Jay Zubricky at GCR, their new single, “Mock Me Out,” is a sunny and articulate take on alternative rock. The song highlights Crook’s distinctive drawl and the band’s use of big, beautiful guitars and lush harmonies. Ugly Sun is sure to be a fixture in the local scene this fall. You might also be able to catch them on tour throughout October. Till then, you can stream “Mock Me Out” below via Soundcloud. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272590516″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TUFT – “Sheep”

August 5, 2016

LA act TUFT (formerly known as Hi Ho Silver Oh) hit us up with a really solid indie rock number, “Sheep.” “Sheep” combines deliciously crunchy guitars with a slew of catchy vocals. The result sounds simple but nuanced – an easily digestible tune full of indie rock cred. TUFT’s sound is reminiscent of Manchester Orchestra, Elf Power, or Built To Spill. Stop by Bandcamp and give TUFT a download or two. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274239254″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Solidisco – “Summer Heat”

August 5, 2016

Solidisco is a Buffalonian act currently capitalizing on our early-August heatwave. “Summer Heat” showcases the group’s “special sunshine touch,” highlighting its powerful vocal delivery with a deep, vibey instrumental. The song has recently been performing quite well on Spotify’s Global Viral 50. “Summer Heat” is out now on No Definition Records. Buy and/or stream “Summer Heat” by following this link. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273318420″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

2Beeps – “Burn It Up”

August 3, 2016

Brooklyn producer 2Beeps (Matt Verzola) blends elements of house, breaks, and electro on “Burn It Up.” With melodic vocal sampling and burly 808’s, the maximalist, club-ready track places a bright 90’s rave-inspired organ melody alongside hyper-chopped vocals and layered breaks.  “Burn It Up” is off 2Beeps’ newest EP, Shake That Ass, which came out last month.  Check out this burner below.

The Branch Davidians – Sex, Death, and Things Less Boring

August 3, 2016

The Branch Davidians have released their EP Sex, Death, and Things Less Boring. Based in Rochester, the band began as an indie folk duo, before lead man Ben Stephanus expanded both the size of the group and the scope of its sound. Their five-song release is full of fuzz and shoegazey vibes. The lead guitar’s grimy buzz is a consistent force throughout the EP. They fuse throwback ‘90s tendencies with noise-rock elements to achieve a dissonant pop sound. Stephanus’ vocals are trippy with a dash of reverb, and reminiscent of melodies from underground ‘60s rock. The groovy “Bridges of Madison County” sounds like it could be a pop tune from The Zombies fed through the lens of a Tame Impala rocker. The lead guitar riff on “Your Sex Wants You Dead” is textbook pop punk, but with much more distortion. It’s not until the final track, “Blessed Water,” that the[...]

Hot Dreams – “Plungepool”

August 2, 2016

London quartet Hot Dreams hit us up with “Plungepool,” a soaring number that would impress even the most nuanced of indie rockers. The song is about the band moving to London and becoming totally disillusioned after ultimately realizing the city is geared against the not-so-wealthy masses. We feel you on that fellas. Fans of U2, Bombay Bicycle Club, or Foals would love Hot Dreams. Check it out via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269588720″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fono – “Feet On The Ground”

August 2, 2016

UK producer Fono’s articulate and forward thinking approach to house music has already landed him in the good graces of dance music elite. He’s hot off the heels of a global smash, “Real Joy.” Our recommendation, “Feet On The Ground” finds Fono playing with swelling synths, dancing arpeggiators, and a late 80s/early 90s inspired beat. Fans of Major Lazer (who Fono has remixed) or Daft Punk would dig Fono. Buy “Feet On The Ground” via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273346883″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Acid Ghost – “All Alone”

August 2, 2016

Looking for simple, beachy, and swimmy? Acid Ghost’s latest effort is an 18-song LP full of “cheesy breakup songs written on vacation.” Cheesy might not be the right word – “All Alone” is a chill, heartfelt song about missing making out under the pier while drunk and/or stoned. Fans of DIIV or Beach Fossils would enjoy Acid Ghost’s tunes. Acid Ghost’s latest release, Vacations, is out now via Human Sounds Records. Visit their Bandcamp page for purchase options. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/273168299″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Arkivist – “Seeing Stars”

August 2, 2016

Melding straight-up pop aesthetics with an indie rock flavors, Arkivist got our attention with their debut single, “Seeing Stars.” Formed in the rainy winter woods of the northwest, the trio decided to utilize the vocal talents of all three members while exploring new ways of writing music. “Seeing Stars” takes a pulsing bassline and adds unique percussion into the mix – the result is American-flavored Britpop. Fans of Foals or Bloc Party – Arkivist is for you. Arkivist’s website can be accessed here. Check it out for some more info on the fledgling act. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274047283″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Passed Out Share New Single Off Forthcoming EP

August 2, 2016

Passed Out is the aggressive hat that lead singer Andy Pothier wears when penning frustrated call-out anthems. The Buffalo-based songwriter has been an integral part of the area’s growing scene, regularly playing the circuit with his folk-y introspective solo jams as a singer/songwriter, as well as the percussionist for swamp buskers, Pine Fever and psych-rock act Deadwolf. Late last week, Passed Out dropped their new single “Winnipeg” off of their forthcoming EP, Infinite Regression. Immediately, “Winnipeg’s” intro is reminiscent of The Anniversary’s “Till We Earned a Holiday.” The track is all about a $20 hockey bet backed by an aggressive Japandroids-esque hyper abrasive backing. Fans of Bright Eyes and Desaparecidos will enjoy the vocal style and arrangement on this one. The band describe themselves as “very sad, then happy, then very sad again” and they definitely follow that formula with “Winnipeg.” Keep Passed Out on your radar for their release show on Thursday, August 18th[...]

The Lamaas – “Bum Lyfe”

August 1, 2016

The Lamaas are a three piece skate punk band from the West Side of Toronto. They recently recorded and released a six-song EP, affectionately titled Bum Lyfe. We think you should start with the title track – we dug it for its balls-to-the-wall approach and overwhelmingly aggressive vibes. Fans of The Orwells, Wavves, or Diarrhea Planet could surely get into this. You can snag Bum Lyfe EP via Bandcamp for a very affordable price. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265511993″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mateo Katsu – “A Special Plan”

August 1, 2016

“A Special Plan” was written and recorded 12 years ago, but Mateo Katsu thankfully brought it out of obscurity and into our inbox. “A Special Plan” is a part of Mateo’s new(ish) EP, White Men Don’t Name Their Babies Jesus, full of deliciously lighthearted, lo-fi jams a la Built to Spill. Fans of The Breeders or Jeffrey Lewis & The Jrams would also enjoy Mateo’s work. Mateo is offering “A Special Plan” for free via Soundcloud. You know what to do. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/272208990″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]