Latest Posts

VVARD – “Touch You”

July 19, 2021

VVARD is a Dutch/Indonesian singer, songwriter, and producer whose latest jam, “Touch You” has been blasting in the buffaBLOG offices as of late. With a subtly-swung beat, airy vocals, and catchy indie-pop sentiment, “Touch” reminds us of the best parts of bands like Now, Now; Men I Trust, or Sylvan Esso. If you’ve been feeling lonely and looking forward to the touch of your loved one, this tune was tailor-made for you. If you like “Touch You” as much as we do, check it out on Apple Music or Spotify.

Novaa – “I’m Hungry”

July 19, 2021

CW: eating disorders Here’s a super powerful one from Germany’s Novaa – “I’m Hungry” perfectly encapsulates the struggles of having an eating disorder and does it with fantastic, honest, and powerful story telling. Lyrically this one is best heard for yourself, but otherwise, this excellently-unassuming slice of electropop (think Sylvan Esso, Phantogram) highlights Novaa’s soothing voice and penchant for relaxing and sophisticated instrumentals. This one moved us – listen below and if you like it, swing by Spotify to add “I’m Hungry” to your playlist. Novaa · I’m Hungry

ANNNA – “Sunburn”

July 19, 2021

We just couldn’t resist the ultra-cool electropop from Netherlands-based ANNNA here on “Sunburn.” If the song’s title wasn’t hint enough, this tune is the ultimate summer jam – try it out poolside or at your next family BBQ. We guarantee your mom will like the retro disco flavor without sacrificing any of the 2021-era production value that your cool cousins crave. Laid back, catchy, and summery – the perfect way to kick back and relax as we enter these upcoming dog days. Preview “Sunburn” below – you can also find ANNNA on Spotify. ANNNA · ANNNA – Sunburn (Official Master)

The Volclays – “Fell For You”

July 19, 2021

California quintet The Volclays caught our ears recently with their latest jam, “Fell For You.” They make a unique mix of psych rock, surf-inspired music, and new wave flavor, reminiscent of The Growlers or Allah-Las. Right away, you’ll notice a buzzy keyboard wiggling it’s way through the track – the cherry-on-top of a groovy, reverb-drenched, goth-tinged good time. We think you’ll like “Fell For You” too – check it out below via Bandcamp (on their EP, Talk It Over), or swing by their Spotify to check them out there. Talk It Over by The Volclays

Doo Crowder – “Gratitude (feat. Celie Dailey & Shana Vorhauer)”

July 14, 2021

Doo Crowder specializes in “avant/traditional music” or “praying in the dark-core” (their words, not ours)… But somehow, these genre amalgamations make total sense when you listen to his latest offering, “Gratitude.”  Crowder (and his accomplices Celie Dailey and Shana Vorhauer) have crafted a borderline freak-folk, electronica-flavored tune with a pure and honest sunny disposition. This one would sit comfortably on a shelf next to the output of early 2000s Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens, or Electric President. We’re totally smitten with the squiggly synth splashes throughout “Gratitude.” Check it out below via YouTube or swing by Spotify for a streaming option.

Lucky Idiot – “Nice Day”

July 14, 2021

Loving this warbly new jam, all the way from Australia. Lucky Idiot is a brand new three-piece specializing in dreamy indie pop with a pleasant punch. We recommend “Nice Day” as the perfect place to start – with it’s omni-pleasant guitar twinkle, thick drum flavor, and it’s ultra-catchy “yeah-yeah-yeah” refrains, we think this tune is anything but idiotic… They just want everyone to try to have a nice day, and we can totally get behind that. “Nice Day” is available via Soundcloud below, but you can also find Lucky Idiot on Spotify. Lucky Idiot · Nice Day

Crooked Steps – “Try Try Try”

July 14, 2021

We’ve been feeling this summery, surf-rock jam from Belgian trio Crooked Steps. Their newest jam (and the fun music video for) “Try Try Try” has that feel-good, sunshiny aura that makes summertime so special. With plunky guitar flavor, retro-flavored backup vocals, and lyrics about persevering despite all odds, we think “Try Try Try” is going to make it onto your summer playlists. PS – stick around for the full-fledged guitar solo. Watch the music video for “Try Try Try” below – you can find the song on basically any platform by following this link as well.

Lola Scott – “Jogging Shoes”

July 5, 2021

Last time we checked in with Sydney-based singer/songwriter Lola Scott, we were gushing over the magical vibes of her then-latest single, “i wanted to call her but i’m tragic & she’s overseas (8 months) [sic].” She’s back, this time with another lovelorn single called “Jogging Shoes.” Swimmy flourishes, bouncy basslines, fun chord progressions, and heart-on-her-sleeve lyrics all come together to make this an irresistible listen – this feels like where indie pop should be here in 2021. Check out the fun, lo-fi music video for “Jogging Shoes” below.

Griffith James – “Market and Black (feat. Tennis)”

July 5, 2021

LA-based singer/songwriter Griffith James teamed up with indie pop luminaries Tennis for his debut single, “Market and Black.” Featuring vocals from Tennis’ Alaina Moore (Tennis also produced James’ upcoming album), “M&B” is a buoyant indie pop jam with hints of psychedelic rock, acoustic folk, and retro rock. It’s tight and urgent, while also letting James’ surprisingly soothing vocals shine through. We loved this debut – watch the video below and be sure to check him out on Apple Music or Spotify.

Ring Finger No Pinky – “Girl Tsunami”

July 5, 2021

Ring Finger No Pinky defy categorization – precisely why we found ourselves so drawn to the lo-fi-ish vibes of “Girl Tsunami.” Equal parts post-punk, garage rock, and modern indie rock (and with a touch of math rock and hardcore), “Tsunami” changes from angular, robotic verses to a guitar-bomb chorus, complete with throat-shredding screamalongs. There’s a lot to take in here, and yet, it feels familiar and digestible all at once. Have a listen for yourself and see what’s up. If you’re interested in more from RFNP, check out their Spotify. Ring Finger No Pinky · Girl Tsunami

TEOSE – “Oh”

July 5, 2021

We’re loving the grungy vulnerability coming out of Glasgow three-piece TEOSE. “Oh” has it all – the alternative, guitar-based brilliance of 90s college rock; 2021-era heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics; and a uniquely swung rhythm that’s as hypnotic as it is ear-catching. Even beyond the lyrical catharsis, the song finds writer/producer Melissa Brisbane crafting la-la-la and oh-oh earworm vocal melodies. It’s a win all-around. “Oh” is available all over the internet – check your options out here. TEOSE · Oh

Tunnel Snakes – “Lemon and Salt”

July 1, 2021

Michigan-based duo Tunnel Snakes (sick Fallout 3 reference) debuted with a fun and propulsive indie rock single called “Lemon and Salt.” The duo’s fun-loving approach is evident in their upbeat brand of indie rock – expect lots of bouncy guitar goodness, upbeat drum presence, and the occasional cowbell. Fans of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, The Strokes, and The Shins (at their most upbeat) are gonna love this one. Give “Lemon and Salt” a preview via YouTube below – it’s also available via a number of listening platforms which can all be viewed here.

Summer Like The Season – “Root Mean Square”

July 1, 2021

Here’s an absolute stunner from Detroit-based indie-electronica act Summer Like The Season. “Root Means Square” brings the intricate electronica of Sylvan Esso and pairs it with Summer’s eclectic and ear-catching vocal delivery. Harmonies build upon each other, strange electronic samples pop in out of nowhere, and a driving-but-reserved electronic beat keeps things steadily moving along. The flawless production on “Root” is best experienced for yourself, preferably with headphones. Check it out below, via Bandcamp, or on Spotify. Summer Like The Season · 03 RMS

Cathedral Pearls – “Wasted Days”

June 28, 2021

Here’s a stunner from Spokane-based trio Cathedral Pearls. With it’s jangly guitar presence, slow-burning tempo, and haunting vocal presence, “Wasted Days” could fit comfortably on a shelf next to other shoegaze/dreampop luminaries like Mazzy Star or Slowdive. We love the simmering beginning, but “Days” really picks up around the four-minute mark – be sure to stick around for an explosive and emotional ending. You can find Cathedral Pearls on Spotify too. Cathedral Pearls · Wasted Days

Persona 749 – “Live Order, Pt. 2”

June 28, 2021

Persona 749 is a bit of a mystery to us, but we can’t help but be drawn to the eclectic energy of “Live Order, Pt. 2.” Part bedroom-pop, part garage-rock, part nihilistic energy, “Live Order” has a DI-sound recording wise but it totally works for their aesthetic. We particularly like the plucky guitar riff that drops in when the song picks up the pace about midway through. If YouTube simply isn’t enough, you can also find “Live Order Pt.2” (and “Live Order Pt. 1”) on Spotify. P