Latest Posts

New Words – “Gave You More”

Buffalo-based New Words is led by vocalist Benny Scheibel – they’re here with the ’00s-inspired bombast of new single, “Gave You More.” With the energies of Jimmy Eat World and a hint of All-American Rejects, “Gave You More” is built around a super catchy guitar rhythm and a rolling drumbeat. Scheibel’s vocals are proud and powerful, complimented perfectly by the thundering basslines found here. This one was tailor-made for anyone processing a breakup – so, especially if you’re feeling heartbroken, let the anthemic vibes run through your bones and be prepared to be humming this one the rest of the week.   “Gave You More” is available on Spotify, too.  

Big Sleep – “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo”

Big Sleep are doing a lot of doo-ing on their latest single, “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo.” With the energy of The Strokes that have been listening to a little bit too much Interpol, Big Sleep have those jangly garage-rock chords ringing true, while also sounding a little bit downtrodden. Downtrodden in a good way of course – this one is catchy as hell. From what we can tell, this Dublin quartet usually keeps to the expansive and atmospheric (and godspeed to that, folks), but we’re here for this new doo doo doo doo doo energy too.   You can find “Doo x5” on Spotify too.    

Ananya Ashok – “Unrealized Dreams”

Ananya Ashok combines classical South Indian influences with modern indie-pop songwriting to create her very own signature sound – if that’s not incentive enough to check out her latest single, “Unrealized Dreams,” we don’t know what is. Built around the distinct sound of the veena (you can look it up, we had to too), “Unrealized Dreams” carries a distinctly Indian flair without ever venturing into world music territory. In fact, if they did it as well as Ananya does, more artists should consider using it for its lovely twang. On top of that, Ananya’s voice is subtle but beautiful, and her melodies are incredibly tasteful… And since this song is about trying to have a more open mind, you should just listen to the song anyway.   You can find “Unrealized Dreams” on Spotify and Apple Music.    

The Empty Page – “When We Gonna Run?”

The Empty Page want you to know that their latest single, “When We Gonna Run?” is set in an apocalyptic hellscape – 2025… And even though this trio is from Manchester, that’s a hard relate from us on that one. The anxious energy found on “WWGR?” is palpable and matches the song’s urgency, about wanting to get the hell out of “here,” perfectly – expect overdriven guitars, a freaked-out feeling verse vocal, and a super tasty chorus hook to bring it all home. Fans of Pity Sex, Mannequin Pussy, and SPRINTS are gonna dig this a lot.   You can find “When We Gonna Run?” utilizing the bandcamp embed below, or, use Spotify.   When We Gonna Run? by The Empty Page

Super Flea – Demo

It would be safe to assume we’re writing a nostalgia piece about the popular, Cheektowagan market that closed in 2014 and was revitalized in 2022… But no, we’re talking about a new emo/pop punk crew that have named themselves Super Flea. Cooper Taylor and John Carr (of Autoignition, Speed Dial, and other projects) teamed up with Milo Duhn to come out swinging with a three-song EP, simply called Demo… With a few friendly faces in tow. Expect fantastic drumming from Del Paxton’s Greg McClure and the tried-and-true Jay Zubricky/GCR Studios treatment, who both suit this project perfectly.   If their pedigree tells us anything, Taylor/Carr are becoming masters of pop-punk songwriting. Opening track, “86,” is a great place to start – blistering drums from McClure lay the groundwork for Taylor/Carr explosiveness. Fans of Knuckle Puck, Neck Deep, and The Story So Far will enjoy the bratty, gravel-voiced vocals and sharp[...]

Essy – “Thinking About You”

Essy is a master songwriter, having written for a bunch of artist on major labels… But we’re highlighting her personal single right now, “Thinking About You.” This is synthpop at its finest – gauzy and easy-going with lyrics about love and regret. It’s the title track of Essy’s new EP not too hot//not too cold and it’s not hard to see why. Give this one a chance, the mysterious verses have a wonderful pull, bursting into a pop-soaked chorus that’s catchy as all get out.   “Thinking About You” is available via YouTube (embedded below) and on Spotify.    

Club 8 – “Another Faux Pas in the Cathedral of Hate”

What could we even have left to say about perpetual buffaBLOG staples, Club 8? The band is so, so good at writing simple and accessible indie pop with an ethereal touch – they certainly haven’t reinvented the wheel on “Another Faux Pas in the Cathedral of Hate,” and frankly, that’s why we keep coming back for more. At a brisk 1:39, the song comes and goes before you know it, but not before packing it with a punchy snare, twinkling guitars, and just-barely-ghostly vocals that sit in a sweet spot in the mix.   “Another Faux Pas in the Cathedral of Hate” is available on Bandcamp (below), or Spotify/Apple Music.   Another Faux Pas In The Cathedral Of Hate by Club 8

Night Talks – “Shadows On The Run”

LA-based band Night Talks keep it sleek and polished on their latest alt rock banger, “Shadows On The Run.” Inspired simply by a relationship that’s run it’s course, “Shadows On The Run” plays with crispy production and powerhouse vocals to build something that would fit comfortably on a shelf next to Paramore, LCD Soundsystem, or The Killers. We wouldn’t be surprised if we heard this one on The Edge (or Sirius XMU for you satellite heads)… So give it a listen now and tell everyone you heard of it on buffaBLOG before it was cool.   “Shadows On The Run” is available now – try Spotify or Apple Music.   Night Talks · Shadows On The Run

Kouskous Heaven – “Thinker Bell”

Eat your heart out, Disney Adults. Likewise for fans of small balls of crushed durum wheat semolina tossed with flour. Kouskous Heaven is here to blow your friggin mind – “Thinker Bell” is their latest offering, and it’s… insane. Math rock is the name of the game here – guitars and basses and drums obliterate the senses, offset by an absolutely stunning (and oddly, soothing) vocal. Almost like a Midwestern Emo Primus existed specifically in the year 1995. I refuse to elaborate on that statement any further.   Needless to say, Kouskous Heaven is one hell of a band and this song is surely going to turn some heads. Spotify embed below.  

Devreaux Scales – “Fall Forever”

Devreaux Scales, aka Matt Lavin and Jeremy Nunes, slammed together “Fall Forever” out of some really spicy guitar work. An urgent guitar pulls at your ear – octave chords are layered thick with chorus tones before dissolving into a bevy of harmonics, acting as the song’s powerful centerpiece behind the understated (but catchy) vocals. As the first cut from the duo’s upcoming album, Drain To Live, we can’t help but get excited for the rest of the swimmy sounds these guys are whipping up.   Check out “Fall Forever” via the YouTube embed below, or, head over to Spotify.    

Stinkus – I love you, trackstar

By now, you should recognize Stinkus as a buffaBLOG favorite – we reviewed 23 last year, and have covered multiple singles leading up to their 2nd album this year (!), I love you, trackstar.   Before we get started, I think it’s important to cover the following: Tyler Thompson, Stinkus mastermind, acquired the nickname “Tink.” “Tink” eventually turned into “Tinkus” (as these nicknames tend to do). As a reminder to have fun and to not take the project too seriously, Thompson added an “s” to Tinkus, arriving at the playfully coy “Stinkus.” Thompson is a writer/producer based in LA – with a prolific pedigree, it’s not hard to see why Stinkus slaps so hard… But in all seriousness, Stinkus is Thompson’s project where anything can happen, free from industry notes. That sincerity, realness, and carefree, “have fun” nature comes through beautifully on I love you, trackstar. Now that you know[...]

Vicious Clay – Bleecker Street Revisited

There’s something visceral about the music that comes from Vinny Silva – colloquially known as Vicious Clay. The multi-instrumentalist plays all the instruments on the album: drums, bass, guitars, vocals, and percussion, and it’s palpable – the music here is raw and emotional… Truly an artist’s singular vision. Over the course of 10 songs, Silva explores sneering rock ‘n roll sounds, dipping into garage tones; retro rock swagger; and bluesy emotions.   “Dark” is a fitting way to start the album – reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilot’s “Vasoline,” the song begins with a cacophony of swelling sounds before Silva rips a crushing line – “Feels so hopeless in the dark.” The groovy, guitar riffing here feels spindly and spidery, whipping and winding around your eardrums with nimble virtuosity, pairing raw chords with strong, start/stop rhythmic play. “Dark” is a fitting way to start the album, but it is certainly the[...]

Lord Jane – “These Last Few Weeks”

Lord Jane is a five-piece hailing from Ireland – their latest single, “These Last Few Weeks” has been devastating us for the last few weeks (in all the best ways). With a wry-but-catchy guitar riff; an explosive, shoegazy chorus; and an ethereal vocal from ostensibly Jane herself, “Weeks” is one of those quietly powerful songs that is assuredly going to elicit some feels.  Sometimes we just have to hear from the artist, as they say it best themselves… See what we mean:   “This song is an apology to ourselves, and the people that care about us, for all the wasted time. It’s about the guilt that follows when the Fog finally lifts. The apologies and excuses that need to be made for missing deadlines, ignoring calls, neglecting responsibilities. The fear of the guilt often plays a role in how long the Fog sticks around for. Sometimes we get comfortable[...]

Soul Bandit – “Supermoon”

Soul Bandit is ready to get you going with the hypnotic, ghoul-pop pulse of latest single, “Supermoon.” A simple, modulated refrain of “You are my lucky star” is pounded into your head, overtop of squelching bass synths, glitched-out keyboard leads, and swirling atmospherics… Complete with la-la-la-las to make it a full package. This is perfect for a night drive in your car… Or for dancing like Wednesday Adams in that one scene in Wednesday. It may be closer to Thanksgiving than Halloween, but it’s never too late to be a little bit witchy.   “Supermoon” is on YouTube (below) and Spotify.    

Mark Arabia – HOW WE GOT HERE

Mark Arabia‘s debut album has an all-too-common backstory – it was inspired by a breakup… But let’s be real, the best albums always come from pain. There’s no surprises here – Arabia’s latest, the 11-song HOW WE GOT HERE is full of the stuff you would have gone crazy to back in high school (at least if you were in high school when I was). If you’re a high schooler now, I have no idea how to relate to you, but we’re pretty sure you’re gonna like this too. Mark’s stuff is a throwback to the storytelling greats of ’00s pop punk – and whether you decide to hear Blink-182, All Time Low, Owl City, or Machine Gun Kelly in Mark’s sharp and polished songwriting, he’s still entering the pop-punk oeuvre with a strong narrative of his own.   The album kicks off with title track “HOW WE GOT HERE,” and[...]