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Tonight: Herd Fest Day Three

June 18, 2016

Herd Fest day three – another full day of banging musical acts highlighting the best of the best in the WNY region and beyond. Today’s programming spans six of Buffalo’s finest venues. Right about now, you should be lacing up your converse and smoothing your hair to make it to the Record Theatre showcase at 2:00pm. Indie-poppers Good Neighbors, gritty DIY-ers Slowcooker, avant-garde act Lifemusic Mit Andre, songstress Velvet Bethany, and glammy Whiner are all playing today. It’s a $5 cover all across town tonight (unless you have our all-access wristband). After Record Theatre, Mohawk Place is hosting an early showcase starting at 6:30pm. Spooky rockers FKA SHEDS are starting the night out, followed by lo-fi grungers Nylon Otters, calculated post-punk act Hundred Plus Club, and Rochester garage twang Cantelope. We suggest you snag some dinner and head over – this showcase would be a great way to start off your[...]

Rathborne – “So Long NYC”

June 17, 2016

It’s no secret that NYC is a place where artists and musicians flock. Rathborne is here to point out that it’s okay to acknowledge the NYC fatigue that inevitably sets in. We dig it because Rathborne has sculpted 70s vibes (think Tom Petty) into an upbeat number about getting sick about your life and needing a change. “So Long NYC” is on Rathborne’s latest LP, Soft. Pick it up from his Bandcamp page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264631322″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Chase The Jaguar – “Kiss Me (If You Wanna)”

June 16, 2016

Chase The Jaguar‘s poppy new tune “Kiss Me (If You Wanna)” has been bouncing around in our heads since it graced our inbox. The simplicity of the chorus makes this Hellogoodbye-esque song a true earworm. Toss in some neon synth tones and nimble guitar work from this Miami quartet and you have yourself a true emo-pop jam. Check out “Kiss Me (If You Wanna)” via the widget below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/260404229″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kent Odessa – “Palms Motel”

June 14, 2016

Brooklyn-based artist Kent Odessa is influenced by the funk and r&b greats – MJ, Prince, Rick James, and even Pharrell. Their influence can be heard through an indie rock lens on his new track “Palms Motel.” The song was inspired by a seedy motel that Odessa frequented during a gloomy residency in Detroit… But things seem to be looking up for Odessa – he found inspiration and is currently crushing it with “Palms Motel.” We can expect Odessa’s full-length sometime this year. Till then, check out “Palms Motel” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262239211″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Great Good Fine Ok – “Always”

June 14, 2016

Brooklyn synth-pop duo Great Good Fine Ok have done it again with their distinctive brand of pure pop gold. Beyond the thumping, disco-tinged instrumentals, the pseudo-boy band’s use of smooth falsetto is more than enough to anchor this confessional tune. The duo is set to tour the west coast this summer, which is sure to be a good time. Until then, have a listen to “Always” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264343916″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cold Boys – “You Used To Be Alright”

June 13, 2016

Cold Boys have just released a hot (see what we did there?) new track called “You Used To Be Alright.” After debuting last year with the imaginatively titled EP, EP, they are back with a shimmering slice of hazy guitar-pop. “You Used To Be Alright” is chill like its namesake and brings to mind fellow Londoners Bombay Bicycle Club in their more straightforward, indie rock days. Be sure to stop by Cold Boys’ Soundcloud Page and download “You Used To Be Alright” for free. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263755688″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

BD & The Jackrabbits – “Robbery/Galaxy”

June 13, 2016

Chicagoans BD & The Jackrabbits caught our attention this week with the stuttering “Robbery/Galaxy,” a 90s-flavored emo/rock jam. Fans of The World Is A Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid To Die would surely enjoy the quasi-shouted catharsis from this quirky sextet. What’s more, this particular version is live, capturing the band’s impassioned harmonies and quiet/loud dynamics. Stop by their Bandcamp page and have a listen to their new Live EP. We recommend starting with “Robbery/Galaxy” below.

The Dead Ships – “First Mistakes”

June 10, 2016

Coming off the high of a coveted Coachella slot, The Dead Ships are winding up to release their highly anticipated debut LP, CITYSIDE. We were lucky enough to stumble upon “First Mistakes,” a fantastic sneak peak of what’s to come. “First Mistakes” is an upbeat jangle pop track with soaring vocals and a yearning vibe, similar to Wilco, We Are Scientists, or Paper Rival. CITYSIDE is due out on June 26th via Nevado music. Till then, have yourself a listen to “First Mistakes” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/264975739″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Mutual Friends

June 10, 2016

Dreamy ghostrockers The Leones are haunting their way into town tonight, bolstered by an all-star cast of openers. One of these openers happens to be Mutual Friends (the new project from Nelson-Type’s Kevin Scoma and our favorite lake-popper Bryan Johnson), who are playing their first show this evening. It’s bound to be a good time, especially with Moody Cosmos and Coral Collapse in tow. The show starts at 8:00 tonight. See you at Mohawk Place!

LIF – “It Ain’t Over”

June 8, 2016

LIF, AKA Felipe Cea, is a sound designer/singer-songwriter from Sydney, Australia who specializes in mixing indie-pop and funk. “It Ain’t Over” is a true summer jam that continues his trend of thumping, indie funk bolstered by sounds of eras past. Late 80s electric piano tones and funky wah guitars mesh seamlessly with LIF’s contemporary, spacey vocal delivery. LIF’s music is out now via Lyfeik Records. Have a listen to “It Ain’t Over” below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/265804260″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Frith – “L’Amour C’est La Vie”

June 8, 2016

I admit that I can’t speak French, but Frith‘s “L’Amour C’est La Vie” transcends all language barriers. “L’Amour C’est La Vie” is a smooth, jazzy tune about a universal truth – losing your woman to another man (and hoping she comes back). Lady problems aside, we are digging Frith’s atmospheric vibes, especially from the stand-up bass featured on the track. “L’Amour C’est La Vie” is available for free if you stop by Frith’s Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263476909″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

The Well Rested – “Neeas”

June 7, 2016

The Well Rested are a group of British rockers whose music is in the vein of The Growlers, Connan Mockasin, or Allah-las. Their campy new video for “Neeas” had us chuckling and grooving at the same time, mixing randomized imagery with floating, dismembered body parts… Let’s just say it’s something you should see for yourself. Check out the video for “Neeas” below, and don’t forget to swing by The Well Rested’s Bandcamp page to pick up their EP.

Plastic Picnic – “Nausea In Paradise”

June 6, 2016

Plastic Picnic really pulled out all the stops on this one. The Brooklyn-based band is actually a group of Seattle transplants, which explains a lot about their sound. On their new single, “Nausea in Paradise,” the band brought in Producer/Engineer Ted  Young (Sonic Youth, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Kurt Vile) to record. The result is an explosion of shimmering, 80’s influenced indie-punk. The song ends in an explosion of reverb and melody along the lines of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, Wild Nothing, or Yuck. “Nausea In Paradise” is currently available for purchase on iTunes. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/260797810″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Hazy Seas – “Kite Dodging”

June 6, 2016

The Hazy Seas are a spry quartet from the upper peninsula of Michigan. Their new song, “Kite Dodging,” is a tightly wound number about a 1980’s-era sport kite. The playful nature of the song is paired with a set of ominous lyrics, juxtaposed with what can only be described as upbeat, cheerful and chimey indie pop. Fans of Foals, Two Door Cinema Club, or The Wombats would surely enjoy The Hazy Seas. Be sure to snag a free download of “Kite Dodging” from The Hazy Seas’ Soundcloud page. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/262735730″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Smashing Lads – “Easier Said Than Done”

June 5, 2016

Smashing Lads is a group of English men who just don’t want to go to work anymore (and neither do we). Their new video for “Easier Said Than Done” tackles the simple, age-old question of: “Why the hell do I have to go to work today?” Despite the lyrical content, the song is charmingly upbeat, and this particular quartet’s sound is comparable to classic rock bands like The Beatles and The Kinks, wrapped in a contemporary Kaiser Cheifs vibe. “Easier Said Than Done” is Smashing Lads’ stellar debut single. Check out their website for more info here.