We can’t resist this synth-y indie rocker from NYC-based CITYGIRL. Fronted by moody dynamo Marisa Ferdenzi, “Sharp Distance” showcases elements of retro pop, shoegaze, indie rock and post-punk. Frantic drums lay underneath Ferdenzi’s hush-hush delivery as she sings about wasted nights and empty promises. This one’s perfect for a late night drive – check it out below. It’s also on Spotify if you prefer streaming there. CITYGIRL · Sharp Distance
LA band The Wash caught us off guard with the surprising vulnerability of their latest song, “Cat.” Part of a larger, 11-song LP, “Cat” finds the band plodding forth on a Radiohead-esque riff while they experiment with unique drum sounds and softly-sung vocals. The result is somber and introspective while still retaining a strong sense of melody and individuality. This is low-key bedroom-indie at it’s finest – check out “Cat” below or swing by Bandcamp to check out the entire self-titled LP. The Wash · Cat
Solo-act teeballpaul (aka Paul Gordon) nailed it on this funky, 80s-tinged banger. “Full House” takes on the retro campiness of the 80s and pairs it with modern-day nu-disco sensibility. A huge bassline presence and snappy, electronic drums propel this one forward, pairing nicely with Paul‘s pleasant tenor. It’s campy, it’s fun, and it’s sure to get your head nodding along. Check it out below – it’s also on Spotify. teeballpaul · Full House
The Hamiltones have been kicking around Buffalo for years now, crafting epic, spindly surf-punk that brings to mind The Ventures, The Cramps and Dick Dale. They’re also fiercely individualistic – this time around, they’ve crafted an utterly unique batch of songs, 14 to be exact, self-described as “the score of the most ridiculous, b-movie Dracula film no one has ever seen (and may not even really exist).” Welcome to Dracula Invitational, 1791, a next-level concept album that tells the story about how the Hamiltones were invited to be the house band at the most infamous Dracula party in the world. The whole plot is spelled out in a wax-sealed letter that’s included with every record. The Hamiltones went all out for this, including a huge centerfold illustration depicting the Dracula party drawn by Buffalo-based illustrator Mickey Harmon. Songs like “No, Let’s Eat the Musicians” (which is accompanied by a music video[...]
Here’s a dope one from Brooklyn-based punk act The Black Black. Bringing to mind the frantic dancefloor energy of Death From Above 1979 or even The Rapture, “Satisfaction” immediately makes us want to move. The vocals and guitar are excellent here, but the electric rhythm section has a chance to truly shine through. Pairing a prominent bass presence with very dance-able drum flavor was a fantastic move on TBB’s end. “Satisfaction” is also on Spotify – check it out there too.
Zilched (aka singer/songwriter Chloë Drallos) has been creating swirly noise-pop since the project was founded in 2017. “The Knife” is yet another stellar addition to her already impressive catalogue – filled with swimmy guitars, dizzying energy from the rhythm section, and dreamy, slacker-esque vocals, “Knife” embodies the anxious and dark energy of her home base, Detroit… Us Buffalonians can relate to that notorious hometown ethos. “The Knife” also has a DIY music video, featured below. You can also find Zilched’s entire discography on Spotify.
Nothing like some menacing post-punk energy to get your blood pumping – loving the aggressively gloomy vibes on SOLD‘s new track, “A New Wind.” Spindly, reverb-laden guitar tracks twirl overtop overdriven bass bombast. The result is something gothy but also full of energy – Interpol, The Editors, and Ceremony would be proud. Check it out via YouTube below – you can also find “A New Wind” on Spotify.
Boh Doran has had a long and storied career in the music biz, but she’s been truly flexing her singer/songwriter wings on her most recent solo material. “CATS CRADLE” is a perfect example – this 90s-esque tune combining guitar strumming, synth flourishes, and punchy drums with Boh’s distinctly smoky vocal delivery. The result is something warm and endearing that will appeal to fans of Lana Del Ray, Mazzy Star, or Now, Now. Check out “CATS CRADLE” via the Soundcloud widget below – you can also find it on Spotify. Boh Doran · CATS CRADLE
We’re digging this lighthearted jangler from Sweden-based Goblin & Box. “I’m Alright” has a sunny disposition, but not aggressively so… It has the perfect amount of upbeat guitar rhythm to read “bouncy and fun” without the sugary pitfalls of extra-saccharine sweetness. With jittery splashes of auxiliary percussion and just enough indie rock crunch, this one sounds like if Bloc Party and The Shins had a love-child. Check it out below – “I’m Alright” can also be found on Spotify. goblins & box · I’m alright
Bologna, Italy-based band altre di B (a unique name that comes from the matches not included in the B leagues’ football betting) has existed for just about a decade, crafting post-punk tinged indie rock with hints of euphoria and atmosphere. They caught our ears with the angular jaunt of “Green Tea Tiramisù,” which combines the spunk of early 00s garage rock (think The Strokes or Arctic Monkeys) with more moody post-punk flavor. Check it out below – you can also find it on Spotify.
Last time we checked in with Edmonton-based multi-instrumentalist/producer Motorbike James, we were smitten by his song “Enamored.” He’s back with another immaculate slice of indietronica, this time in the form of “Automatic.” Something about James’ tunes is mysterious and intriguing, but it always remains melodic and tightly-focused. It’s bedroom-y, but sublimely-so. This one is a must listen – check it out via the YouTube embed below or swing by Spotify if that’s more your thing.
Vancouver’s Robot Heart is a Canadian act whose “Robot Heart” has been hitting us hard. Bringing to mind Americana greats like The War on Drugs, Bruce Springsteen, or even the Killers – “Robot” is full of ahhh-ahhh vocal hooks, gauzy synth flourishes, and of course, plenty of anthemic guitar energy. Check it out below – you can also find The Long War on Spotify. The Long War · 02 Robot Heart
Bealby Point is a cool new band based in Vancouver, BC that we’ve been crushing on lately. Their latest jam is called “I’m So Bummed Out Right Now,” a high-energy indie rocker with angular guitar energy and a heady dose of mid-aughts flavor. “Bummed” reminds us of the Strokes with a bit more angst – the unique melodies and spindly basslines here are really something else. Check it out below – they are also on Spotify. Bealby Point · I’m So Bummed Out Right Now
Captain Rico & the Ghost Band here with a surf rock jam to rival ALL surf rock jams. Following in the footsteps of “Miserlou” or “Wipeout” is “Epic Wave,” pretty much exactly like it sounds like. A reverb-soaked extravaganza of plucky guitar acrobatics, nimble bass lines, and even a full-fledged drum solo. It’s all set off by a psychedelic video, perfect imagery for this retro-flavored tune. Check it out below – it’s also available at lots of other places via this link.
Something about “Constance” by Portland, ME act Mouth Washington just rips. It’s a noisy, almost-discordant punk rock jangle with plenty of charming, angular guitar riffing that sounds like it’s an inch from falling to pieces – think Fugazi meets Pixies meets Nirvana. If the raucous sing-screaming doesn’t grip you by the soul, we think the “Where is your Mind?” ooooh-oooh-ooohs will inevitably hook you in. This one is best experienced for yourself – check it out below via Bandcamp, or put it on your daily playlist via Spotify. Constance by Mouth Washington