Latest Posts

Common Deer – “Confession (I Should Have Known)”

February 11, 2017

Common Deer are a Toronto quintet making orchestral indie rock. Their debut EP, simply titled I, just came out a few weeks ago… We’re really digging EP opener, “Confession (I Should Have Known).” The band uses male/female dynamics expertly, and further peppers the track with slide guitars, string arrangements, and tasteful melodies. Fans of Of Monsters and Men, Stars, or Matt Pond PA will like this one. Common Deer is on Spotify too – add it to your fav playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301629092″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fuzzystar – “Angel Transported”

February 11, 2017

Scottish indie-pop act Fuzzystar caught our ears with the angular fuzziness of “Angel Transported.” Sounding something like a mix between Foals and Arctic Monkeys, “Angel Transported” makes use of some blistering guitar riffs, punchy rhythms, and longing, reverby vocals. Fans of Mark Kozelek, Sun Kil Moon, and The Cribs should find themselves right at home. Keep your eyes peeled for Fuzzystar’s next release, Telegraphing, due out April 28th. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/297689345″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Joy Downer – “Caught In Your Spell”

February 11, 2017

You should check out married LA duo Joy Downer – their latest single is a jangle-pop gem, affectionately titled “Caught In Your Spell.” The song is anchored by dreamy, shimmery synths and groovy rhythms. About the song, singer Joy Bishop says, “Have you ever met someone that made you dance the fine line of being a stalker and letting that person know you’re interested?” Well said, Joy. If you have a sec, check out Joy Downer‘s website too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302889793″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

POKAL – “Great Expectations”

February 11, 2017

POKAL‘s swimmy “Great Expectations” immediately caught our ears for its off-beat structure and progression. The slightly wonky DIY project originates from Sweden – home of the best cloud pop/yacht rock. He makes use of plodding basslines, swelling synths, and clean guitars with an overarching slacker rock vibe. Fans of Mac Demarco or Magic Potion will be pleased. If you’re digging it, head over to iTunes and download “Great Expectations.” [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301921658″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bedroom Folk Musician Alex Radice Releases Brooding Debut Single

February 9, 2017

Mysterious Williamsville native Alex Radice knows a thing or two about anxiety, a topic he covers in his debut single, “Am I Hollow.” Radice laments over his anxiety’s hold on his long-lost emotions, questioning himself with “Is anyone there?” In reality, Radice’s use of his longing baritone voice and gentle ambient instrumentals has resulted in a beautiful and catchy song reminiscent of Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, and Volcano Choir. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304696910″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Blank Space – “Promiscuous Mortality”

February 8, 2017

Californian quartet Blank Space debuted their chill-out indie rock with “Promiscuous Mortality.” They have only been a band for about four months, but that hasn’t stopped them from packing their songs with noodly guitars, catchy whoa-oh vocal runs, and laid back vibes. Fans of Beach House, Private Island, or Young the Giant will be into this one. Blank Space is on the ‘Gram too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304991289″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Benji Heinke – “Why Won’t You Reply To Me?”

February 8, 2017

Do you have 1:47 to spare? If so, we think you should check out Benji Heinke‘s latest demo, “Why Won’t You Reply To Me?” Benji combines lo-fi, DIY production values with jangly guitars and an upbeat vocal melody – not to mention subject matter that would appeal to most millennials. We’re always down for some quality bedroom-pop. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304623987″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mutes – “Vanishing”

February 8, 2017

Noisy UK post-punk act Mutes caught our attention with the first single off of their upcoming debut LP, “Vanishing.” The Kraut-rock quartet infuses typical post-punk fervor with a strong sense of melody and just the right amount of ambiance – not to mention their blistering, mid-song guitar solo. Fans of Television, Sonic Youth, and Cloud Nothings will dig this one. If you want to support, “Vanishing” is already available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301195700″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TOMA – “Going Nowhere”

February 8, 2017

TOMA is a group of Texans creating fresh-sounding indie rock laced with squiggly keyboards. If you’re wondering where to start, “Going Nowhere” is our recommendation – we dig the band’s pop-minded songwriting skills, peppered with great guitar tones and Phoenix-esque vocals. “Going Nowhere” is also available on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293695789″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Wren Williams & The Sons of Luther – Venom & Sugar

February 6, 2017

Rochester native Wren Williams has been an active WNY musician since the early aughts, but has recently been making lots of waves in our lovely, Buffalo music scene… With the help of his backing band, a trio of cousins affectionately named “The Sons of Luther,” Williams dropped an ambitious full-length last month in the form of the 11-song Venom & Sugar.  Venom & Sugar is a telling title; the album starts out biting and menacing and gradually morphs into something sweet and pretty. Vitriolic songs “Inevitable Collapse” and “Conspiracy Theory” kick off the album with a one-two punch, introducing the listener to the band’s indie rock ‘n roll vibes with a hint of glam. The album has strong themes of duality and touches poignantly on issues of mental health, something the outspoken Williams should be proud of. Eventually the listener is greeted by the meat-and-potatoes triad of “Psycho Maniac,” “Out Of Touch,” and “Saving Grace.”[...]

Telempathy Releases Grungy New Single, “Dream Life”

February 2, 2017

Buffalo solo act Telempathy recently released her second single, a grungy tune she calls “Dream Life.” She recently spent some time at GCR with Jay Zubricky recording her latest effort, an EP titled Temple of Music. We dig Telempathy’s use of fuzzed-out, straightforward guitar riffs combined with catchy female vocals. Fans of Field Mouse, Tancred, or Hop Along should listen to this immediately. Temple of Music is due out on February 28th. Till then, Telempathy is on Instagram too – give her a follow. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/304216373″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Magdalena Bay – “Neon”

February 1, 2017

Magdalena Bay (or, if you’re feeling froggy, Magbae), have a real smoove jam on their hands… We think you should check out their new single, “Neon.” “Neon” is inspired by roller disco and synth pop ballads from the 1980s, and it shows. Magbae is all about the male/female vocals, a deep groovy beat, and undeniably catchy hooks. Be sure to add “Neon” to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/302223080″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mutual Friends Release Video for “Instant Gratification”

February 1, 2017

Buffalo synth-pop quartet Mutual Friends debuted a new music video today for “Instant Gratification.” Directed by Nolan Whipple, the video has a calm, introspective nature that parallels “Instant Gratification’s” longing, low-key vibes. Frontman Kevin Scoma’s impressive acting debut had us feeling nostalgic as we watched him travel longingly throughout some notable Buffalo-based scenery. Check it out via the widget below. If you’re digging “Instant Gratification,” be sure to swing by Bandcamp and download it.

Craig Finn – “Preludes”

January 31, 2017

Hold Steady fans rejoice! Iconic frontman Craig Finn is back with some new jams, and we’re happy to give you a sneak peek of his first “Preludes.” “Preludes” is a more melodic jam than what you might be used to, but still treats the listener to Finn’s iconic delivery. Give ‘er a listen below. Finn’s next release, We All Want The Same Things, is due out on March 24th.

treasureseason – “The Rush”

January 31, 2017

Scandinavian pop duo treasureseason has caught our attention with their latest single, “The Rush.” Combining quasi-tropical beats, twinkling guitars, and a haunting earworm chorus melody, “The Rush” is mysterious, dreamy, and danceable all at once. Give it a spin below and let the 80s vibes rush over you. “The Rush” is available via iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300939901″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]