Latest Posts

Temples of Youth – “Mercury”

Temples of Youth are a UK-based duo who combine elements of shoegaze, grunge, and synth-pop into their compositions. Their latest offering, “Mercury,” is on the grungier side of things – full of thick and crunchy guitars lines, psychedelic swirling, and a spaced-out vocal delivery, this one will appeal equally to fans of Nirvana, Slowdive, and every band in between. This one is a secret earworm – check it out below or swing by Spotify if that’s your preferred streaming platform. Temples of Youth · Mercury

MoonBee – “You Are Not A Lonely Planet (feat. The Astronauts)”

Loving this sparkly, airy indie-pop tune from Denmark-based act MoonBee. “You Are Not A Lonely Planet” combines soothing aspects of dream-pop, nu-disco, and electropop into a galactic exploration of love and the infiniteness of the universe. Between the excellent vocal delivery and the shimmery, retro-adjacent instrumental palette, this one has the perfect vibes that will put you in a lovely headspace. Don’t miss out – Check it out via YouTube below or on Spotify if you want to add it to your playlists.

Wild Once Release New Music Video for “Alone by Choice”

Buffalo indie/emo mainstays Wild Once are back (or still here, rather) with a brand new music video for “Alone by Choice” – the video showcases the band’s members in various states of relative solitude before bringing back them together to play in the same room once more. In an impressively choreographed shot, singer Tom Mayer plays his guitar in a kayak… Hopefully it didn’t fall overboard. This video feels especially poignant after the socially distant hell that most of us have been living through this past year. For that matter, Wild Once’s unique brand of ambient punk-meets-indie-meets-americana energy is the perfect accompaniment. Wild Once recorded “Alone by Choice” with Jay Zubricky at GCR studios this past August 2020. If you like what you see/hear, it can be found on We Did it Anyway, out now on Bandcamp and Spotify

Hearts Hearts – “The Fan (feat. OSKA)”

Here’s an infectious indie popper from Austrian quartet Hearts Hearts and their collab partner OSKA. “The Fan” has a distinctly island-y vibe, perfect for poolside jamming or feel-good get-togethers… But since most of us are trapped inside by snow (and/or socially isolated) right now, rocking out unabashedly to “The Fan” is the next best option! Check out the video below – it’s a colorful, vintage-flavored affair that perfectly matches the song’s happy aesthetic.

Kelly McMichael – “Out The Window”

We like this quirky indie-popper from Canadian singer/songwriter Kelly McMichael. “Out the Window” has enough blips and bloops to bring to mind 80s staples like Cyndi Lauper or The Cars, but bubbles with enough early aughts indie rock energy to please nuanced millennial ears. The video finds Kelly & co. having a good time romping around their homes and playing a show on stage (RIP shows)… Check it out below or via Bandcamp if that’s more your thing.

Causeway Youth – “Small Talk”

Singapore-based duo Causeway Youth recently jangled their way into our hearts with the dreamy indie pop of “Small Talk.” Their particular brand of emo-tinged dream-pop brings to mind Turnover or Real Estate – with a sunny guitar delivery, vaguely romantic lyrics about awkward small talk, unique chord progressions, and a sincere vocal delivery, this one feels timeless while also appealing to fans of the mid-aughts indie/emo scene. Give these two a listen via Bandcamp below, or Spotify if that’s more your thing. Small Talk by Causeway Youth

Kowloon – “Late Last Night”

Ultra-chill, LA-based singer/songwriter Kowloon is no stranger to buffaBLOG – we’ve previously featured his low-key, soundtrack-to-a-nighttime-drive tune “Come Over.” He’s back with another trademark jam, also respectfully understated, called “Late Last Night.” Pairing nu-disco guitar bleats with a super-tasteful, simmering instrumental, “Late Last Night” feels like it would be as great relaxing beachside as it would for a romantic night in. Don’t sleep on Kowloon – check it out below via Soundcloud or at Spotify via the provided link. Kowloon · Late Last Night

Ian Deaton – “An Immoral Brain”

Atlanta-based musician/film-composer Ian Deaton is here with the frantic 80s electropunk of “An Immoral Brain.” Sounding like the offspring of The Misfits, Atom and his Package, and 1980s post-punk, “Immoral Brain” pairs high-octane keyboard bleats with a blistering Casio drumbeat and Deaton’s deranged-but-restrained lyrics: “I’m a serial killer/but I’m never gonna hurt anyone/I don’t want you to die.” This quirky jam really gets our blood pumping – check it out below or at Ian’s Bandcamp page. Ian Deaton · An Immoral Brain (off the upcoming cassette Moon Howler)

Sunroot x Darkwater and Stars – “Ur Face ‘der”

Digging this emotional and cathartic collab between Sunroot and Darkwater and Stars – “Ur Face ‘der” reminds us of early Modest Mouse mixed with elements of modern dream pop and electronica. Sunroot is otherwise known as Mark Richardson, a Houston-based songwriter who has previously played with Daniel Johnston. This collab also features Melissa Shawn Griffin (Darkwater and Stars) – together, they’ve crafted something unique, mysterious, and surprisingly catchy. “Ur Face” defies categorization, it’s best to listen for yourself – check it out below or on Spotify. Sunroot · Ur Face ‘der

Echo Frame – “Red Carpet”

Here’s a dope indie rocker from Echo Frame. The Vancouver-based solo act embodies a very 2021 sound on this latest jam while still nodding toward the garage rock of the early aughts (think The Strokes, etc.). A driving bass line, echo-y guitar splashes, and reverbed-out post-punky vocals move this one forward. We think you’re gonna like this a lot – check it out below via YouTube before swinging by Spotify.

Toby Whyle – “Quiet the Silence”

Singer/songwriter Toby Whyle is here with the powerfully cathartic indie-pop of “Quiet the Silence.” The Austrian songsmith has been writing songs for over a decade, and his well-earned finesse is quite evident here on “Silence.” Snappy drums, immaculate production, and tasteful synth flourishes help to push this one forward, fleshed out with heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics like: “We just talk to quiet the science/Is there nothing left to say?/We just talk to ease our conscience/I might as well just sleep” This one certainly struck a chord with us, pun intended. Check it out below, Toby is also on Spotify. Toby Whyle · Quiet the Silence

Death From Above 1979 – “One + One”

Death From Above 1979 need no introduction… 2004’s You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine is/was an iconic slice of fuzz-dance glory – they also successfully launched a triumphant return in the early 2010s and have been crafting electric dance-punk ever since. Their latest offering, “One + One” continues that successful formula – speaker shredding-bass thunder and ultra-tight drums come together in this video that pairs their sweaty nightclub energy with… Cows and four wheelers? It’s a strange juxtaposition, but this video somehow feels as DFA1979 as ever. We dig this one a lot – watch the vid below before swinging by their Spotify.

Sarah Cicero – “Letter to the Editor”

Brooklyn’s Sarah Cicero recently released a fun. indie-pop kiss-off to overrated height. Here in “Letter to the Editor,” Sarah sings, “The only thing I liked at all/was that you were over six feet tall/but you’re done making me feel small/so please don’t call” Beyond eloquently telling a 6′ monstrosity to buzz off, Sarah’s music embodies that sad-and-lonely twenty-something energy… But does it with phat bass tone, melodic hooks, and most importantly, sincerity. “Letter to the Editor” is available pretty much everywhere – check them all out here.

Tiger Darrow – “MRNG BRTH”

“MRNG BRTH” is an unconventional pop jam… But that’s exactly why we’re digging it so much. NYC-based singer/songwriter Tiger Darrow has packed her new song full of traditional instruments (think string plucks and violin strums) and pairs it with blippy, Postal-Service-esque electronic flavor. Perhaps it’s no surprise – Tiger started her career as a classical cellist… But it’s still an eclectic slice of pop flavor that truly stands out in a crowded field. This is a must-listen, especially for fans of Billie Eilish or Lorde. Check it out below via Soundcloud. If you like it, Tiger is also on Spotify. Tiger Darrow · MRNG BRTH

Phantom Handshakes – “No Better Plan”

Phantom Handshakes is a Brooklyn-based collab between Matt Sklar (Exiles) and Federica Tassano (Sooner, Mônetre). Their latest offering, Be Estranged, houses seven lo-fi, bedroom-pop with lots of dreamy pop sentiment. We’re particularly drawn to the swimmy, post-punk flavor of “No Better Plan.” With it’s plunky, watery guitar lines and earworm na-na-nas, “Plan” will scratch your itch for indie clout AND infectious melodies. Check it out below, they’re on Spotify too. Phantom Handshakes · No Better Plan