Latest Posts

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” /]

Future Generations – “Coast”

Bringing to mind the nonchalant indie rock of Two Door Cinema Club or the unstoppable pop genius of labelmates Passion Pit, Future Generations has us reeling with their new song “Coast.” Future Generations listens like a festival band – they play the kind of music that feels like summer vacation, all irreverent fun created with synths and guitars. The song is indie pop at its finest with just the slightest tinge of darkness to keep it grounded. Future Generation’s self-titled album is due out July 29 via Frechkiss records. You can snag “Coast” early on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269061370″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Trudy and the Romance – “Wild”

Liverpool trio Trudy and the Romance wandered into our inboxes with “Wild,” a twisted, almost drunken take on the idyllic pop music of yesteryear. The song lurches and sways and is surely full of garage rock tendencies, but it also never really loses its iconic, 1950s doo-wop sensibility. Fans of Cursive, Attic Abasement, or Archers of Loaf should identify strongly with the trio’s shambling tunes. “Wild” is available now via B3SCI records. Check it out on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269982318″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mitski – Puberty 2

While attending SUNY Purchase, indie-rocker Mitski self released her first two albums. After graduating, she signed with Double Double Whammy to release a third. Now with Dead Oceans Records, her fourth studio album Puberty 2 is an earnest look at growing up. She likens the pain and awkwardness of this major transition into adulthood as a second form of puberty. Though slightly more polished, lo-fi production is still at the heart of it all for Mitski. She neatly combines drum machines with rousing electric guitars, and employs a vocal distortion that brings her rich, mid-range voice to life. This effect perfectly compliments the tone of her lyrics, as she somberly details life’s qualms and inevitable loneliness. The arrangements are raucous and range between delicately sparse and all-out in your face, reminiscent of life’s ups and downs. The overall focus of Puberty 2 can be seen as contemplation of meaning and[...]

Laminate Pet Animal – “For Her”

British duo Laminate Pet Animal have been keeping busy creating washy bedroom electronica in their Leeds studio apartment. “For Her” is their latest single, mixing chill vibes and smooth synths, bringing to mind fellow electronica acts Gold Panda or Tycho. “For Her” is about dealing with self-doubt after the realization that you’re missing something you’ve already lost. PS – if you’re curious about their name, try reading it backwards. Laminate Pet Animal are currently finishing up their next EP. In the meantime, stop by their Soundcloud page for a free download of “For Her.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265999058″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Quinn Lewis – “Rooftop”

Quinn Lewis‘s cinematic “Rooftop” fell into our hands the other day and it caught our attention for being straight-up catchy electropop. “Rooftop” is actually a sort of reinvention for Lewis, who has been an active musician for quite some time. The Australian artist is currently based in Nashville, where he creates his particular brand of indie electronica with co-producer Danen Reed. “Rooftop” starts out understated and evolves into a more driven track, mixing pulsing synths with the occasional electric guitar riff. “Rooftop” is the first of five singles in Lewis’ repertoire. Check it out via Soundcloud below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/258146591″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Latchmere – “Not You feat. Dylan”

Mysterious Australian house artist Latchmere hit us hard with the groovy “Not You.” Featuring the warped vocals of Dylan, the track takes her bubblegum delivery and pairs it with a dark house beat, turning it into something menacing but dance-able. Fans of David Guetta or Daft Punk would probably dig Latchmere’s take on melodic electronica. Swing by Latchmere’s Soundcloud page to snag a free download of “Not You.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/269827418″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Van William – “Fourth Of July”

Topical and catchy! “Fourth Of July” is the lighthearted, debut jam from LA-based artist, Van William. In this particular song, Van William channels the upbeat, quirky indie rock of scene veterans Built to Spill or The Violent Femmes with a modern, commercial spin. “Fourth Of July” is full of infectious gang vocals and peppy acoustic guitar, truly a jam for the dog days of summer. “Fourth of July” is available now via Soundcloud and Spotify.  [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/270410710″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

I.O.D. – “Round Here”

Brownsville is a tough part of New York, but that doesn’t stop B’ville native I.O.D. from being inspiring when he talks about the truths of his home. On “Round Here” I.O.D. describes in vivid details the scenes his crew has seen, giving insight into their methodologies and exactly why the “fire forming in their bellies” to succeed. In addition to providing commentary, I.O.D. proves his he can rap his ass off. Riding the midnight-saxophone beat with incredible flow and cadence, I.O.D. is everywhere from melodic to bulleted on this track. Press play below.