Eckhardt and the House are moving mountains in 2018… Awful pun aside, “Mountains” is our latest listening obsession, sounding a bit like Talking Heads meets Metronomy. The group has cultivated a uniquely upbeat and eclectic sound, pairing smart and concise electronica with a sultry baritone frontman. It’s a funky and smart tune – get quirky with this Netherlands-based act below. Learn more about Eckhardt and the House here.
Worse Things is a fresh new three-piece from Buffalo whose debut EP is currently ripe for your listening pleasure. A self-titled endeavor, Worse Things is a six-song EP full of heavy and swirly post-hardcore/emo. Their emotive sound is propelled largely by grungy guitars and gravely vocals; it smarts of fellow sludgy emo-centric bands like Citizen, Basement, or Glassjaw. Opening track “Stay Away” is a burst of emotional energy and acts as a perfect introduction to Worse Things’ songwriting approach. First and foremost, this trio truly embraces the nature of being a three piece. Sure, guitar leads and flourishes pepper these tracks throughout the EP… But guitarist Zach Bennett layers his main guitar thick with distortion and swirly modulation, while bassist Anthony Fadale holds down a thick low end. Drummer Rob Ohlenschlager is full of energy, filling every song with precise, blistering drum fills. Loud, lush bands like Worse Things typically function best as a[...]
Last minute show alert! Atlantan midwest-twinkle act Blis. is swinging through tonight to play a passionate set of guitar-driven emo/rock to us Buffalonians… Joining them are NJ act Puddle Splasher, who play equally emotive (but occasionally synth/fuzz tinged) emo rock. They’re bolstered by some of Buffalo’s finest, including math-emo prodigies Alleys, shoegazy-emo act Previous Love, and solo act Milo Duhn. Tonight’s show is at 7pm at Milkie’s. Bring $5-$10 for a donation. No One Loves You by blis
“Undulating” is the perfect word to describe the new slo-jam from clawmachine. With cherry-on-top vocals from the sultry ATIYA, “Wumpa Island” is the perfect song for basking poolside on a warm summer afternoon. Get down to the funky bassline, stuttering synth lines, and bell-tone guitar twinkles from this Australian quintet. Learn more about clawmachine here.
“Champagne Swing” is the debut single from singer/songwriter Chris Rockwell. We immediately dug his reverbed-out style; between effected drums, phaser effects, and oh-so-distant vocal stylings, we think you should get familiar with him before his career takes off. Keep up with Chris via the ‘Gram.
Last time we checked in with Cheem, they were hot off the release of their 15-song epic, DOWNHILL. We’re jazzed to announce they’re back with more ear candy, this time with the poppy goodness of “Shine Sprite.” Cheem has an uncanny ability to mix funky rhythms with math-rock guitars, all wrapped up in a shiny pop-song package. Fans of Minus the Bear, Weatherbox, or Dryjacket will surely enjoy this. Cheem is on Bandcamp. Snag their new single while it’s HOT.
Melby is a psych-pop project out of Stockholm. The buffaBLOG offices have been jamming out to “Reject” lately – a simmering slice of indie-pop that pairs a bouyant bass line with dreamy guitars and vocals. The song itself is about being fed up with a loved one and the frustrating process of letting that anger build. We’ve all been there Melby! “Reject” is out now via Rama Lama Records.
We’re happy to hear that synth-funk trio Friendly Fires is making a bangin’ comeback. “Love Like Waves” is a swimmy, summery jam, packed full of the feel-good tropical vibes and fun synth work they’ve become well-known for. Their music video is a gigantic party, an apt visualization of their made-for-partying style. There’s lots of ways to enjoy this one – check them all out here.
Golan is a very talented trio hailing from Romania. We’re digging their latest offering, “Rocket Love,” which also got the full music video treatment from Sander Houtkruijer. The music video is an interesting watch, juxtaposing handheld camcorder footage with realistic HD compliments… But beyond the cinematography, this is a simmering, vaguely-moody song meant for chilling face. Get the full experience below. There are lots of listening options for “Rocket Love” – check them all out here.
Whisperhawk (aka Michael Gross) is a Native American singer/songwriter whose “Summer Song” caught our attention for its upbeat, summery vibes… Turns out the song is actually a “heart-warming tale of the end of the world,” but that’s neither here nor there. Beyond the apocalyptic lyrics, jangly guitars and slide flourishes pepper this song and compliment Gross’ sunny delivery and disposition. “Summer Song” is also available for purchase via Bandcamp.
Denver act Modern Leisure won us over with their laid-back, schmoozy take on indie rock… “Girls in Black” is a poignant reflection on dating life in your 20s; it’s coupled with a unique, baby-blue-motif music video that takes aim at pretentiousness. Get lost in the mid-tempo thump of the bass and the summery acoustic guitar accompaniment – this one is perfect for chilling out on a muggy summer afternoon. “Girls in Black” is currently available on Bandcamp. Snag it before Super Sad Rom-Com comes out next month.
Chi Runner is a mysterious new artist from… somewhere mysterious. But we can’t help but dig the opening track off of their latest EP, Melodynamic. “Gravity” is a chilled-out but angsty lesson in electronic beats, falsetto flourishes, and emotional lyrical delivery. Get down to this one if you’re into Tame Impala or Shelf Nunny. Chi Runner is also on Spotify – freshen up that playlist with a phat new addition.
Brand new indie/electronica act THRILL YOU KILL YOU is the latest project from former DJ/producer Fei-Fei. “Never Even Really” is an energetic song that was fully written, produced, and engineered by Fei-Fei herself. About the process, she says, “I’m proud that I recorded vocals in my bathroom on a cheap mic. It’s weird, it’s raw, and a little twisted, but it’s all me. We dig it too – so will fans of CHVRCHES or Shiny Toy Guns. Want to know more? Get down to the lyric video here.
Brisbane-based trio Terra Pines combine elements of grunge, shoegaze, punk, and the general spirit of the 90s into their palatable blend of indie rock. Case in point, their latest single “Dream Big…” Stuffed full of fuzzed-out guitars and off-in-the-distance vocals, “Dream Big” tackles that age-old experience of reconciling one’s dreams with the reality that things might not go according to plan. Heavy – figuratively, literally, and musically. Terra Pines has their stuff available via Bandcamp.
Brace yourself! “Wave At Your Grave” is a chunky, speaker-shredding jam from Texan solo act No Cares, aka JP Pfertner. “Grave” brings together the bombastic elements of Jay Reatard, The Presidents of the United States of America, and WAVVES in the form of chunky guitars, exciting rolling drum beats, and a general raucous spirit. We think it’s sure to get your blood pumping. Give No Cares some love on the ‘Gram.