Latest Posts

Charmerton – “In Align (Emma’s Song)”

May 28, 2026

Charmerton are a fresh new act who introduced themselves to the world with “In Align (Emma’s Song).” It’s a promising debut off of their album The Squeeze – a falling-apart amalgamation of plucky guitars, mandolins, clangorous drums, and heartfelt vocals. Alex G fans will love the heart-on-your-sleeve vibes here, and DIY diehards will appreciate the fact that this was recorded wherever the band could manage – apartments, rentals, houses, and studios to name a few. Come around for the cool indie vibes, but if you’re a sad boy/girl/they/them, stick around for the perfectly-orchestrated heartbreak.   Peep “In Align (Emma’s Song)” via YouTube below, or, check it out on Spotify.    

Scrapper – “Heat”

May 28, 2026

Scrapper is a Brooklyn-based act debuting with new single “Heat.” The band typically has an alt-country lean, but “Heat” is an unsettling exercise in post-punk, pairing a creeping backbone with spindly guitars and glassy-eyed vocals. The song gradually blooms into something wild and experimental, all while exploring the relationship between “a man, his spirit, his belief system and the external factors that impact them.” Of particular note are the galloping hi-hats that swell throughout this song’s verses – it’s wild and it’s sloshy and it all comes together in an explosion of down-tempo glory.   Most importantly, though, is the fact that two of Scrapper’s members are die-hard Bills fans. We’re only half kidding. Go Bills.   “Heat” is available via bandcamp (below), or Spotify.   Heat by Scrapper

Harry Grey, Mawlude and MK Zulu – “Rules”

May 25, 2026

The trio of Harry Grey, Mawlude and MK Zulu have pieced together a jammy, bright new neo-soul track that’s ripe to be played at a sunny day function. “Rules” explores the bond that love offers, and how it trumps all other forces that life throws at you. Grey and Mawlude offer up  verses that toes the line between rap and sing, with a celebratory bounce to it. MK Zulu counters the track’s soulful bassline with a warm trumpet to add another dimension to the bassline. It all comes together for a delightful genre-bending experience that pairs well with sunshine and soulmates. If you’re digging this soulful medley, check out these artists on Spotify. While you’re there, give our Best of 2026 playlist a listen. I’m sure you’ll find something you like.

stasisxD – “white tee”

May 22, 2026

The latest single from emerging artist stasisxD is rooted in the textures of shoegaze while maintaining a contemporary cloud hip hop delivery. These compelling joint forces are further empowered by lyrics that yearn for a simpler time. “White Tee,” from stasisxD, serves as a soundscape feeling both experimental and nostalgic. Shoegaze’s flooded guitars cloud the instrumental, while more traditional hip hop drums serve as a welcomed punch. StasisxD’s lyrics long for a time when Skype calls would make your heart burst, parties delivered euphoric opportunities, and the exchange of a clothing item like a white tee shirt felt guaranteed to be eventually followed up by a wedding ring. My mind goes somewhere else when I press play on this one. For more highlights from the world of experimental, underground and up-and-coming hip hop, give our Spotify playlist a listen. You’ll find talented artists like stasisxD gending genres up and down[...]

tenmonthsummer – “holstein”

May 19, 2026

tenmonthsummer define themselves as a “lakeshore emo” band – not to be confused with the beloved suburb of Buffalo known as Lake Shore. But whether you’re fan of the Lake Shore Eagles modified football team or a music snob like us, we think everyone should listen to the new banger from tenmonthsummer called “holstein.” The band dives deep into their Midwest roots on this one – a listen from the first moment of the song will make that pretty evident. Squiggly guitar riffs and impassioned vocals aplenty; if you’re a fan of Tiny Moving Parts, Del Paxton, or the Topshelf Records crew, this one’s for you.   You can find “holstein” everywhere – we suggest bandcamp (below), but you can also source it via Spotify and Apple Music.   your name is my ocean by tenmonthsummer

Shy Plant – “Nature TV”

May 19, 2026

Can a shy plant make a sound? Do shy plants have a vibe? What would even constitute a plant being “shy” by design? I digress – “Nature TV” feels like an all-encompassing title for a single from a project called Shy Plant. We’re imagining some rare jungle orchid bobbing and weaving in the rhythm of a tropical rainstorm. More tangibly, this is a super chill indie rock jam that makes perfect use of synths, guitars, and *vibes* to bring this tune to life. Fans of Tame Impala, the works of David Wise (any DKC soundtrack fans out there?), or Mort Garson’s Plantasia will feel right at home when listening to this one.   You can find “Nature TV” on Soundcloud (below) or Spotify.   SHY PLANT · Nature Tv

Spiny Norman – “Siwa (7″ Version)”

May 19, 2026

Spiny Norman is ready to take you on a psychedelic trip with their latest single, “Siwa (7″ Version)” (which will henceforth be referred to only as “Siwa”). Immediately evident is the dummy thicc bassline that powers this one forward – layered thick with wah guitars, neurotic percussion, and bleeps and bloops galore. Despite the relative excess of their sound, Spiny Norman actually lets the rhythms speak for themselves – this is one for vibing-out, with some of those hazy, late-night get together vibes.   Check out “Siwa” via the YouTube embed below, or, through Spotify or Apple Music.    

Chrome Waves, Nowaah the Flood, and A.F.R.O. – “Life is Hell”

May 17, 2026

Boom bap heads need to keep an ear out for every release from UK producer Chrome Waves. His latest track, “Life is Hell,” taps an Inspectah Deck line from C.R.E.A.M., for its primary sample and namesake. Chrome chops and scratches the line into the track’s hook as Nowaah and A.F.R.O., dice up the cold piano scales of the instrumental. Their bars are equally icey as they explore hustling in devious ways. Taking hostages, robbing graves, things of that nature. Chrome’s production style matches the cartoonishly dark storytelling, as he interplays with the rappers through a series of animated vocal samples. It hits all its marks and makes for a great addition to your boom bap playlist. If you’re digging the track “Life is Hell,” or even just feel connected to its title, give this one a save on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Best of Underground Rap 2026[...]

YEAROFJORDN ft. Brother Tom Sos- “Red Wing Bison”

May 17, 2026

Need some fresh tracks for your next commute to Rochester? 585 rapper YEAROFJORDN makes it known early in his new single “Red Wing Bison” that this one’s built for the WNY section of the I90 corridor. JORDN kicks off the track shining a light on edges of Rochester. An eastside veteran, JORDN’s seen his fair share of violence, but he’s risen from a slum village to become an unstoppable force in his city. Griselda affiliate Brother Tom Sos brings 716 into the fold on the back half of the track as he reminisces on his grind from nothing to a worldwide tour with Westside Gunn, and all without a debut album. This track features a nice understated soul sample as its backbone. I’d recommend tossing it on right after the Batavia exit. If you’re digging Red Wing Bison, check the track out on Spotify. While you’re there, peep our Best[...]

YG Kayboe – “By The Way”

May 15, 2026

YG Kayboe‘s Memphis snarl cuts through his latest track, “By The Way,” proving himself to be anything but passive on his run of successful singles. “By the Way” has the hallmarks of a modern southern hit, much like the heat that bigxthaplug is putting out right now. YG’s relentless, baritone flow is as tight as the bass that punctuates the track.  Production is built around a twangy guitar groove, banging drums, and sprinkled vocal samples, and the beat is dragged underwater throughout the track, gaining and losing texture during different sections. And YG’s “By The Way” hook gives a theme to the entire track that makes the lyrics  memorable out the gate. Roll down the windows and turn the bass up and rap along. If you wanna see YG in action, give him a look on YouTube. You can find “By the Way” and more on our “Best of 2026[...]

ALÍSI – “END CREDITS”

May 14, 2026

London-born Brazilian-Portuguese musician ALÍSI built a slow-burning (but intense) offering with latest single, “END CREDITS.” Her latest is a blown-out alt-pop song that feels hazy on the ears but spikes your attention with bursts of overwrought sound. A sly guitar riff drones on omnipotently, while punchy drums and washy atmospherics keep your head spinning relentlessly. The coup-de-grace is ALÍSI’s vocal delivery – hushed, but filled with attitude, in that glassy-eyed way that keeps a listener feeling detached but intrigued.   “END CREDITS” can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube (below).    

Kicking – “Mourning After”

May 14, 2026

Kicking and buffaBLOG go way back, not only because of bassist Lacy Ellinwood’s former Buffalonian status, but also because they rip. “Mourning After” is just the latest in a trend of fantastic releases from this doom pop act – expect another round of huge guitars, impassioned vocals, and an overall dark vibe. Straddling the lines between post-punk, shoegaze, and alternative music, “Mourning After” sounds timeless and retro all at once. Stick this on your playlist next to The Cure and Slowdive for an injection of much-needed snarling energy while maintaining that doom-and-gloom ethos.   You can find “Mourning After” on Spotify – part of the Nothing Personal EP.  

Scott C Park – “Marlene”

May 14, 2026

Scott C Park gets a little irreverent on the off-kilter new single, “Marlene.” Straddling the often-fuzzy line between dissonance and harmony, “Marlene” examines the equally fuzzy lines between self-deprecation, naivety, and frustration. Delightfully wonky guitar energy powers this one forward with chromatic steps that pull delightfully on the ear. Scott leans into the humanity in the music, offering a refreshing “realness” in our often AI-drenched landscape… It’s a fantastic listen that we’re obsessed with, perfect for fans of JW Francis, Pavement, and Wilco.   Check out “Marlene” via the YouTube embed below, or, via Spotify.    

Quality Living – “Moon Is Out”

May 14, 2026

Quality Living describe “Moon is Out” as a terror… I mean, sure, that’s one way to look at it, but we’d happily fall asleep to this hazy indie pop dreamscape. Warbling guitars flutter in your ears while warm and washy vocals swirl around in your head like a nighttime fog. The band is riding high having recently completed their latest EP, Glacier, due out soon. If “Moon Is Out” is any indication of the band’s overall appeal, we’re about ready to get really icy. We are HQ’d in Buffalo, after all.   Check out “Moon is Out” via the conveniently-embedded Spotify widget below.  

Drew Rath – “in pursuit”

May 10, 2026

Drew Rath is a Cambodian-born, Cambridge-raised rapper with an ear for unconventional beats and a delivery that can match any of them. His latest single, “in pursuit” boasts production that is in a constant state of evolution. You want to settle into the brain scratching choral sample that kick off the track, but then it starts to bend and breakdown. Eventually the voices drop and are replaced with a spacey funk as Drew’s flow transitions from line-by-line into something more free-flowing to match. The entire track, he’s packing internal rhymes and double entendres into his verses, finding comfort in the uncertainty of it all. If you’re feeling “in pursuit,” check out more from Drew on Spotify. You’ll also catch this track on our Best Hip Hop of 2026 playlist, updated almost every single day.