Latest Posts

Wolfschmidt – “file”

March 3, 2026

Sometimes you just fucking crush it. Good day at the office? Beat someone in an arcade video game? Make the perfect Tik-Tok? You get the idea. Swedish band Wolfschmidt decided to knock it out of the park with “file,” their latest single. Describing themselves as “nu-gaze” (elevator pitch is “cleaner” shoegaze or “second wave” shoegaze). It still has that polished/unpolished enigma feeling from the guitars and effects that any shoegaze fanatic will latch onto (so don’t let the nu-gaze name ruin your mood!).   You can hear it below from YouTube or over on Spotify. It’s a hair under three minutes and well worth your time commitment if you enjoy tracks that ride the guitar all the way through. Other than a short bit mid-track you’re gonna be rocking the fuck out.  

Stratosphere – Haze / I’m Yours

March 3, 2026

Fredonia’s Stratosphere continues reaching for the stars – the four piece from Buffalo’s beloved college town neighbor (and beloved college rock band incubator) has been wrecking eardrums since their debut in 2024, and latest double single Haze / I’m Yours is an excellent continuation of the band’s sound. “Haze” feels like a continuation of their namesake, both thematically and sonically. Squiggly guitars give way to wall-of-noise guitar choruses, continuing the storied tradition of quiet/loud, guitar-driven anthems made timeless by Pixies or Nirvana. “I’m Yours” leans a bit more into Bleach-era Nirvana sounds, layered thick with Rat (TM) pedal distortion and Grohl-esque drumming. One thing’s for sure, this band makes a tremendous amount of noise – something that’s often hard to capture in a recording, but Stratosphere does surprisingly well. We’re hoping to catch them live soon, but when we inevitably do, we’ll be making sure to bring earplugs (and maybe[...]

James Beastly – We Should Be Animals

February 27, 2026

Genre-defying songwriter Jim Paulos, AKA James Beastly, returns to buffaBLOG wielding a new sonic blade: his upcoming album, We Should Be Animals. As Beastly himself aptly puts it, he was once,   “… too indie to be punk and too punk to be indie.”   Nick Sessanna reviewed James Beastly’s previous album Junk Values here, giving it high praise. We’re happy to review his newest collection of songs – this time with a somewhat different approach. Overall more relaxed, the album ranges from buzzing shoegaze to dissociative, ambient folk. Moreover, We Should Be Animals is Beastly’s most ambitious attempt, starring key musicians like those from The Cast-Iron Canaries, Patrick Byers from Broken Social Scene, and Magdalena Żaczek of Smokey Robinson and Andrea Bocelli fame.   “Spring Violets,” the lead single from We Should Be Animals, queues with a disheartening, eerie synth pad. The quiet bellows of Paulos sit atop a decidedly[...]

Hit Like A Girl – “Are You In Love (feat. Zayna Youssef)”

February 27, 2026

Philly based Hit Like A Girl collaborated with Zayna Youssef for “Are You In Love.” You may want to sit down for this, but it’s a love song, and I think it’s just what everyone needs right now! It’s delightfully uplifting and starts with a synth intro that leads into bedroom pop vibes that give way to pop-punk tinged guitars. All of this meshes oh so well with with Youssef’s and Maroulis’s vocals.   You can hear “Are You In Love” below from Bandcamp. “Burning At Both Ends” is their next album, due out March 27 (Cryptid Records). They’ll be touring in support of it and may be coming near you (check their socials). Be sure to check out the non-profit, No More Dysphoria, mentioned on their Bandcamp page. They support trans and non-binary individuals financially with their transitions.   Are You In Love (feat. Zayna Youssef) by Hit Like[...]

Here if you need – “When It Falls Back into Place”

February 27, 2026

Nothing hits quite as good as some straight up emo mainlined into your ears, right? “When It Falls Back into Place” is the latest from Here if you need; Midwest Christian emo at its finest. Vocals delivered by Luke Whatman elicit fond memories of yesteryear when everyone could just vibe to some happy/sad and everything in between. We couldn’t dance and barely figured out how to mosh, but we figured it out, right? This is very much a guitar driven song in the spirit of TBS or Reliant K, and you’ll appreciate the ups, downs, and breakdowns.   You can hear “When It Falls Back into Place” below on YouTube or on Spotify. This is only the band’s second single, the first one being 2024’s “E-Mail,” but give the band a follow and maybe we’ll see some more soon!          

The Same Sky – “What’s Left”

February 27, 2026

“What’s Left” is the end result of Montreal based act The Same Sky mashing together a breakup through the lens of The Odyssey (the Greek one, not the Christopher Nolan one). The trip back to finding yourself after a breakup probably makes one feel like Odysseus trying to get back home, though I don’t recall if he fucks with a guitar and Big Muff pedal this hard (I never read the whole thing, but neither did your English professor).   I doubt Homer could have fathomed the crossover of his epic to a shoegaze track some two thousand years later, but I’m sure he would have at least appreciated the artistry.   You can hear “What’s Left” below via Bandcamp and on Spotify. You’ve not long to wait for more from The Same Sky as their album “Haunting in the Mountains” is out in April (Casa Joven).   Haunting in[...]

Big Sleep – “Bruiser”

February 27, 2026

“Bruiser” is the current single off of Holy Show, the latest album from Dublin’s own Big Sleep. It felt like one of those recipes my girlfriend tells me I need to “keep at a simmer, Chris.” While I can’t quite point out the difference betwixt a low boil and a simmer, Big Sleep obviously can because this track simmers *perfectly*. Tight drums combine with flittering guitar with moments of focus where the whole band comes together. Vocally, I was reminded of (younger) Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse fame and in general just loved the hyper focus of the track.   If you’re simmer challenged like I am, let “Bruiser” guide your way. It has nothing to with cooking, but you’ll enjoy it nonetheless. The album is available wherever you stream music; we have it below from Soundcloud and the Spotify link here.   Big Sleep · Bruiser

Bleary – “bug”

February 26, 2026

Nashville based Bleary bring us their latest single, “bug” (with a lower-case b) but with capital letter quality sound. “bug” features heavily what feels like a wall of guitars in multiple flavors that will pique the interest of shoegazers anywhere, with four minutes that feels like just enough but leaves me waiting for the next track. Luckily there IS another track – the equally catchy yet subdued “sugar splint.”   Fans of Mitski may already be familiar with the band, as they have opened for her on her tour.   You can hear “bug” below courtesy of Soundcloud or Spotify. Their debut full length “Little Brain” is due out May 15 (yk records) but until then have plenty of back catalogue for your listening pleasure. I particularly enjoyed 2019’s “Ghost” but I’m sure you’ll have your own.   yk records · Bleary – bug

Kalii – “UNIVERSAL”

February 26, 2026

Hip hop artist Kalii is growing a following off the strength of a sprouting spree of singles, most recently with his newest track “UNIVERSAL.” His experimental wall of smokey sound brings a maximalist energy that’s impressive for an artist at the onset of their output. Kalii’s vocals are layered with the signature modern trap autotune, but they’re paired with a hypnotic siren of a beat that make you want to turn this volume up to 11 and get lost in its sounds. If you’re into the housier remixes of modern rap tacks, this is one for you. Keep an eye out for more releases from Kalii on their Spotify account. While you’re there, check out our Best of 2026 Hip Hop list, featuring Kalii and other fresh new sounds in the scene.

Romcom Victims – “Alaska”

February 26, 2026

Are there any bugs in Alaska? Is that a dumb question? Because Romcom Victims are buzzing hard, and their latest single, “Alaska,” is indication why. The band’s been an unstoppable force in the last year or so, putting out jangly college rock vibes that make use of twinkly guitars, lilting vocals, and blistering paces. “Alaska” seems like a step forward for the group – excellent production values certainly help, but the song itself is a neurotic listen through jangle-pop bliss. The bass guitar is thumping, the guitars are plucky and spry (thanks Rickenbacker), and the tempo is fast enough to make this a must-hear on your next trip to Milkie’s or Nietzsche’s. The video itself is a good time too – music videos are notoriously tricky, but the live performance captured is all-smiles and on point, while a CRT tv provides just enough vintage charm to keep it cool and[...]

‘Multo’ Stripped Down: Looking at Why Vulnerability is Terrifying Through the Lens of Cup of Joe’s Song

February 24, 2026

Filipino band Cup of Joe has been making waves in the OPM (Original Pinoy Music) scene since 2019, with hits such as “Alas Dose,” “Mananatili,” and “Estranghero.” But in 2025, the Baguio-based group dominated international music charts with “Multo,” a track from their album, “Silakbo.” The song hauntingly explores grief, regret, and healing, themes that resonate with any human being with a beating heart—despite it being in Tagalog. And if it wasn’t enough for it to gnaw at people’s emotions for months, Cup of Joe released a stripped-down version of the song in January 2026, yet again stirring emotions.   To Strip Down a Ghost   ‘“Multo”’ is described by music critics as a synth-pop, pop-rock ballad that evokes a melancholic sense. At first listen, you wouldn’t think the song is about reminiscing, regret, and introspection because of its lively and welcoming beginning beat. That is, until the lyrics begin,[...]

Chewbeats ft. Dylan Gray – “End of Times”

February 24, 2026

UK beatmaker Chewbeats cooked up an wasteland of desolate drones on his latest track “End of Times,” joined by the baron of barren in his countryman emcee Dylan Gray. Chewbeats‘ atmosphere is distinctly grey, cold, post-human. Dylan’s lyrical motifs lean into the steely drones, “thinking ’bout the end” as he contemplates antisocial behavior. The track comes in tightly under 2 minutes, and does damage in its time. The liminality Chew crafts with the layers of drones and beeps will suck you in, and the you can’t tell if the exit is nearby or if that’s the same corner you already took. Be sure to check back in with Chewbeats on March 17th, for the release of  Classe 90 out on 17.03.2026 via Rhinestone Cowboy. YouTube might not let you in – make sure to watch these visuals on YouTube and look for the song on streaming soon.

Mother Nature’s Son – “Angel Attack”

February 23, 2026

Buffalo’s Mother Nature’s Son has just shared a new single, “Angel Attack,” from their upcoming album, The Seven People You Meet In Heaven. Taking queues from sardonic-but-literate emo/pop-punk acts like Say Anything, Motion City Soundtrack, and Ludo before them, “Angel Attack” threads the needle between sneering and smiling – pairing squiggly keyboard tones and crunchy guitars with lyrics that touch on demons, ego death, and being kissed suddenly on the cheek. Musically, the song’s synth-smooched approach gives it a uniquely airy mouthfeel – and the slightly-swung, guitar-driven backbone culminates in a cool, phaser-laden solo. At any rate, MNS knows how to craft a catchy hook, and if “Angel Attack” is any indication, The Seven People You Meet In Heaven is going to be full of inescapable melodies.   Check out “Angel Attack” via the YouTube embed below. Other ways to stream/support can be found here.    

sad alex x Grayson Foster – “Eyes First”

February 21, 2026

sad alex and Grayson Foster teamed up for this super tasty indie-pop jam they’re calling “Eyes First.” An ode to falling in love with your eyes first (instead of your heart, which we can’t in good faith totally recommend), “Eyes First” is a perfect duet between alex/Foster that encapsulates that feeling of being overwhelmingly attracted to someone. I know our society questions love at first sight (and rightfully so), but if it did/does exist, the bubbling indie pop that these two crafted together is just about as close to what happens in your brain when you see your new beau.   “Eyes First” is available on YouTube (below) and Spotify.    

The Dahmers – “Underdog”

February 21, 2026

The Dahmers are no doubt inspired by horror films (and the DIY spirit, which I suppose could also be tied to their namesake in a sick way), but their latest song, “Underdog,” is a blast of sunshine-y power pop. Trading bloodied knives for infectious hooks and a wry smile, “Underdog” is a blast of refined Swedish energy, complete with chiming guitars, nimble basslines, and enough vocal hooks to keep it stuck in your head for a week.   You can find “Underdog” on bandcamp (below), or, on Spotify.   CREATURE FEATURE by The Dahmers