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.
“Real Love” shimmers with retro synths and lo-fi vibes, perfect for a chill-out sesh or a laid-back Sunday. Greek quartet KENNY FREQ. are the architects of our latest recommendation, a group of guys who push each other to write light-hearted, euphoric pop songs. This one reminds us of The Shout Out Louds or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. If you’re digging it, you can support via a variety of platforms here.
Yo, we’re digging the warbly vibes from new slacker-rock duo Spring Breakers. “Shaking Hands” switches from a Mac Demarco-inspired verse to a dreamy chorus without flinching, which isn’t an easy task. What’s more exciting – this is the first song these dudes have written together. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next. For fans of Kurt Vile, Mac Demarco, or Beach House. Add it to your Spotify playlist too.
We’re into this song from Brisbane solo artist Hobart Curtis… “Want Me” is a cascading nugget of sweet indie pop, combining washy guitars, groovy basslines, and gauzy synth pads. “Want Me” is a simple song about wanting to be wanted, something we can all relate to. Match that sentiment with solid vocal hooks and Hobart’s unique delivery, and you have a buffaBLOG favorite. Check it out on iTunes if you’re feeling it.
Pet Symmetry, a veritable emo supergroup featuring members of Into It. Over It. Kittyhawk, and Dowsing, is swinging through Buffalo this Memorial Day eve. They are fresh off of the release of their latest LP, an 11-song offering called Vision, which is full of angular emo and punk with plenty of pop hooks. Rounding out the lineup tonight are Chicago Topshelfers Ratboys, Buffalo Topshelfers Del Paxton, and the haunting emo trio Honey Coma. Doors are at 7pm tonight. The show is at the Modeling Factory with a $5 donation. Vision by Pet Symmetry
“Silhouette” is a great jam, reminiscent of a simpler time… Namely the mid to late 90s where alternative rock bands like Third Eye Blind, Better Than Ezra, and Eve 6 were tearing up the pop charts. Let’s just say Blume Hinges has the same sort of songwriting prowess as these 90s legends, combining catchy guitar hooks with ever-so-slightly forlorn vocals. A true alternative rock banger if we’ve ever heard one. If you’re into it, check out the whole album here.
Indietronica producer shallou has us captivated with his breathy new jam. The Chicago native sent us “Truth,” which comes courtesy of his latest release, his debut EP, All Becomes Okay. Sit back in your seat and relax as you listen to shallou’s unique brand of atmospheric electronica. Blippy drums, pitch-shifted vocal samples, and a wide range of instrumentals await. Add “Truth” to your Spotify playlist.