We just can’t get enough of indiemo quartet Parker’s Back. This time around, we’re showing off “Fantasy Single,” an urgent number that showcases Parker’s Back’s penchant for writing female-fronted songs that will pack your friend’s basement show. “Fantasy Single” is just one in a string of songs from the Fullerton, CA act that pack an irresistible emotional punch. Give Parker’s Back some support and pick up their latest via Bandcamp.
Nottingham, UK is home to Eyre Llew, a crew of ambience loving dudes whose “Havoc” found its way into our inbox. The sprawling seven-minute epic is accompanied with a just-as-epic music video featuring mountainous scenes, nostalgic reminiscing, and feelings of longing. It’s truly something you must see for yourself… Recommended to fans of Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, or Slowdive. Learn more about Eyre Llew here.
Most of us who grew up worshipping the 2000s indie-rock scene should be familiar with the unique sound of matt pond PA. After premiering his irreverent first single a few months ago, we’re happy to share that he’s back at it again with his next single, “A Spark.” Beyond Pond’s penchant for shimmery indie rock songwriting, the video showcases a strange juxtaposition between a tour van and an upside down party, something you’ll have to see for yourself. Check it out below. Still Summer is going to be the last album under the moniker matt pond PA… But fear not Pond fans, he’s not done writing music. Still Summer will be out August 11.
Randomstar is a one-man EDM project out of Finland who hit us up recently with news of his new EP. Said EP contains the song “Away,” an over-before-you-know-it, one-two punch that pays homage to old-school electronica masterminds (like Daft Punk) via new-school EDM vibes. The song truly sucks you into a voyage and before you know it, you’re grooving along to his entire EP. Add it to your Spotify playlist.
The Oakland-based commies in annarestis recently hit us up with their new jam, “full commie” and we dig it a lot. You may recognize one of the members, kbb, as a member of Trails & Ways, who we’ve written about multiple times. We think annarestis is just as deserving of a listen with its unique lo-fi mix and chill indie rock vibes reminiscent of early Shins, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, or Real Estate. Just so you know, “full commie” is very available via Bandcamp. full commie by annarestis
Darth Nater (pun intended) is also known as singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nate Noworyta. The Buffalo-born musician recently caught our attention with “The Western Lowland Gorilla Song,” a tongue-in-cheek ditty that highlights his wry delivery, dry wit, and unique storytelling ability. Noworyta recently released his fourth full-length album, People Are Animals, which is (unsurprisingly) a collection of ten songs about people who act like animals. Fans of The Front Bottoms, Modern Baseball, or Dave Matthews will surely like this one. If you’re digging it, you can purchase People Are Animals via Bandcamp.
Introspective Norwegian songwriter Catnip Cloud (a.k.a. Kjartan Thorkildsen) caught our attention with his latest jam, “Lemonade Blade.” The song is about rain and loneliness, and Thorkildsen captures those vibes through use of vintage-sounding instrumentals, ambient guitars, and thumping bass. You can grab a free download of “Lemonade Blade” here.
Haunting, beautiful, gorgeous… Three words that perfectly describe “Tree Trunks” from Ontario based trio Basement Revolver. Swimming in reverb, the dirge-like track makes use of minimalist guitar that alternates between cavernous clean tones and dirty fuzz. The cherry-on-top is singer Chrisy Hurn’s vulnerable delivery via her meaningful lyrics. Fans of Now, Now, Pedro the Lion, or Phantogram will really dig this one. Their latest, Agatha EP, is available via a variety of sources.
We’ve been jamming on this feisty debut from Cali married duo Loud Forest. “I’m Not Your Girl” is a pulsating synth pop track conceived and performed by vocalist Rachel Chadwick. A requiem to times passed at a long-lost summer camp, “I’m Not Your Girl” is a jam about avoiding and dismissing assumptions of young love. Check them out on the ‘Gram too.
We’re digging this glammy synth anthem from the curiously-named -Us. -Us. is hot off the release of their latest offering, Contact, an ep that spans the spectrum of electronic music from house to chillwave to straight up pop. We dig “We First Started” because it combines all of those influences and even packs in an irresistible chorus. Fans of Washed Out or Empire of the Sun would dig this one. If you like it, pick it up on iTunes.
Young Earth are a spry quartet from Dublin who caught our ears with the upbeat indie-pop of “Worth It.” Combining jangly guitar riffs with strong pop songwriting, the band excels at creating old-school, guitar-driven rock with a contemporary 2017 approach. Lyrically, the band tackles the trials and tribulations of young love via inescapable vocal hooks and whoa-ohs. Def worth a listen. Smash that Spotify link and add it to your playlist.
We’ve been spinning this warble-fest by Toy Savoy in the buffaBLOG offices as of late – “Clean Floors” is an ever-so wonky pop song that combines warped guitars, keyboards, and feel-good harmonies into something irresistible. Fans of Magic Potion, Mac Demarco, or The Shins will get down to this one. Be sure to stick it out till they go half-time. If you’re feeling it, add it to your Spotify playlist.
NOLA trio Bent Denim caught our ears with the muffled beauty of their latest single, “All My Friends Are Dead.” Focusing on beautiful, narrative-driven songs, BD jams lo-fi sentiment into a succinct 2:15. “AMFAD” is fleshed out with hush-hush vocals and a hooky piano motif that is sure to please any fan of indie pop, bedroom pop, dream pop, or *insert modifier here* pop. Check out their latest release via Bandcamp.
Beyond the pleasing pastels and ultimate chill-out vibes that the video for “LA in ’83” exudes is DONCAT‘s excellent songwriting prowess. Referred to as “superbly laid back Laurel Canyon style folk,” “LA in ’83” has just enough sparse guitar and soulful lyrics to have you feeling ever-so-relaxed. If you’re feeling it, add it to your Spotify playlist.
Any fan of the 2000s indie-rock scene should recognize the iconic sound of matt pond PA and his distinct brand of shimmering indie-pop. Pond is back at it again with his 12th full-length album, kicked off by catchy and irreverent lead single “Still Summer,” a song glorifying the fond memories of doing dumb and dangerous things in one’s youth. Sadly, this will be Pond’s last album under the moniker matt pond PA, but long-time fans fear not… There is more music to come from Pond in the near future. Swing by their webstore to pre-order Still Summer.