Latest Posts

Cloud District – “You Are The Answer To My Security Question”

Cloud District are a band from Middletown, NY who specialize in writing slightly mathy emo jams. Affectionately self-identifying as “dad rock about living with your parents,” the band has a snarly nerd-emo vibe, similar to the Front Bottoms, Modern Baseball, or the Cardboard Swords. “You Are The Answer To My Security Question” is their EP opener, featuring classic emo feels that highlight CD’s twinkly guitars and staccato drum fills. Swing by Bandcamp and pick up their new EP, Summer Slam, for whatever price you see fit.

Super American Releases New Lyric Video for “Congratulations”

The hyper-literate pop-punkers in Super American are at it again, this time with their new song “Congratulations.” By now, you probably recognize enigmatic frontman Matt Cox (ex-ringleader for other Buffalo favorites I Can See Mountains and Thick Winter Blud), who specializes in penning irresistibly upbeat emo anthems. You might also recognize the new addition of two members of ex-Buffalo expats Lovey. “Congratulations” reflects the influence of Super American’s new lineup – Cox joins the rest of his band for a surprisingly still sit down despite the group’s knack for fun, polished post-internet rock. “Congratulations” is below for your viewing pleasure. Photo and video credit: Andy DeLuca

Super Defense – Sinking/Anything

I know what you’re thinking: “That picture is hilarious – Dwight Schrute-esque.” Well, that pretty portrait is of Super Defense, an indie/lo-fi/power pop solo project hailing from Syracuse. Andy Horvath, the man behind the music, has been writing tunes for this act since fall of last year. As of recent, Horvath teamed up with label Ghoul Tapes and utilized recording palace Converse Rubber Tracks of Brooklyn. His lates endeavor,  Sinking/Anything, is a two-song take on wanting to feel… forgotten at best. Luckily, Super Defense offers its listeners the best recordings and compositions its released to date. “Sinking” is an explosive song with a light mix. In other words, it’s fast like a punk song, yet gentle on the ears. Perhaps the best description is it’s like Cloud Nothings’ soft-spoken sibling. Regardless, the song carries an interesting mix. The bubbly bass bounces about the fretboard. Frantic guitars attack both ears (sometimes offense[...]

GØGGS – s/t

GØGGS is a fairly recent project primarily made up of Ty Segall, Ex-Cult frontman Chris Shaw, and Charles Moothart. As we have seen with FUZZ, when Ty and Charles Moothart collaborate they can make some great riff-centric jams. Also, with Chris Shaw’s claim to fame being the lead singer of hardcore band, Ex-Cult and guest spots from Mikal Cronin, Cory Hanson of Wand, and Denee Petracek of VIAL I figured it’d be safe to say this album would make for a solid effort. This self-titled album will be a definite hit with those who love eighties hardcore. It’s not to say it’s straight eighties hardcore worship like Ex-Cult is, and I think there’s something for a lot of different music fans here. There’s some sharp guitar work from Ty that’s a mirror of the style he used in his last project, Emotional Mugger, as well as Charles Moothart as they[...]

Odina – “You Loved Me, You Killed Me”

Melancholy London songstress Odina writes beautiful, delicate folk songs. Accompanied by her gentle acoustic guitar, Odina’s vocals are hushed, but very striking – they give her music a very intimate feel, like a “whispered diary entry.” “You Loved Me, You Killed Me” is the breathtaking first single from her new EP, Broken. Fans of Bon Iver or Sarah Jaffe would dig Odina’s dark folk sounds. Broken is due out on July 22. Until then, check out the music video for “You Loved Me, You Killed Me” below.

Jo Marches – “The Night”

Netherlands act Jo Marches has just released a beautiful debut single, “The Night.” The band is led by singer/songwriter Johanneke Kranendonk, who mixes haunting, vintage-sounding 70s aesthetic with songwriting reminiscent of the great r&b hits of the early 90s. The resulting music is dark, electronic dreampop with touches of psychedelia, comparable to Tame Impala, Lykki Li, or Now, Now. Check her new EP out via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269174564″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kady Rain – “All I Ever Wanted”

It could be the giant lollipop. Maybe it’s the sprinkle lips. More likely,  Kady Rain just has the bubblegum pop genre in her bag. Rain is a blue-haired Texan who mixes smart, pop music with hints of indie rock sophistication. Her Soundcloud page says “All I Ever Wanted” is “sweet as candy and cute as pie.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves… Fans of Carly Rae Jepsen, Candy Hearts, or Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer would dig Kady’s pop hooks. “All I Ever Wanted” is available now on iTunes. Swing by and give Kady Rain some love. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/268384817″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

LEO ISLO – “Blame”

LEO ISLO, aka Portland-based producer and singer Matt Pahler, got us grooving with his new track “Blame.” Pahler’s music falls somewhere in between dark introspection, ephemeral mortality, and fleeting nostalgia, mixing a traditional indie rock background with his new predilection for electronica music. LEO ISLO should surely appeal to fans of Washed Out, Grimes, or Neon Indian. Golden Grave is out now via PUZL records. You can stream the EP on Soundcloud. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/268890973″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Andy Pothier Releases Folk EP

It is known Buffalo is teeming with talented musicians. There are but a handful of those musicians whose relentless dedication to their craft leads them to explore multiple genre avenues at the same time, trading spare time for practice hours and rehearsal sessions, earning accolades for some of the hardest working musicians in Buffalo. Andy Pothier is one of those musicians. Maintaining roles in an Americana folk band, a psychedelic band, and fronting his own frenetic punk outfit, all while steadily putting out material from his acoustic solo project, Pothier lives right up to that aforementioned accolade. His latest effort, Keep Him On Your Mind, hits us from his most vulnerable but also his most comfortable outfit—the solo acoustic Pothier that many know and love. It is from this project which most of his sonic offerings pour, and KHOYM finds solace in that formula, a fleeting EP of delicate and[...]

Jen Jis – “Women”

Jen Jis is an up-and-coming French producer who enlisted the help of singer Lawrence Lea. The result is a fresh, tropical house song dedicated to all women worldwide, “Women” (smooth move Jen Jis). The song is fresh and summery, combining modern house beats with a smattering of early 90s dance music flavor. “Women” is available on a variety of platforms – check it out here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269597300″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

HALFNOISE – “Know The Feeling”

It’s true, Zac Farro may be better known for other things (he drummed for emo kingpins Paramore)… But his new synth-soaked offering HALFNOISE has him playing the producer/songwriter card strongly. “Know The Feeling” was exclusively premiered by Stereogum and for good reason – the track is smooth, shimmery indie pop that highlights Farro’s obvious skills behind the skins while still showcasing his songwriting prowess. Fans of Passion Pit or Caribou would dig HALFNOISE’s vibe. Check out the “Know The Feeling” via YouTube below.

Matiss Evreoux – “It’s Your Birthday”

Matiss Evreoux combines a retro psychedelic sound with modern beach pop sensibilities. “It’s Your Birthday” is a dramatic and cinematic indie rock song about an ex-lover that stole Evreoux’s money and flew to the US, leaving him stranded in Luxembourg with nothing. If it’s any consolation to you, Evreoux, we love the resulting song. “It’s Your Birthday’s” whirring synth tone and urgent feel give off a strong 60s vibe, while Evreoux’s delivery is more akin to modern indie pop bands like Alvvays. Check out “It’s Your Birthday” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269804454″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kyle Rapps – “Michigan”

“Michigan,” the latest track from Harlem and Mexico City’s Kyle Rapps, is a multi-genre groovefest. Featuring an evolving electronic-dance beat with some hip hop-ability, “Michigan” will get your feet tapping. Rapps’ verses describe a fun love-chasing story, but Rapps’ vocals really shine on the infectious chorus, bridges and breakdowns that make “Michigan” expand beyond the parameters of a standard rap song. Production from Belief is excellent and pushes the agenda of Rapps’ flow switches. Press play below.

Kyle Bent – “Something Different”

Twinkles and pounding bass lay the groundwork for Massachusetts’ rapper Kyle Bent’s latest single “Something Different.” The prodigy’s claims of originality are backed with substance laid forth in lines like “I gotta block out distractions when I’m not rapping so I’m probably meditating.” Bent also touches on claims of ADHD rampant in the youth today, and how pigeon-holing creative kids can hold them back. For a track that in plain terms bangs, there’s a very interesting discussion in the verses that is revisited in the “It must be something different” chorus. “You should come over and get hip to this wave,” and listen below. Bent recently dropped the Dreams of a God mixtape, of which “Something Different” served as the lead single.

Midnight Mystery Club – “Richest Man In The World”

After getting his start writing for other DJs, Australian David Paul Newell created Midnight Mystery Club as a way to indulge his love of 70s and 80s songwriting. Hoping to transcend newer trends in electronica with a timeless sound, Newell pairs the simplicity and pure catchiness of early 80s songwriters with his dense, house compositions. “Richest Man In The World” is a fantastic example of MMC at his best – think Daryl Hall or Phil Collins singing over a beat crafted by M83 or St. Lucia. Stop by Midnight Mystery Club’s Soundcloud page for a free download of “Richest Man In The World.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269962446″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]