Latest Posts

TaReef KnockOut – “Mr. Irrelevant”

December 18, 2024

Tallahassee rapper TaReef KnockOut honors the legacies of Brock Purdy, Ryan Succop, and Chad Kelly on his underdog anthem “Mr. Irrelevant.” KnockOut grabs this title, usually reserved for the 256th (also known as “last”) pick in the NFL draft, and describes his struggles in the life prior to his ascension in the rap game. Repo men, missed rent payments, car breakdowns – TaReef took his adversity and spilt it out over a boombap beat in a celebratory track that will fit right in on your motivational hip hop playlists alongside names like Logic, J.Cole and Wale. Production-wise, we get some reversed instrumental loops, angelic vocal samples, and a headbobbing drum pattern – hitting the mark just like Ryan Succop extra point. Listen to more from TaReef on Spotify:

Urge Surfer – “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”

December 18, 2024

Buffalo electro-pop duo Urge Surfer are back with their take on a holiday mainstay, the John Lennon & Yoko Ono classic “Happy Xmas (War is Over).” Featuring singer Chelsea O’Donnell’s distinctive voice in the forefront; bandmate Jordan Smith’s tasteful backups; and a bevy of modular synths and percussion; this particular version of “Happy Xmas” is a delightfully fresh take on a well-worn standard. Born out of the innocent desire to just put out a Christmas cover, the duo pumped this out in just about a week, harnessing the ramshackle and jangly energy of the original and giving it a fun, electronic spin.   You can purchase Urge Surfer’s version of “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” via bandcamp (below) for a very reasonable “name your price” rate.   Happy Xmas (War is Over) by Urge Surfer

Softer – “Messed Up”

December 18, 2024

LA based four piece Softer brings us their latest with “Messed Up;” a heartfelt shoegazy dream pop gem. Warm bass and guitar tones lead the way initially but bow down to lyricist Belinda Cai’s haunting vocals that echo through your soul.   Partly based on the second to last episode of Bojack Horseman and Cai channeling the cavalcade of emotions following the suicide of her sister, you might think “how are these related, Chris?” Well, dear reader, Bojack Horseman might be a seemingly crass look at stardom through the lens of a famous horse, but it actually delves into very real life feelings. Speaking to the track in relation to this, the band had this to say:   “The song is about all of the regrets and guilt one has in life in relation to other people and how, in a space free from time, our minds, and bodies, we[...]

Lucky – “Never Know”

December 17, 2024

The debut single from Australian native Chelsea Knight, better known by her stage name Lucky, is the incomparably catchy “Never Know.” Hazy guitars compliment Knights vocals, bringing to mind early Silversun Pickups but standing well enough on their own without being a rehash.   The track itself is a love letter to nostalgia and starting over: “…forgetting something beautiful, in the hopes of experiencing it again for the first time. Turning the clock back to a time when things were simpler, pop culture was trashier, and pants were baggier….” Listeners of Soccer Mommy will find a lot to enjoy here too, especially with the strong focus on hazy guitars and vocals.   You can hear it below from YouTube as well as Apple Music and Spotify. Be sure to keep your ears peeled for more; this is one of our top artists to look forward for the month.  

4T7 – “VENUS (GODDAMN!) SEVFRO MIX”

December 16, 2024

Let orchestral strings caress you to sleep as Long Island hip hop artist 4T7 melts your brain with machine gun flows and encyclopedic bars with the freshest take on his new single. 4T7 and collaborator A-F-R-O combine forces for the (artist name mashup-inspired) SEVFRO remix of the former’s buzzy single “VENUS (GODDAMN).” Fans of flows and heady bars are gonna like this one – tapping from the influence tree of Aesop Rock on the flows and $uicideBoy$ on a hypnotic chanty chorus. 4T7 packs syllables on top of syllables in the first verse, and multi-hyphenate artist A-F-R-O takes the stick for a vibrant new second verse for the single. “VENUS (GODDAMN!)” leads the singles from 4T7’s debut album BEACH PLACE – give it a spin on Spotify.

Ashford – Pictures of Places I’ve Been

December 16, 2024

Buffalo pop punk/emo rockers, Ashford, close out the year on a high note with their dynamo debut LP, Pictures of Places I’ve Been.   The record is a nine-track patchwork of new material and singles released earlier this year including the tracks “Temperance,” “Gorilla Glue” and “The Painter & the Patient.” Expect a variety of clean yet rough-around-the-edges vocals; powerful, overdrive guitars; and hefty, punctuative drums for a listen that will make your hair stand up.   Variety is what Ashford does best on this album. Like a pop punk buffet, the band cooks up a deeply satisfying mix of tones, textures and tempos that keeps Pictures of Places I’ve Been fresh and engaging. You’ve got your choice of softer, more poignant songs like “Bliss,” or heavier, crunchier songs like “Crown.” No two songs sound the same with each having their own distinct flavors to chew on for hours.  [...]

Wandour – “Glow”

December 15, 2024

“Glow” is alllll about the vibes and Wandour brings it in spades with his latest. Originally from Indonesia, Wandour has been making the rounds since 2019 and hasn’t stopped since.   House aficionados will be most at home here, but is super accessible to indie fans from all walks of life. Drums and bass coalesce with a gamut of effects all across the spectrum to make this an easy ear worm to pick up and almost impossible to put down. Autotuned vocals are your guide through this musical journey, but this is a feature and not a bug – you’ll be thumping to the beat from start to finish.   You can hear “Glow” below from Soundcloud. Throw on your favorite visualizer and be sure to add it to your EDM playlist via Spotify to help get your night hyped up. If you find Wandour playing near you definitely check[...]

young friend – “golden rule”

December 15, 2024

Vancouver based young friend has a new track guaranteed to make your hips sway with their newest, “golden rule.” Other than not being the biggest fans of capitalization, they are a JUNO nominated artist, so certainly one of our heavier hitters here (the Canadian equivalent of the US Grammy Awards, that came about ten years after the Grammys started).   Delivered in a cheeky and, dare I say, sultry means; the golden rule apparently is all about hookin’ up, gettin’ nudes, and bringing your romantic interest to see bands on the weekend (and that’s fine). Sexy synth and jangly guitars do a lot of heavy lifting and make this an instant add to your playlist. If you’re not instantly hooked within the first ten seconds then please get your ears checked.   You can watch the music video for “golden rule” below on YouTube. It’s available pretty much anywhere you[...]

Gatto Black – (Not) Ready to Die

December 13, 2024

The cat’s out of the bag with (Not) Ready to Die, the bombastic new sophomore EP from feline-friendly Buffalo post-hardcore project, Gatto Black.   Featuring singer-songwriter, Sal Mastrocola (EXNATIONS, No Net), this 7-song collection is a powder keg of emotions triggered by screamo vocals, chaotic drum beats, and third-rail riffs that will shock your system.   “But the thing about cats… they’re never afraid of their shadows,” and neither is Mastrocola, as he wails introspectively on the opening track, “Bitch I’m a Cat.” The singer-songwriter wears his heart on his sleeve and spills his guts via snotty emo-punk vocals that shake with anger and sadness. Each song is impressively unique, robust and layered, and runs a gamut of feelings that wallow in angst and insecurities.   You can feel these difficult, dizzying emotions on tracks like “No One Can Ruin Me.” This absolute tornado of a tune lashes out with[...]

Milk & Bone – “FORGONE”

December 12, 2024

Milk and Bone, made up of secret vampire duo Laurence Lafond-Beaulne and Camille Poliquin, bring us their latest track “FORGONE.” This is a track I’m sending to my friend Amanda in the AM because it really just…fits her vibe. There’s a light industrial tinged flavor that would pique her interest; the drum machines, synth, and bass all combine to a delightfully dreary delight. I will eat my left shoe if I’m wrong, but there’s a little bit of Amanda in most of us (in the not weird way, probably). So be more like Amanda and embrace this track and your inner goth (even if they’re hiding, they’re there).   You can watch (and hear) the music video for FORGONE below from YouTube. Be sure to add it to your moody goth-esque indie playlist on Spotify too! And I know I said this was a single, but there are not one….[...]

Ciao Malz – “Gold Rush”

December 12, 2024

NY based by way of Connecticut, Ciao Malz (aka Malia DelaCruz) brings us her newest single “Gold Rush” hot off of her Safe Then Sorry EP – and a clever turn of phrase to boot. This felt like a very warm and luscious track; dripping with the lightest helping of drums and guitar that falls somewhere between indie folk and psychedelic. DelaCruz’s vocals are second to none and she does the “haunting yet approachable” so so incredibly well.   Fans of Clairo, Soccer Mommy, or the comings and goings of Adrianne Lenker would find a lot to enjoy here.   You can hear “Gold Rush” below courtesy of Soundcloud. You can add it to your chill indie playlist over on Spotify as well. Be sure to check out the rest of the “Safe Then Sorry” EP and tip your hat to a fine wordsmith like Ciao Malz.      [...]

Stripes – “Forever, It Won’t Change”

December 12, 2024

“Forever, It Won’t Change” is the newest single from NY based Stripes (of the non-white-color sort). Channeling some Karen O/Yeah Yeah Yeahs vibes in the best way possible, Izzy MK and company give us the ole razzle dazzle. A raucous opening begins with a cacophony of sound and never takes its foot off the gas but for a short breakdown of bass and drums. 2:58 feels like the perfect amount of time for a pop track of this caliber, but, at the same time, I want another track. With the bands output, I’m sure we won’t wait too long!   In what is simply a criminal act by the band, they put the most adorable dog on the cover of the single yet don’t feature the dog (named Luna, apparently) once in the music video.   Check out the music video for “Forever, It Won’t Change” below from YouTube and[...]

bugcatcher – “cadillac”

December 10, 2024

Rochester slowcore slackrockers, Bugcatcher, released a new single last month with their label Raincoated Records. The new track “cadillac” trudges on the tempo, it’s a slow burner reminiscent of Alex G’s early bedroom lo-fi recordings. The single has an earnest and no frills edge to it, recorded on a four track analog cassette tape as part of a year-long project via their label. “cadillac” finds itself with good company, splitting the LP with fellow Rochester DIY scene regulars Georgie, Home Videos and Kitchen. If you’re into this one, well I have good news for you. Bugcatcher and Georgie are both in town for this Saturday’s (December 14, 2024) non-binary THEYFEST taking apalce at Area 54/Amy’s. Doors at 3pm with a flexible $10-$15 cover. spit takes and split tapes by bugcatcher

Frog – “Did Santa Come”

December 9, 2024

New York City Americana/family act Frog have a new original Christmas song that booming out the office speakers this afternoon. Danny & Steve Bateman’s new track “Did Santa Come” is a slice of the band’s upcoming album 1000 Variations of the Same Song, which is due out this February. The piano centric tune is the true story of Danny Bateman’s son and his hopefulness that Santa decided to visit nightly after Christmas instead of just the one-night-only event. “Did Santa Come?” was the question of the morning for two to three weeks after December 25th. Frog’s sound has a cozy earnesty to it, reminiscent of Daniel Johnston, Jonathan Richman, or Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Check it out. Frog · Frog – DID SANTA COME

JOMEGA – “I DON’T RELAX”

December 9, 2024

DMV duo JOMEGA honor their blog rap forefathers on their latest track “I DON’T RELAX.” Channeling the timeless sounds featured on tastemaker pages like 2DopeBoyz, NARIGHT, and DJBooth.Net, the twin brothers drop bars on this track that would have lit up a comment section in 2010. Some people say this was the best era in hip hop history – those people might be writing this blog. JOMEGA’s mellow flows and bars give nods to the likes of mixtape-era Wale, Sir Michael Rocks, and Joey Bada$$ (who is even explicitly referenced in a “Christ Conscious” line). The brothers seamlessly play off of each other, taking turns carving up an understated, headbobbing boom bap-inspired beat. It’s a fresh take on nostalgic sounds and references, and JOMEGA do the era more than justice. Discover more sounds from the brothers on their Spotify page and check out “I DON’T RELAX” here: