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Virgins – “g l i s s”

October 13, 2024

Irish rockers Virgins have been described as “deafening dream pop” (aka, shoegaze) – either/or is a perfect descriptor of their newest single, “g l i s s.” With fuzzed-out guitar that would make the 90’s version of William Patrick Corgan salivate, Virgins slam through this near six-minute anthem with an impossible amount of noise. Winding guitar riffs whirr as reverbed-out vocals soar in a perfect amalgam that will please fans of My Bloody Valentine, Smashing Pumpkins, and everything adjacent. Be sure to add “g l i s s” to your favorite Spotify playlist.

money sign sheed

Money $ign $heed – “In Your City”

October 13, 2024

Rapping wasn’t Money Sign Sheed’s first profession. The Virginia rapper tells tales from the trap with a matter of fact delivery on his latest single, “In Your City.” Over a hazy, spacey, twinkly beat $heed reflects on his prior professions – reminding us that he does not need rap to make money. $heed’s shared the stage with Buffalo-bred tastemakers Griselda – and you’ll find common ground in their brutal honesty and authentic depictions of their life outside of the booth. Check out $heed’s Spotify page for more of his recent gangsta rap/boom bap releases.

Stripes – “Operation: No Hell”

October 13, 2024

NYC based Stripes, a four piece lead by Izzy MK, bring us their latest with “Operation: Not Hell,” a raucous affair that’s filled to the brim of… just plain ole fun! Jangly guitars feature heavily that get taken over with MORE furiously attacked guitar that just feels like an amusement park ride that goes up and down and sideways and upside-down. I got some Phoenix-meets-Alvvays-with-a-shot-of-adrenaline vibes here, but neither have the copyright on fun, as that seems to currently belong to Stripes (not to be confused with that other stripe-themed band). You can watch the music video for “Operation: Not Hell” on YouTube  below or add to your zany bops playlist on Bandcamp or Spotify. This track really sang out to me and if you’re into bouncing obnoxiously around whatever room you’re in, this is the song for you! Their other tracks vary, but be sure to also check out[...]

Ferrn – “Drowned”

October 12, 2024

“Drowned” is the latest from Ferrn; a Chicago-based band that seems to be the brainchild Ryan Joseph Fernandez Backman (based on what I found in song credits). Self-described as “Chicago swamp pop,” we’re greeted with a delightful synth intro that gives way to fuzzy guitar and Backman’s vocals. The synth really goes into some interesting places throughout the track and shares the spotlight 50/50 with the guitar. I was disappointed I didn’t hear more swampland creatures featured, but I’ll forgive that for such a tight sound – plus, swamp creatures are notoriously difficult to work with (and are on a strike last I knew). Fans of Day Wave or Local Natives would find a lot to enjoy here, as would anyone with an ear for synth and guitar pop. You can hear “Drowned” below from YouTube or over on Bandcamp and Spotify. With two singles and a decent number of[...]

wolfbabycup – “The Last First Time”

October 12, 2024

Minnesota based duo wolfbabycup brings us their latest single “The Last First Time.” Made up of Gerard Garramone and Wendy Sorquist, I’m reminded immediately of Beach House as a close comparison as far as sound and composition goes. Written after hearing of the passing of a good friend’s mother, they wrote it as a “vision for her next chapter, a wish that she can start over but with the hope that this time it will be lasting and fulfilling.”  This synth forward track is appropriately mournful yet hopeful and combines with the electric drums for a dirge-tinged atmosphere. Sorquist’s vocals simmer below the surface of the droning synths, but still manage to cut through to make you feel something… and we buffaBLOGgers are all about our feelings. You can hear “The Last First Time” below from YouTube, or over on the band’s Spotify page. Be sure to check out the[...]

Croix – Self Soothe

October 11, 2024

Rochester’s Croix has proven riot grrrl to be alive and well with their debut album, Self Soothe. The punk band delves into the reality of heartbreak, self-discovery, and one’s worth through a rawness reminiscent of 70’s sensations like The Runaways or Heart. Each of the eleven tracks offer a unique sound that fuels listeners with an energy that can only be described as a “lighter-waving-type-of-head-banging.” The grittiness of “Howl” opens the LP with an ode to trans struggles written by lead guitarist and backup vocalist Jennifer Wameling, with the help of lead singer Carmen Lewis: “I won’t stop Until my breath Leaves my body My existence is resistance” In true punk nature, the song was written as a response to a transphobic speech given at conservative political convention in 2023. Now, Wameling hopes it can be a reminder of worth to other members in the trans community. Throughout Self Soothe,[...]

Izzy Spears – “HEY THERE ft. Jack Powers”

October 11, 2024

Izzy Spears performs live from a BDSM Hell chamber in his latest single “HEY THERE.” The LA-by-way-of-Atlanta alternative artist brings a dark, frenetic, red-blooded energy to this highlight track from his latest EP BLOOD, SWEAT, AND DAMNATION. The genre bender chooses a post-punk guitar groove and a demonic delivery to whisper aggressive nothings in an intense growl – straight into your ear and your loins. It’ll have you feeling nervous and horny and curious what else he’s got in the chamber for the rest of this EP. Check it out on Spotify and for more audio damnation:

Dress Kit – “Front Lawn”

October 8, 2024

Dress Kit is a three piece based out of Los Angeles and “Front Lawn” is their latest (and first) single available for streaming. The brainchild of Gabriel Krischer, “Front Lawn” is a melodious shoegaze tinged indie track that evokes DIIV vibes as well as The Dandy Warhols (if you’re bohemian like me). The beginning riff made me think that I was getting into a Stone Temple Pilots type track (“Dancing Days,” for the uninitiated) but it quickly switched gears (and clowned me in the process – well done). It’s three minutes of blissfully whining guitars combatting the chill, clean guitars and Krischer’s down to earth vocals and well worth the listen. Definitely a more contemplative piece but maybe that’s what we need today, hmm? You can hear “Front Lawn” below from YouTube, as well as Bandcamp and Spotify. This is the first of many to come, so be sure to[...]

whaticantforget – “the most lesbionic scene you’ve heard”

October 5, 2024

I had no idea what to expect with a title like “the most lesbionic scene you’ve heard,” but I’ll level with you and say that I had zero money on wonderfully put together emo track (I had it all on punk rock angry track). whatcaniforget is based out of South Bend, and while I couldn’t find much on them, the song credits for both song on Spotify are by Hill Famillion – an objectively awesome name. The track itself is largely atmospheric with drums and subtle acoustic guitar that combine with Famillion’s vocals to create an almost… dreamlike emo track? You’ll see, we’ve linked below where you can find it. You can watch the music video for “the most lesbionic scene you’ve heard” on YouTube below and decide once and for if it truly is. It’s also available on Spotify and Apple Music to add to your emotastic playlist (you[...]

Marvelle Oaks – “Photo Real”

October 5, 2024

Marvelle Oaks. Holy fuck, wow. Husband and wife duo Alex and Tess combined (in their words): “A glorious stew made from the holy ingredients of the Velvet Underground, Pavement, and the B-52s.” That’s it, that’s all I have. Now go listen to their track “Photo Real.” … apparently I can’t just tell you to go listen to a track based on me saying to, even though I’m right more often than I’m wrong. Okay, so picture if Sonic Youth had a younger cousin who you didn’t see a lot at family get togethers because they’re away at school and all of a sudden they graduate and start showing up more and you’re like “wow, you’re fuckin’ cool!” The janky, random guitar that comes in fits until matching up with the bass for some longer notes and general vibe just struck me in the right way and it will for you to[...]

Xay Cole – “Downer”

October 5, 2024

San Jose based Xay Cole brings us their latest single “Downer” off of their new album 21st Century Wrist. The synth is impossibly catchy and you’ll find yourself tapping along to the beat within 30 seconds or your money back. Cole embraces the controlled chaos with a synth-forward track and while this is a ostensibly a song about being down… You can’t help at least keep your head up while the rest of you is down. You can hear “Downer” below from YouTube as well as Apple Music, Bandcamp, or Spotify. Be sure to add it to your synthed up playlists, or anywhere you want something infinitely danceable. 21 Century Wrist, a record about having ancient problems in the modern world, is available on the above platforms as of September 27 from Cherub Dream Records. Be sure to give the rest a listen if you’ve enjoyed this!  

Home Videos – “Instant Coffee”

October 4, 2024

Rochester’s Home Videos describe themselves as “slacker tapehead indie nonsense,” which is a funny way of phrasing “intimate and heartfelt indie-emo.” While their previous efforts seem to be more rooted in a barebones acoustic approach, they’ve recently announced that “they are loud now,” as evidenced by latest offering, “Instant Coffee.” The single features both a loud and a quiet version of the song, the former of which smarts of late 90s emo greats (think the lighter side of Texas Is The Reason or Sunny Day Real Estate) with an Elliot Smith/Heatmiser feel. The song (like all their songs) was tracked live on a 4-track recorder, giving it a warm and organic vibe. Make yourself some coffee (preferably instant) and put this one on – it really is the perfect soundtrack to usher in the upcoming fall weather. You can find both versions of “Instant Coffee” via the Bandcamp embed (below),[...]

Clifton Neal & Don.Hundred – “Can’t Lose”

October 4, 2024

A soul sample in the hands of a good beatmaker carries its spirit to a new audience in a new lens. In “Can’t Lose,” the latest single from collaborators Clifton Neal & Don.Hundred, D.C. beatmaker Clifton puts his faith in the simple beauty of the sample, and Don puts his pen to his faith. Clifton’s production is subdued out of the gate, letting that divine vocal sample bring emotion and gravity to the track. Don introduces Clifton’s horns as he confesses to past struggles, growth, and the role his faith has had in. Throughout the track, Clifton continues introducing other chops and sections, continuing to rework the essence of the sample. As Clifton explores the sample, Don explores something higher – and it’s the perfect confluence for a track that feels soulful from start to finish. Listen to all 5 tracks on the “Don off the Cliff” collaborative project from[...]

Holding Hour – Can I Leave Me Too?

October 2, 2024

“Can I Leave Me Too?” is the latest from Iowa based indie duo Holding Hour; made up of Marissa Kephart and Scott Yoshimura. ICYMI, the last time we covered HH was for another song off of this single, “Parallel Lines” (which we also thoroughly enjoyed, found here). Keeping up with their flare for all things shoegaze, the track is an amalgamation of the warm and fuzzies along with a noodling guitar that climbs around… Yet everything remains a simmer and never EXPLODES (but it really is the perfect temp, you can’t boil everything). Speaking to the track, the band had this to say: “[Can I Leave Me Too?]… explores the struggle of recognizing that you haven’t been a great partner without fully owning up to it. Set against the backdrop of what should be a warm, celebratory occasion—a birthday—the song highlights feelings of isolation and shame.” You can hear “Can[...]

Julia Rapp – “Conditions of Living”

October 1, 2024

Julia Rapp. Mysterious. Scorpio. Anxious avoidant attachment style. Lists indie rock as a love language. If that doesn’t tell you what you already need to know, then I guess it doesn’t matter what you think. For everyone else, hello, we meet on Thursdays at Mike’s house, except for next week. More importantly, she has a new track, “Conditions of Living” and like her last single we covered “What He’s Been Missing,” we’re all about it. Started as a poem written during her master’s program, it’s a “reflection on the conditions of living: ADHD, capitalism, and the devil.” Sung morosely yet with a matter of fact tone, the guitar and background instrumentals enhance the vocals and you can feel it becoming your mantra, regardless if your struggles are the same or not. Fans of JW Francis, Courtney Barnett, or Clairo anyone who knows the day to day struggle of living would[...]