Latest Posts

Ryan Ritual – “Slip Away”

March 13, 2023

Ryan Ritual brings you lucky listeners an infectious new single with “Slip Away.” The indie-pop track has a gruff, slacker charm that will disarm and enchant you while the nonstop pop pace will have you tapping toes, wiggling hips, and singing along the whole time. Bright steel guitar highlights flash by as guitars, synths, drum machines, and hand claps all create a wash of pop deliciousness that feels like a hot summer drive with the perfect breeze cooling the back of your neck. The sonics link perfectly with Ryan’s lyrics about new love feeling like a revival after being shut down emotionally (along with the rest of the world) because of the pandemic. Ryan sings those lines with vocals that are mesmerizing and catchy, blending a growling layer beneath his melodious singing that is reminiscent of the undeniable stylings of Future Islands. Here is Ryan talking about the decision for[...]

Cooler – Doom Spiral

March 13, 2023

Cooler, a Buffalo-based three-piece, creates deeply personal, ethereal indie rock fit for the most intimate of moments. Doom Spiral, the group’s 2023 release, is their best work to date. The album centers around themes of opposition and devotion while persistently shifting between a confessional love story. Throughout the project, distance between people is a constantly developing undulation. Cooler braves this emotional disparity while engaging in intricate heart-to-heart discussions. The group fills out their already-strong sound with layers of carefully-laid, familiar guitar lines, sludgy bass flavors, and newfound sleek electronics, resulting in a sound they describe as “dreamo.” The album’s intro, “Gentleman,” was the first recorded with their current lineup, currently consisting of Alley, Jake, and Nick Sessanna. Breaking through the mist, the song’s flagship guitar line is as sentimental as it is catchy, while Alley’s reserved, melancholic delivery dazzles amidst lyrical dejection. “Succulents” is a meditative groover that aims to[...]

Leon In The Wild – “Quiet Covers Up a Lot”

March 12, 2023

“Quiet Covers Up a Lot” is the lead single off of California-based Leon in the Wild‘s self-titled 2023 EP. Leon kicks things off with his warm, pop-forward guitar and conjures dulcet tones that land somewhere between fellow Californians The Beach Boys and Pavement. I particularly enjoyed the story told throughout this track; seemingly about that special someone that you maybe haven’t been able to spill your true feelings to. According to Leon, he “[has] always been the guitarist, the producer/engineer, the person mixing/mastering, background vocalist, etc. This is my first step into the wild as myself.” If this track caught your ear, definitely check out the rest of this six song EP which is available on Spotify. Additionally, if you happen to have the means of playing it, you can pick up the cassette on his Soundcloud page and head to the beach with your Walkman and surfboard. Leon in[...]

Sara Devoe – “Magazine”

March 12, 2023

“Magazine” is the latest of several singles from Albany-area “idiot musician” (her IG bio, not our thoughts!) Sara Devoe. “Magazine” is anything but idiotic – the initial assault is nothin’ but bass and tight drums leading into Devoe’s earnest lyrics, reminiscent of indie luminaries Perfume Genius and (coincidentally) boygenius, albeit with a bit more bite. Devoe is currently a a senior at Geneseo in Western NY and has an EP coming in the near future, so keep an eye on your favorite music consumption app. Check out her other singles Spotify and let us know if you’d like more Sara Devoe (or Devoe….esque?) on our Twitter page. Sara Devoe · Magazine

Tinge – “Big Crush”

March 12, 2023

With “Big Crush,” Winnipeg-based three piece Tinge brings a power-chorded banger of a single off of the their EP Big Deep Sigh. “I don’t look like much but baby I can rock your work” croons Anishinaabe songwriter Veronica Blackhawk, lightheartedly drawing in a relatable energy to one of those crushes [cries internally]. Blackhawk’s vocal range and intelligent lyrics bring to mind Blue Album and Pinkerton era “Weezer,” Colleen Green, and Camp Cope while still forging ahead on the strengths of the band’s excellent chemistry. Definitely check out the rest of their EP on Spotify or Soundcloud! Coming in at just under seventeen minutes, you’ll get through this delightful gem during your morning commute or shower time and undoubtedly like me you’ll be looking for more. House of Wonders · Tinge – Big Crush

Kondratieff Wave Generator – “welcome to the project!”

March 7, 2023

Coming to you from Oregon, Kondratieff Wave Generator (for brevity, K-Wave) bring us “welcome to the project!” off of the of their debut album High Rise. K-Wave brings joyfully warm guitars, almost as if they’re excited-but-not-too-excited-in-a-lowkey-way to bring us their brand of chill, vintage-tinged bedroom-pop. The wispy riffs driven by steady drums and bass evoke a mix between early iterations of The Strokes (specifically their stripped down performances) and more modern bedroom-pop luminaries like Day Wave. This is a great band to get in on the ground floor with as they’re just hitting their stride and with such a strong initial outing, there will hopefully be more to come. This is a great track (and album) to listen to if you’re in for the night in your pj’s and want to just v i b e. Check out Kondratieff Wave on Spotify or YouTube.  

Xul Zolar – “Tell Me”

March 6, 2023

The third single off German band Xul Zolar‘s upcoming album, Heidelbach (March 17) is the tight, synthy darkness of “Tell Me”. Out of the three tracks released so far, this happens to be the darkest (although the first single “Protocol” is certainly a close second on the hopeless meter). Light synth and guitar work float flawlessly along with with dreamily haunting vocals that move “Tell Me” along at a steady, if morose clip. Dripping with self-loathing is the bread-and-butter for acts such as The Cure and Interpol (you may have heard of them), but Xul Zolar manages to make this track sound like more than just another goth-pop retread. Give Xul Zolar a listen if you own a black parasol or (like me) may have eaten many lunch by yourself a lot growing up. Xul Zolar · Tell Me

The Empty Page – “Level Sedentary” (and B-Side Dry Ice)

March 6, 2023

Manchester-based band, The Empty Page, brings a punk-tinged ode to depression and executive disfunction on their single “Level Sedentary.” Taking cues from 90’s Sonic Youth, Pavement, and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the meandering guitars and singer Kel’s voice feature prominently. Citing such depressive luminaries: “I’m Vonnegut/ I’m Plath/ I’m Proust/ I’m Bonnie Grape/ I’m Charlie Brown/Sometimes I wanna sleep forever…” toward the end of “Sedentary” really cemented my opinion on the wit of Kel’s lyrical composition. While “Level Sedentary” gradually warms up your ear drums and drags you to the couch for a chill day, the B-Side “Dry Ice” comes out kicking with thumping bass and drums. While initially a shock heel turn, you’ll soon find yourself matching Empty Page’s energy and bopping along to this masterclass in indie pop punk. If indie bands were stocks and I were Jim Cramer I would be yelling “STRONG BUY” with spittle flying[...]

The Angles – “Out There”

March 5, 2023

Brooklyn-bred Ashwin Prasanna’s latest project, The Angles, brings the soothing track “Out There” off of his self-titled debut record. Warm, poppy guitar leads the way in this wholesome love song. Every chord resonates in your ears as you feel the warmth and joy of Prasanna’s love for someone special. This track and others of his would go well on your mix for that special someone along with Real Estate and Cloud Nothings. “Out There” assuredly enjoyed as part of the whole album but has enough strength to stand alone, check out what The Angles has to offer and let us know your thoughts on our Twitter. Be sure to add them to your Spotify playlist and give them a follow on Instagram as well. The Angles by The Angles

Beachdust – “An Android Contemplates Love” (and b-side “OFF (O N) RESET!”)

March 5, 2023

Singles from artists in today’s environment of mainly digital releases are easy. You don’t have have to go to the record store to pick up a 45 inch record (or cassette) and can just pull up your preferred music service instantly! [/end elder millennial rant] My editor called for me to review “An Android Contemplates Love.” Ignoring the second half [B-Side track “OFF (O N) RESET!)] seemed silly so here’s a review of both. Beachdust is a solo act courtesy of California based Anthony Geovanny (from the label Little Death Sounds) and he is clearly a student of the psychedelic and new wave sounds of the 80’s. Talking Heads aficionados would certainly enjoy the energy Anthony brings in this and his other tracks. Strong synth and a constant guitar are in the driver seat for this meandering track that ponders the question of “what makes love so different?” from an[...]

Julia Rapp – “What He’s Been Missing”

March 4, 2023

Julia Rapp brings a cheeky indie-folk tune powerful enough to pull you up off the bathroom floor at 3:30am after a bad breakup. “If he really knew you, he’d know what he’s been missin'” Julia has a way of telling you how it is in the same no-nonsense fashion that many of us are very familiar with from that friend. Adherents of Courtney Barnett’s self-effacing style or the stylings of Angel Olsen will feel very much at home with Julia Rapp. If you’re feeling a little down today, maybe listen a couple times because damn it, you’re worth it!

Trash Pals – “Dinner at Sadie’s”

March 4, 2023

A subdued, bass-forward track from duo Conor Rayne and Gabe Schnider of Trash Pals (respectively, members of Basstracks and Jon Batiste), “Dinner at Sadie’s” showcases strong songwriting and solid keyboard antics. Lyrics like” “Oh Sadie maybe I’m not your type/ I appreciate you trying to make it right” oozes longing for that one we all remember meeting, but maybe gets away in the end. Don’t let Trash Pals be that one; keep tabs on this group and your eyes peeled for more. You certainly won’t be left wanting (except for more). If “Dinner” is any indication, we’re all in for a treat as this band grows and continues to produce new music. Make sure you add it to your Spotify playlist.

B. Miles – “The Year I Felt Cool”

March 4, 2023

New York based B. Miles brings us this smooth ditty of a single that exudes more than it’s fair share of swagger, as B.Miles takes us on a glitzy indie pop romp through what is clearly HER CITY. You’ll find yourself bopping along as you’re lulled in by her hypnotic voice and steady stream of consciousness lyrics, only to come to at the end wondering when you’ll get to walk with B.Miles again. I’m not exactly sure which year she felt cool, but if this or any of her other songs are any indication… it’s probably every year, now, and in the future. You can hear this and other tracks on her Spotify, or, live at the Bowery Ballroom March 17th in Manhattan.

ATMoney – “ITID”

March 3, 2023

Tennessee’s very own ATMoney is reportedly coming through with his third installment of ITID (I think I’m Dope 3) in March of 2023, but gave his fans a top tier music video with the title track “ITID.” The music video displays ATMoney genuinely rapping his face off while his friend whimsically dances in the background, perfectly representing the lyrics the Tennessee MC is spitting. ATMoney is regarded as the “Toxic Avenger” and is actively spreading awareness against toxic behavior, and this latest drop is no exception. There is a 300% chance you will think you’re dope after peeping out the self affirming “ITID.” We’re excited to see what ITID 3 will bring after watching the title track’s music video on repeat. Stream “ITID” on Spotify  Watch “ITID” on YouTube

Steven Araico – “Ivory Keys”

March 3, 2023

Steven Araico’s voice alone emits this undeniably ethereal energy. With such a gentle voice, the instrumental doesn’t need to do much. The percussion throughout “Ivory Keys” grants it universal emotion accessibility; as in you can listen to it in any mood and it’ll still hit. The short-bursted hi hats bring more life to the track, along with progressive 808s that offer a fantastic supporting element to the melodic hook. The piano paired with the synths also work together to bring a cinematic feel to “Ivory Keys,” helping the audience paint their own picture of what this summer might look like bumping Steven Araico. Listen to “Ivory” on Spotify  Listen to “Ivory” on Apple Music