Latest Posts

Thrillhouse – “Take Care”

June 8, 2021

Brighton based act Thrillhouse create crushing, synth-flavored indie-rock that’s right up our alley – we recommend their latest single “Take Care.” The song is full of varied musicianship (think bouncing bass keyboards, a fuzzy guitar solo, sparkling guitar atmospherics) and a hush-hush vocal delivery reminiscent of 80s-era post-punk… Stick around for the ethereal bridge before the final chorus. We think you’re gonna like “Take Care” – preview it on Soundcloud below and then swing by Spotify to add it to your playlist. Thrillhouse · Take Care

King Willow – “Kiddie Pool”

June 8, 2021

Sister duo King Willow (aka Amanda and Julianna Salguero) recently caught our ears with the laid-back indie pop of “Kiddie Pool.” Born in the Northeast but currently based in San Francisco, the Salgueros combine sultry harmonies and vintage vibes into their simple, contemporary sound. As accessible as “Kiddie Pool” is, it’s also eclectic – alongside acoustic guitars there’s a swirly keyboard riff and shotgun sample (MIA style) tossed in. This one is a cool, summertime jam – check it out via YouTube below and then swing by Spotify to add it to a playlist.

Paragon Cause – “Think I’m Going Crazy Over You”

June 7, 2021

Ottawa-based duo Paragon Cause have us reeling over their latest offering, “Think I’m Going Crazy Over You.” The duo, Jay Bonaparte and vocalist/keyboardist Michelle Opthof, craft dark and mysterious synthpop tunes with an ever-so-slight industrial tinge. We’re particularly drawn to the chorus here – it’s simple, repetitive, and it feels like we’ve known it forever. Check out the psychedelic visuals of “Crazy” below – if you dig it, be sure to swing by their Spotify.

Kirty – “Turn You On”

June 7, 2021

Here’s a cool one from Toronto-based singer/songwriter Kirty. Reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers or Soccer Mommy, “Turn You On” is a fuzzy, mid-tempo indie rocker with a prominent, buzzy keyboard lead. The song also comes with a stunning music video that finds Kirty literally on the menu for a gluttonous royal; the juxtaposition of 2021-esque music against medieval visuals is certainly something we’d recommend watching. Check out the video below – you can also find Kirty on Spotify.

HeartBlanch – “Slow”

June 7, 2021

We’ve been loving on this single all the way from Ukraine. Kiev-based band HeartBlanch just released “Slow” – an ethereal mix of post-punk and indie rock. Full of haunting vocals, mechanical and calculated guitar strums, and an emotional delivery, we think “Slow” would slot well into any playlist next to Coldplay, Interpol, or Bloc Party. Preview “Slow” via Soundcloud below – if you like it, add it to your Spotify playlist. HeartBlanch · Slow

Hotel Decor – “Could It Take Me Any Longer”

June 3, 2021

Not too long ago, we were raving about the psychedelic dream-pop of “All The Rage” by Hotel Decor. What can we say – we’re on a HD kick, this time with the summery 80s vibes of “Could It Take Me Any Longer.” While “Rage” was a bit more Tame Impala inspired, “Longer” feels more like a Still Woozy or Mac Demarco song. With Casio-drum-machine vibes, warbly synths, and wavery guitar shimmering, this one will make a perfect pool side jam for the upcoming months. Check out the bedroom-y DIY music vid for “Longer” below – then add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.

Pale Moon – “Parachutes”

June 3, 2021

Pale Moon is a unique, multi-continental duo who hail from Iceland and Siberia respectively. They’re inspired by the music of the 1970s (think Fleetwood Mac), but make distinctly 2021-flavored feel-good indie-pop. “Parachutes” is one of those songs that instantly puts you into a good mood – with hints of psychedelic sunshine and a bit of magical retro energy, we think “Parachutes” will find it’s way onto your favorite upbeat playlist. Get familiar with “Parachutes” via the YouTube video below. After that, you can find Pale Moon on Spotify.

Amos the Kid – “Alright”

June 2, 2021

Amos the Kid (otherwise known as singer/songwriter Amos Nadlersmith) hit us hard with the laid back swagger of his latest tune, “Alright.” Sounding like a mix of Phoebe Bridgers and Manchester Orchestra, “Alright” plods along with a mid-tempo groove, sounding semi-anxious and quasi-relaxed all at once. The cherry-on-top here are the shared vocal duties with Jensen Fridfinnson, who provides a lovely lilting presence to Amos’ distinct drawl. Check it out below – you can also find Amos the Kid on Spotify. House of Wonders · Amos the Kid – Alright

the Nielsen Family Band – “Act of Love”

June 2, 2021

Here’s a unique slice of freak-folk-inspired indie rock from the Nielsen Family Band. In the lyric video for “Act of Love,” the band places faces (animation by Jordan Capizzi) on the photography of Michelle Johnsen… The result is a bunch of talking mushrooms, flowers, and mountains mouthing the words to this otherwise chill indie rocker. Borderline haunting-falsetto and alt-country-tinged guitar help to keep this one moving along at a pace that keeps things interesting. We really dig this one – check out the lyric video below or swing by the Nielsen Family Band‘s Spotify page for more.

Tristan Armstrong – “It Can’t Be Nashville Every Night” (Tragically Hip Cover)

June 2, 2021

Gord Downey and the Tragically Hip are mythical figures here in Buffalo and beyond, so we’re typically hesitant to give approval to just any old cover of The Hip. We think Toronto-native Tristan Armstrong did a fantastic job capturing the energy of the iconic Canadian band on his cover of “It Can’t Be Nashville Every Night,” all the way down to the album art. A bit of bedroom-pop energy mixed with some Spoon influences, plus Armstrong’s distinct vocal stylings, help this cover embody the eclectic nature of the original with just enough original flare to set it apart. Good stuff, Tristan. You can find “Nashville” on both Bandcamp and Spotify. Tristan Armstrong · It Can’t Be Nashville Every Night

Colour Tongues – “Fire”

May 26, 2021

We hope you’ll recognize Colour Tongues from our previous features – the proggy indie rock of “Southbound” and the more colorful indie-pop of “Wasted.” They’re back again with a new song called “Fire” which finds the band turning up the intensity (or at least the tempo) quite a bit. Layered thick with the riffy guitar goodness you’ve come to love from these guys, “Fire” blasts along at a blistering pace. Reminiscent of the indie rock from the late aughts, this one has a sparkling mix that feels unique to Colour Tongues alone. You can listen to “Fire” below – they also have a Spotify with a healthy discography to explore. Colour Tongues · Fire

ViVii – “Smackdown”

May 26, 2021

Last time we checked in with our Swedish friends in ViVii, we were jamming to the sunny dream-pop of their excellent song, “One Day.” We’re happy to say they’re back (!) with another jangle-pop masterpiece, this time in the form of “Smackdown.” Propelled by acoustic guitar strums, a thumping bass presence, and spaced-out otherworldly vocals, “Smackdown” slowly evolves from a bumping indie rocker into something cosmic and dreamy (as only ViVii can do). We dug this one a lot – check out “Smackdown” below or check out ALL the ways you can support ViVii by using this link. ViVii · Smackdown

Lips – “Your Deoderant Doesn’t Work”

May 26, 2021

Loving this kiss-off (pun intended) all the way from Auckland, New Zealand. Lips‘ latest, “Your Deodorant Doesn’t Work” falls somewhere between bratty and tongue-in-cheek (pun intended, again) and the result is something that is both humorous and spot-on. Pointed commentary about natural deodorant, crystal healing, and your band should be enough to put at least a smile on your face (pun intended, again again)… But we digress. The real treat here is that this song is actually incredibly catchy, synth-soaked indie rock with teeth (last pun, we promise). We love this one, including the abstract fun of the music video below. There are lots of ways to enjoy Lips – check them all out here.

Sub*T – “Boxing Day”

May 25, 2021

Fuzzy duo Sub*T were born from a love of live music… And they didn’t let a cross-country distance stop them from writing a raucous debut single in “Boxing Day.” Jade Alcantara and Grace Bennett have stuffed their song full of ferocious fuzz, driving drums, lyrical sincerity, and a real knack for pop melody. Liz Phair and Veruca Salt would be proud… But so would Great Grandpa and Bully. We think you’re gonna love this debut – check it out on Bandcamp below or swing by Spotify to add it to your favorite playlist. Boxing Day by Sub*T

COOL HEAT – “Levitate”

May 25, 2021

Last time we checked in with Chicago’s COOL HEAT – we were loving on the haunting-yet-driven vibes of “Letting It Go.” We just can’t get enough of CH’s gothy dream-pop, so we’re sharing another one of our favs… “Levitate.” It is another profoundly haunting track reminiscent of New Order, CASTLEBEAT, or even Salvia Plath – with its driving drums, hooky synth flavor, and ethereal vocals, we think this one will scratch all your spooky itches. Check out the music video for “Levitate” below – you can also find COOL HEAT on Spotify.