Latest Posts

Jack Manley – “Way Loud”

August 12, 2025

We’re lucky to still have Jack Manley – written after a near-fatal drug overdose, his latest offering, “Way Loud” is a powerful meditation on the “long road back to yourself.” Working in conjunction with that powerful context, the post-punk meets shoegaze of Manley’s music provides a perfect backdrop for this anthem of recovery. Dark and mysterious without ever losing its strong sense of melody, this is the kind of song that digs deep into your psyche… Moreover, as Manley puts it, “Way Loud” isn’t a cry for attention, it’s the sound of someone still trying to stay alive.   “Way Loud” has a lovely music video (embedded below), or, you can check it out via Spotify.  

Amateur Hockey Club – “UPPERCASE!”

August 8, 2025

Stalwart Buffalo-based emo-punks Amateur Hockey Club are back with a brand new song, “UPPERCASE!,” found on the recently-released (August 1st, 2025) three-song-EP of the same name. The title-track is built around a jaunty lead guitar riff and razor-sharp vocals, playing around with pop-punk undertones, but mostly adhering to a Motion City Soundtrack meets Third Eye Blind kind of power pop… aka “IPA-rock,” as they’ve affectionately (and somehow accurately) deemed themselves. Even though the song’s about battling negative self talk, it’s a fun and engaging ride across its 2:41 run time, which includes a guitar solo, some tasty self-deprecation, and lots of energy.   Check out “UPPERCASE!” on Apple Music, Spotify, or the Soundcloud embed below.   Amateur Hockey Club · UPPERCASE!

Men Without Hats – “I ❤️ the ’80s”

August 4, 2025

Men Without Hats – yes, that Men Without Hats – the electro-pop pioneers you might recognize from “The Safety Dance” or “Pop Goes The World,” are back with a brand new single. “I ❤️ the ’80s” takes us on a nostalgic journey, a self-aware homage to the deep love that folks have for the big-hair-era… And beyond the references to Terminator, “Just Like Heaven,” and The Fixx, Doroschuk & co. have written something genuinely catchy. The band never abandons their roots (there’s an actual vintage Prophet 5 synth on this particular recording) with more than a couple cheeky nods to their hits and an undeniable synth lead, but the modern day production helps keep this one rooted in our current zeitgeist. Queue this one up at your next family get together – we bet your mom’s going to love it too.   Check out the official music video for “I ❤️[...]

Tabloid Nation – They Never Told Us Why

July 30, 2025

NYC based alt rockers Tabloid Nation (TN) have a foundation built “pre-9/11.” Whether that’s a testament to their politically-charged leanings, or an unshakeable bond 20+ years in the making, it certainly informs the energy found on their latest offering, the 11-song They Never Told Us Why. Channeling a muscle car abandon (their words, not ours, but apt words nonetheless), these songs certainly sound muscular – expect rip-roaring guitars, honeyed melodies, and an accessible rock ‘n roll sound that sounds equal parts Alkaline Trio and Rise Against, with a not-so-subtle nod toward the foundational 1990’s sound where they laid their first bricks.   The band slams into your consciousness with opener “I’ll Make It Up To You.” There’s a Matt Skiba-esque drawl found here, soaring overtop their aforementioned rock ‘n roll backbone… And while the band is certainly rooted in a pleasantly accessible alt rock formatting, there are hints of other[...]

Liquid Pennies – Fore

July 25, 2025

You gotta love a band that describe themselves as “psychedelic explorers;” that’s exactly how St. Petersburg-based act Liquid Pennies introduce themselves… And honestly, it’s a pretty apt description. The power trio specializes in a hard-to-describe sound, combining elements of prog, psych rock, and indie with a little bit of je ne sais quoi powder sprinkled overtop. They’re proud to announce their latest offering, Fore, which explores all of the aforementioned elements in a tight-but-expansive collection of eight intriguing songs. With a laundry list of wild influences – think The Mars Volta, TV on the Radio, The Smile, and King Crimson (and anything and everything in between), it’s not hard to imagine that Liquid Pennies are here to push a few boundaries. Luckily for us listeners, they do it in an exquisitely listenable way, a challenge for some prog-ish acts, but not this talented trio.   The album opens with “Tapered Scape,”[...]

Eli Lev – Past Lives

July 20, 2025

Eli Lev included the voices of his actual ancestors on his upcoming release – the tellingly-named Past Lives… And when we say that his relatives are “included,” we don’t just mean as an iPhone voice memo clip, or some random interlude. Eli actually works their essence into this five-song collection of folk-coded indie pop in a way that feels poignant and reverent. You can call it a concept album, but Past Lives is more than that – it’s a celebration of Eli’s foundation as a person. Here’s a little more about what their inclusion means to him:   “This album honors my ancestors… Their voices and stories are the foundation of who I am. I wanted to bring them forward – not just in memory, but in sound, in rhythm, in life.”   The album opens with “Echo,” in this case, an introduction to both Eli and his family. Eli’s music[...]

Tristan Turdean – 5 SONGS TO GET OVER YOU

July 17, 2025

Tristan Turdean aims to tug at our collective heartstrings with a brand new breakup EP that traverses all the different stages of grief… From denial all the way through acceptance (we omitted anger, bargaining, and the all-encompassing depression, but Tristan sure didn’t), 5 SONGS TO GET OVER YOU is a nu-age pop-punk journey that aims to assault all of your senses with powerful musical compositions, heart-on-your-sleeve vocals, and excellent production.   Normally we’d start with the opening song, but we’re giving our nod for album favorite to album closer, “Leave You In The Past.” While the rest of the EP is an incredible ride, there is something special about hearing Tristan’s acceptance of his situation. Especially since, as per his words: “This project is about feeling everything, surviving it, and moving forward stronger.” on “Leave You In The Past,” Tristan delivers vocals that are restrained yet emotionally resonant, while the[...]

Bad Self Portraits – “Pensive”

July 17, 2025

Omaha-based act Bad Self Portraits nailed it on their latest single, “Pensive.” Blending the perfect amounts of jaunty indie rock and angular rhythms with soaring-but-reserved vocals that are lightly dripping with a succulent, pain-based sauce, “Pensive” is the kind of song that has it all. Musicianship. Sincerity. Hooky melodies… It’s the kind of rare song with “musical architecture” that manages to also be repeat-listenable. We’re assuming the band conjured up the following quote – it was too perfect not to include:   “A hushed, emotionally precise portrait of love shaped by faith, fear, and difference—capturing the quiet negotiations that make relationships real.”    “Pensive” can be found via the bandcamp embed (below), or, via Spotify and Apple Music.   I Think I’m Going To Hell by Bad Self Portraits

Weakened Friends – “Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out)”

July 17, 2025

Weakened Friends are doubling down on the feelings over apathy debate… And for that matter, did the apathetic ones ever even start debating, or are they still busy whispering vague nothings in the corner? Either way, emotions are being worn proudly on sleeves on the trio’s latest track, “Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out).” Eschewing agonizing over every detail for sharp, tip-of-the-tongue bursts of energy, “Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out)” is a natural and welcome continuation of the band’s fiery brand of post-pop-punk. There aren’t enough bands just letting it rip the way Weakened Friends do – so dig into this one and remember what it felt like to feel something again.   Feels Like Hell, the album upon which “Tough Luck” resides, will be out October 10, 2025. Until then, follow the embed to the forbidden YouTube link to the song (below), or, add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.  

madrone – “Lucifer”

July 17, 2025

“A song that seems like it’s about the devil but really is about love, and love lost. A song about death that doesn’t feel like dying.”   Vague and pensive words from madrone that perfectly describe the dreamy/gazy goodness of their latest single, “Lucifer.” We know barely anything about this band – except that this song rips. Light and airy with the gravitas of the title, the band uses a guitar-driven ethos and glassy-eyed vocals to great aplomb. It appears on the ostensibly tongue-in-cheek-titled Eponymous Debut Masterpiece, full of other shoegaze-adjacent rippers.   Check out “Lucifer” lyrically via the YouTube embed below, or, find it on Spotify.  

Stephen Babcock – “Dumb Luck”

July 14, 2025

The Bab-man (aka Buffalo-based singer/songwriter Stephen Babcock) leans into song-of-the-summer vibes on his latest offering, “Dumb Luck.” Armed with his usual tools of the trade – an acoustic guitar, shuffling drums, and his soulful drawl, “Dumb Luck” touches on not ever knowing if things are getting better or staying exactly the same. It’s a shared Buffalonian experience – to wonder if our “small town” vibes are holding us back or propelling us forward faster than we can handle, so fellow WNYers should find solace in knowing that you’re not the only one wondering WTF is going on with your life. “Dumb Luck” is one of those songs that tackles something potentially heavy without ever losing that upbeat, feel-good feel, and for that reason, we think Babcock’s oeuvre is worth your time.   “Dumb Luck” is available on all your favorite streaming services. Preview it via YouTube (below), and then take[...]

The Dog’s Body – “Skeletons”

July 8, 2025

The Dog’s Body describe “Skeletons” as the “weird” single on the album, which we can fully get behind. The angular and jaunty post-punk-ish jam deals with the ugliness of death, and perfectly so. Guitars swirl like a maelstrom, vocals pontificate plainly-but-effectively, and drums sound like they’re about to bash through your speakers at any second. If you’re a fan of band-in-a-room type sounds, The Dog’s Body has got you covered in spades.   Side note: for all you audiophiles out there – this one was recorded live to two-inch tape. That’s real band shit.   Check out “Skeletons” via the Spotify embed below.  

Nadia Faye – “Smoke in the Room”

July 8, 2025

Nadia Faye has been on fire with her recent releases – perhaps both figuratively and literally. Her new single “Smoke in the Room” (ostensibly from being on fire) picks up where her previous single (“Swallowing Spit“) left off – pairing Faye’s lilting vocals with shimmering indie-pop instrumentals. Expect tape drum machines working perfectly with gauzy synths and ever-present pillows of guitar working in tandem with Faye’s confessional lyrics about a love lost.   “Smoke in the Room” is on YouTube (below) and Spotify.  

Band Argument – “specs”

June 29, 2025

Just like most of the disagreements you’ve had with your bandmates, it’s tough to put your finger on what’s really going on when it comes to mathy three-piece Band Argument. My previous statement is assuredly, if awkwardly-said, a compliment, and with a storied pedigree like theirs (Oso Oso, Weatherbox, Miss New Buddha), it’s no surprise this trio was going to throw together something wild. Shimmery atmospherics bloom in your headphones while the band hits with angular stabs of guitar. Nimble drumming and bass work are simply the cherries-on-top of this wild, but surprisingly (and pleasantly) understated jam.   Peep “specs” via Band Argument’s bandcamp page below – it’s also on Spotify.   if the accident will by Band Argument

Fortitude Valley – “Video (Right There With You)”

June 29, 2025

Gotta love a little slice of upbeat jangle-pop. Fortitude Valley is going to appeal to fans of The Beths, Alvvays, and Pavement’s lighter side, especially on their latest single, “Video (Right There With You).” Shimmery guitars and lilting vocals lay overtop a jauntily-played drumbeat, sounding summery and winsome with only a hint of pensiveness. Singer Laura Kovic elaborates more eloquently than we ever could below:   “The song is about trying to get inside the head of someone you love, and how hard it can be surviving together in what feels like an increasingly hostile and scary world. It also plays into the central theme of the album, which is about feeling distant from people you care about, both literally and figuratively”   Check out the clandestine link to watch the video for “Video” below. It’s also on Spotify.