Latest Posts

Glass Spells – “Shattered”

July 26, 2021

Synth-soaked trio Glass Spells specialize in retro-flavored compositions that bring to mind 80s post-punk mixed with modern day synthpop flavor. Today, we’re highlighting one of our latest favorite finds, “Shattered;” beyond the obviously earworm chorus, this one is full of tasty, vintage synth tones; warm (and also icy cold) female vocals; and a healthy dose of nostalgia. Fans of Crystal Castles, Still Corners, and CHVRCHES will definitely find lots to love here. You can pre-order Glass Spells’ upcoming LP, also titled Shattered, via Bandcamp. Until then – enjoy the fuchsia-hued video for “Shattered” below.

Welcome Center – “Burn”

July 26, 2021

Jesse Smith and Aaron Sternick are the multi-state electropop duo who make up Welcome Center – the Dallas/Philly duo have been cranking out lovely, synth-laden tunes since their inception in 2017. They caught our ears with the ultimate-chill-out vibes of their latest single, “Burn.” At six-and-a-half minutes, this one is certainly an aural journey, but the subtle undertones of yacht rock bliss really helped propel this one into our hearts. We’ve been sitting back and pretending we’re relaxing on our boats somewhere tropical… But Welcome Center’s modern vibes help us to remember it’s 2021 and not 1976. Check out “Burn” via YouTube below… You can also find it on Spotify if that’s more your thing.

Mallwalkers Say Farewell With First Single from Final LP, “Wasting Away”

July 26, 2021

There’s no band quite like Buffalo’s own Mallwalkers – the nine (?) piece band has been shattering eardrums with their punk/funk raucousness for essentially the last decade. Before they hang up their menagerie of brass/whistles/strings for good, they’re saying farewell with a final LP, Do Something Drastic. We’re highlighting the first single from the record, “Wasting Away;” expect fuzzed-out guitar antics, a full horn section, and bratty punk energy from this one-of-a-kind act. There’s going to be a nonet-sized hole in the Buffalo music scene for quite some time, but at least they’re going out the way they came in… Having fun making noise. Mallwalkers’ final LP, Do Something Drastic, comes out on August 6th via One Percent Press. Preorder it here, and until then, stream the new single via Spotify.

Baby in the 90s – “Chipmunk”

July 26, 2021

New Orleans-based quartet Baby in the 90s caught our ears with the gentle, but soaring indie rock of “Chipmunk.” Pairing passionate vocals with twinkly guitars that explode into walls of sound, Baby in the 90s would fit comfortably on a shelf next to other indie/emo luminaries like Manchester Orchestra, All Get Out, and Microwave. They’ve crafted an animated music video to go along with this excellent tune too – expect lots of animal antics. You can find Baby in the 90s latest offering, Rebuilt From Memory, on Bandcamp. If streaming is more your thing, be sure to check it out on Spotify too.

Gary – “Sorry To Bother You”

July 26, 2021

Gary is a cool collab between two longtime friends – Jayson Gerycz (of Cloud Nothings) and the titular Gary Spolarich. If their pedigree wasn’t reason enough to check this out, we think the blistering indie punk energy of “Sorry To Bother You” will suffice. There is definitely some Cloud Nothings flavor in this one – think angular guitar, bratty vocals, heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics, and drum insanity, but Gary is a dope enough project to stand alone. Take a listen below and we think you’ll see why. Ideas Riding (upon which “Sorry To Bother You” resides) is out now on Old Flame Records. You can find “Sorry To Bother You” on Bandcamp below, or stream it on Spotify. Gary – Ideas Riding by Old Flame Records

Bory – “Sidelined”

July 26, 2021

Here’s a super chill one from Portland-based bedroom popper, Bory (aka songwriter Brenden Ramirez) – “Sidelined” is one of those songs that just immediately puts you in a good headspace. When you make it to the warm, melody-soaked chorus with it’s bouncing bass line and descending melody, you’ll know why we chose to feature this one. The added bonus – there’s a hint of melancholy here to really bring it home. You can find “Sidelined” on Bandcamp and Spotify. Bory · Sidelined

Dojo Holiday – “Whitney’s Lair”

July 23, 2021

Here’s a rip-roaring good time from Dojo Holiday. Reminiscent of Wavves, Cloud Nothings, or Jay Reatard, “Whitney’s Lair” is a wall of noisy guitar cacophony and distorted vocals that is somehow also ridiculously catchy. At a brisk 1:48, this one is over before you know it… But it’s brevity is also its strength, a noisy punk jam that never overstays its welcome and begs for repeat listens. Check out the visually stunning animated music video below – if you’re feeling it, it’s available on Spotify too.

Sky is Alright – “Catacombs”

July 23, 2021

Fuzzed-out, transatlantic duo Sky Is Alright is here to blow your face off with a wall of shoegaze noise – we recommend starting with their latest offering, “Catacombs.” By pairing Smashing Pumpkins fuzz-levels with a haunting, whispery vocal delivery reminiscent of Placebo or Silversun Pickups, Sky is Alright achieves a droning, melancholy feel… But there’s also a surprising amount of pop melody tucked into the folds of fuzz here, with flashes of harmonized guitar leads and clever, cathartic wordplay. If you like what you hear, check out “Catacombs” on Bandcamp and Spotify. Sky is Alright · Catacombs

Leyya – “Lately”

July 22, 2021

Digging this one all the way from Austria – Leyya is a collaborative project between musicians Sophie Lindinger and Marco Kleebauer, and together, they’ve crafted this deeply groovy mix of indie, nu-disco, and electronica. This one feels like it was made for a dancefloor; a jittery rhythm and bouncing bass will surely make you want to move… But there’s also a melancholy darkness here – and they manage to keep that feeling going even through a catchy chorus. Check out the official lyric video for “Lately” below – you’ll also find Leyya on Spotify if that’s more your thing.

I Feel Fine – “Selfsame”

July 22, 2021

Brighton, UK’s I Feel Fine hit that sweet spot between emo, indie rock, and math rock, perfectly evident on their latest offering, “Selfsame.” Bringing to mind other genre luminaries like The Hotelier, American Football, and Buffalo’s own Del Paxton, “Selfsame” itches that basement show vibe, but does it with excellent production and tight instrumentation… Not to mention their excellent use of gang vocals. Check out the animated music video for “Selfsame” below – you can also find IFF on Spotify and Bandcamp.

L.A. EXES – “Skinny Dipping”

July 21, 2021

L.A. EXES are essentially a supergroup (dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover an excellent pedigree), so it’s not too surprising we’ve been digging their latest offering, “Skinny Dipping.” With plenty of retro rock vibes, effervescent lyrical content, and lots of surf-y riffs, the EXES are here to get you feeling good and staying loose while the rest of our summer days trickle away. Their music video features a backyard shindig with lots of animal masks – the perfect feel-good imagery for this lighthearted tune. Watch the fun-filled music video for “Skinny Dipping” below – if you like it, add it to your Spotify playlist.

Doug Tuttle – “Weak Ends”

July 19, 2021

There’s something lovely about “Weak Ends,” the new song from Doug Tuttle. With hints of Wilco, Tom Petty, The War on Drugs, and his own brand of dreampop flavor, “Weak Ends” comes out swinging with an immediately catchy and wholesome melody. Doug really has an ear for catchiness – it’s borderline impossible not to bob your head along to this one. “Weak Ends” is out now on Wild Honey Records – you can also find Doug’s entire discography on Spotify. Wild Honey Records · Doug Tuttle – Weak Ends

Sea Glass x Sky Adler – “Pinecone Alley”

July 19, 2021

Brooklyn’s Sea Glass and Sky Adler teamed up for this cool collab titled “Pinecone Alley.” Sea Glass is a unique collaborative project where each track features a co-writer/vocalist. The electronic backbone here is bolstered by organic guitar strumming and catchy guitar twinkling – Adler’s vocal contributions, however, is what really got us hooked. A uniquely rhythmic chorus about dropping everything and moving to the woods (at least from what we could glean) should be enough to get you sucked in too. You can find “Pinecone Alley” on YouTube (below), Bandcamp, or Spotify.

Bye Beneco – “Red Dress”

July 19, 2021

The last time we checked in with South Africa’s Bye Beneco, we were really feeling their single, “It’s Not True Love” (and its hot-n-bothered music video treatment). They’re back with another synthy dream-pop tune in the form of “Red Dress;” The video highlights a passionate dance routine, but we think you’ll be smitten by the intense synth work and bubbling rhythms here too. Watch the video for “Red Dress” below – you can also stream it on Spotify.

CBKtrxx – “Slowly”

July 19, 2021

Sweden’s CBKtrxx knows how to write a lo-fi pop tune, as evidenced by their latest single, “Slowly.” Airy synths, plodding bass rhythm, and heavenly vocals give this one it’s personality, not to mention a tasteful retro flavor that sounds as timeless as it does contemporary. This song is about taking things day-by-day – and the mood of the music perfectly matches that sentiment. If you’re feeling it as much as we are, “Slowly” can be found on Spotify too. cbktrxx · Slowly