Latest Posts

Fresh – “Merch Girl”

March 26, 2024

London pop-punkers Fresh are here with the ebullient pop-punk of “Merch Girl.” The title-track of their upcoming EP due out April 19th, 2024, “Merch Girl” pairs fun, punky vocals with buzzsaw guitars and an overall upbeat vibe, drawing comparisons to Tigers Jaw, Candy Hearts, and Lemuria. The song is meant to be a beacon of empowerment for female artists – here’s a little more about that from Fresh themselves: “Merch girl is about living in that space between wanting something and achieving something. It’s kind of a character song, about somebody that is involved in music – but not in the way that they want to be, and they’re frustrated by that. At the beginning of the song, they’re watching from the sidelines, but as the song progresses they make the decision to create their own art. It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, drawing from clichés of the wallflower, the sidekick, but[...]

Eva Brooks – “DONE”

March 19, 2024

EVA BROOKS aims to dominate dark-pop (and succeeds!) on latest single, “DONE.” A groovy, dancy song with plenty of sassy, menacing energy, “DONE” has a sophisticated energy with none of the typical pretentiousness associated – intriguing, as Eva herself is a classically-trained musician. Pulsing synth bass and stabs of disco guitar help to flavor this track, but the ultimate appeal here comes from Eva’s vocals and kiss-off lyrics. Here’s a bit about the song from Eva herself. “‘DONE’ is a fun and dancy song about a woman who could finally say ‘goodbye’ to a narcissist idiot who dominated her life for too long. If you listen closely, you can hear his dreadful motorcycle and her praying for him to leave. But there is also the powerful groove that lets her get up and send him on his way. ‘Goodbye, I’m done with you!'” Check out “DONE” below via YouTube or[...]

St. Kio – “Falling”

March 19, 2024

LA-based St. Kio (aka Filipino self-taught multi-instrumentalist, artist, and producer Nicole Bandoquillo), blew us away with “Falling,” a whirling dervish of a song. An onslaught of guitar energies and swirling drums pummel you throughout “Falling,” a maelstrom of reverb and chorus tones amalgamating together to form something exciting and fun. “Falling” is a testament to St. Kio as an entity, an exercise in pushing musical boundaries as far as they can be pushed… One listen to “Falling” and we think you’ll agree that St. Kio has succeeded in that journey. Fans of Slowdive, Japanese Breakfast, and Slow Pulp will enjoy the hazy shoegazy goodness found here. You can find “Falling” on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music. Falling by St. Kio

Club 8 – “Daylight”

March 19, 2024

Swedish duo Club 8 are unstoppable lately, crushing single after single of beautifully simple dream-pop. If “Sunny” and “Just Like Heaven” weren’t enough for you, it’s time to peep their latest offering, the uplifting and airy “Daylight.” At just over two minutes, “Daylight” comes and goes before you know it (like many of our weeknights, amirite?). A constant fuzzed-out bass keeps the song moving while icy-cold guitars pluck softly in the background. Fans of Alvvays, No Vacation, and Mazzy Star will find lots of similarities in Club 8’s lovely sounds. Check out “Daylight” via YouTube below, or, on Spotify.

Helenor – “Suck”

March 18, 2024

Released March 13, “Suck” is the newest track from Brooklyn’s Helenor – the project of Brooklyn native David DiAngelis. We’ve covered Helenor previously here, and, like then, we love what he’s putting out. “Suck” continues with his obvious mastery of crafting the perfect bedroom pop track; gentle tones from the vocals and a great duo of piano and guitar push the song forward but in the chillest way possible. Here’s a bit more about the track from DiAngelis: “The suck in “Suck” is about sucking it up but…. like…not like that. More so the “hey life is kinda shitty, but you gotta suck it up sometimes” type of suck. The lyric that stood out to me was this: Sick of paying attention on the things that don’t explode this heart/ My bed is slept in still I am not rested/” I honestly feel all of that, especially lately, seemingly (and[...]

KSHMR – “Happy (feat. Tiina)”

March 18, 2024

Niles Hollowell-Dhar, formerly part of the hip-hop duo the Cataracts, has been making electro house music as KSHMR (pronounced “Kashmir,” taken from the area in northwest India). Having plenty of festival appearance (Coachella, Tomorrowland, etc.) and several Top 100 DJ accolades from DJ Mag (23rd, 12th, 11th) his credentials are certainly nothing to sneeze at. His latest is “Happy,” an ebullient and gut-shaking slice of dancefloor-ready EDM. Providing the vocals and the other main credited artist on the track is Finnish musician Tiina Vainkikainen, a chart topper with several hits in the UK. She also has snagged Songwriter of the Year four years in a row from The Finnish Music Publishers Association. “Happy” intros with Tiina’s defiant, soul-stirring vocals: You take my heart for weakness/ You cut me up and bleed me dry/ I won’t be defeated The track then comes alive with KSHMR’s beats pushing the song along with[...]

Baby Combat – “Blackout Drunk Comedy”

March 16, 2024

Portland, Oregon based Noel Yeo of Baby Combat brings us their latest with “Blackout Drunk Comedy” off of the A is for Average EP (with the first being the equally catchy tune “Myself Nobody Else”). Sober just shy of a year, this is a triumphant track looking back at past mistakes but barreling forward. The driven tempo led by reverbing guitar (along with tasteful cleaner tones) combines well with the song’s tight drums. Yeo’s unique voice, along with the instrumentals, brings to mind acts such as Fontaine’s DC, as well as Parquet Courts. Speaking to this Yeo had this to say: “I gave up alcohol last year April. It was becoming undeniable that I have a problem with it. This song is about that. I’m on day 323 today, so this is a happy story.” You can hear “Blackout Drunk Comedy” on Spotify, Apple Music, or the embedded track below from YouTube.[...]

matt haze! – “dejandote. (faded away)”

March 16, 2024

matt haze!, the artist formerly known as Kid Phang, is a California based musician and “dejandote. (faded away)” is his latest. Much like Bow Wow dropping the “Lil,” Matt Haze! felt he had outgrown his former moniker: “the main reason r the change in name: i coined “kp” since 16, im abt 2 b 20 next month. + i feel as if “kid phang” restricted my sound. i want 2 make anything i feel & releasing songs like “fade away” & “dejandote” w that name jus didn’t make sense 2 me. necessary evolution.” “Dejandote” (according to my awful Spanish translation, roughly translates to “leaving you;” ostensibly making this track a breakup song. The intro gives off a vintage Pink Floyd vibe with a cacophonous crescendo that simmers into a lyrical interlude before crashing into a heavy drum and bass lead assault. With a sort of indie punk Alex G vibe,[...]

Secrecies – “Cathedrals”

March 14, 2024

Dallas-based band Secrecies bring their gauzy, shoegazy goodness to latest single, “Cathedrals.” Pairing ethereal synth work with far-off vocals and a gothy, ’80s-inspired undertone, “Cathedrals” is a perfect icy song to get you through these last few remaining months of winter. With a simple-but-eerily-effective chorus of: “Taste it, touch it, feel it, love it, waste it, rush it, need it, prove it tonight,” Secrecies drills home the importance of living life in the moment and making the most of the present, briefly changing their tone to something uplifting. Fans of Beach House, The xx, and Sylvan Esso will find lots to love about Cathedral’s beautiful approach. Check out the video for “Cathedrals” via YouTube below.

The Coordinators – “Enough About Me”

March 12, 2024

When one of the notes I received with this track was that one of the similar artists was one of my personal favorites (The Strokes) I was pretty floored, yet hesitant. A Strokes clone? C’mon, what is this, 2005? Well, The Coordinators are certainly not a Strokes clone but I can hear the inspiration and “Enough About Me” is a certified buffaBLOG banger. A duo based out of Philly, The Coordinators (Robert Pino and Tim W. Smith), had this track mastered at some place called Abbey Road Studios and the extra polish shows. The guitars are layered *just so* but that isn’t to take away from the hard work the band obviously put in; as a buddy in the business so aptly put: “You can’t make crap sound good.” Funky bass and synth… riffs? parts? (not sure what to call it) fill out the rest quite nicely. Fans of the[...]

Landon Conrath – “Overrated”

March 12, 2024

Minneapolis based Landon Conrath is an indie-pop-punk MACHINE and “Overrated” is his latest. A drummer turned solo act (like Father John Misty), some friendly encouragement from a peer gave the necessary hutzpah to take the leap. Frenetic energy, the call and response (Taking Back Sunday energy <3), and a fantastic hook really starts to push this track into “pop punk genius” territory. Power chords galore lead the way with a sick bass riff following close behind; the bridges between chorus and verse do a fantastic job of building back up almost flawlessly. If you think you’re unsure about “Overrated” be sure to give the B-Side, “Replay” a listen as well. Showing off more of an EDM pop vibe with equally catchy tunes, it’s certainly more than just overrated filler. You can hear both track over on Spotify or Apple Music, with an album forthcoming. The music video for “Overrated” can[...]

Rat Palace – “Triple Tarp”

March 12, 2024

Best described (per their website) as “post-punk for people that have an average screen time of 7 hours or more a day,”  Rat Palace, a Brooklyn based three or four piece, brings us their newest with “Triple Tarp.” The chord progression from the guitars and bass gives a simmering, foreboding vibe; matching up with the lyrics that the band comments is about “pride and looking for a fight.” The lyrics have that lovely underwater sound that is synonymous with the post-punk aesthetic, though this track leans more heavily into the instrumentals (which isn’t a bad thing, it all comes together nicely AND friggin’ slaps). You can hear “Triple Tarp” on Spotify or embedded below for your listening pleasure. There is supposedly a music video floating around out there but it’s either not released yet or I’m not looking hard enough. If you like what you hear, be sure to check[...]

GLASS CITIES – “Alive”

March 6, 2024

GLASS CITIES is a brand new, mysterious alt-rock band who pack an energetic punch – the fiery vibes on latest single, “Alive” are all you’ll need to convince you of that. With shiny radio-ready production, sky-high vocal theatrics, and a touch of Latin drama (see the breakdown at 1:35), “Alive” feels like it’s tailor-made for a summertime dance party… And surely packs enough heat to melt the snow off the hearts of us frozen Buffalonians. Fans of fun., ALT-J, and Two Door Cinema Club will find this one slots perfectly into their playlists. Check out “Alive” below via YouTube, or, add it to your Spotify or Apple Music playlists.

Juno Roome – “Think You’re Falling”

March 6, 2024

Juno Roome is a Brooklyn-based act and their latest is “Think You’re Falling,” a dreamy trip of a track that exudes a sexiness that we’re all about here at the blog. Seemingly one person, I couldn’t find out a lot about Juno Roome other than the fact that they really glam it up on their tracks (like, whoa). “Think You’re Falling” is driven by a smooth AF bass line and dreamy, effects laden guitars throughout with ethereal vocals to match. I suppose you could file this under “indie electronica” or “bedroom-pop” and you wouldn’t be too far off. Fans of the type of sound that Tycho, Tame Impala or FKA Twigs peddle would find a lot to enjoy here – the production value is quite high and you’ll find yourself boppin’ along in short order. You can hear “Think You’re Falling” over on Spotify or embedded down below from Juno[...]

Pamphlets – “Games”

March 6, 2024

Brooklyn three piece Pamphlets brings us their latest single “Games,” filled to he brim with post-punk hooks and swagger. Founding members Jeremy Marquez and Ben Griffin (and a mysterious but excellent drummer) came together with a shared appreciation of post-punk acts such as Joy Division and The Fall. You can hear the tip of the cap in particular to Joy Division and Ian Curtis (and a splash of modern day indie rock neuroses) with the frenetic bass riffs of Griffin and wailing lyrics from Marquez. Speaking to the track, the band said that it started as love/breakup song but that it: “…evolved into a take on rising to the occasion. The protagonist battles with themselves throughout- knowing they will have to “clean their hands” to move on but would rather stick to games and laugh it off.” “Games” is well worth checking out if you’re a fan of the aforementioned[...]