Latest Posts

Dream Reporter – “Everything Means Something to Me”

London solo act Dream Reporter is certainly a captivating presence, especially on her newest single, “Everything Means Something to Me.” Punctuated with plodding basslines, delay-ridden guitars, and haunting synths, Dream Reporter’s ethereal vocal presence lays eerily on top of the mix. Overall, it’s a strikingly beautiful song, worthy of a few minutes of your time – check it out below. Dream Reporter is on Spotify too – be sure to add her to your playlist.

A Place To Wash My Hands – “Insufficient Funds”

A Place To Wash My Hands is a mysterious act, but we couldn’t help but enjoy their latest effort about doing nothing, “Insufficient Funds.” A simple indie ditty about literally doing nothing, APTWMH fills it with sparse percussion, male/female harmonies, and a generally sunny disposition. Listen to this lighthearted one if you need a quick pick-me-up. A Place To Wash My Hands is on Bandcamp too… you know what to do.

Private Agenda – “Instinct”

Bedroom-pop duo Private Agenda has been pumping out simmering, stuttering synth ditties for lovers – case in point, our new obsession “Instinct.” Drums ebb and flow throughout this mid-tempo, mid-intensity gem, full of funky synth squiggles and moody electric piano chords. We suggest you put this one on if you want to get in the mood… Or if you’re simply just trying to chill face. Like what you hear? Buy it here.

Drens – “Yellow Teeth”

German surf-punkers Drens are here with a TBT to the early 19th century. “Yellow Teeth” is full of pistolero riffs and plinky, surf guitar rock, and tells the story of torture, fortune, fortitude, and being a lone-wolf desperado in the middle of your nowhere town. Beyond that, we dig their modern take on the dusty old west via their infinite surf-punk energy and peppy aesthetic. Listen for yourself below. Drens is EVERYWHERE. Check out your listening options at this link.

River Meets Sea – “Won’t You Stay”

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a cosmic music video to get lost in, and “Won’t You Stay” is certainly in that territory. River Meets Sea is the band responsible, and in this five-plus minute jam, they contemplate mortality and existence over top their spectral brand of folksy indie rock. There are plenty of jangling guitars, thumping bass, and drum flourishes for everyone throughout this sprawling, spectral song – see for yourself via the embed below. River Meets Sea has you covered, there are lots of ways to listen to this jam. Check them all out here.

H Y D E S – “Golden Days (featuring CUESTA LOEB)”

The last time we featured Cuesta Loeb, we were waxing poetic about the calming properties of her ethereal single, “Festival 2017.” This time around, we’re jazzed on her latest collaboration with H Y D E S, the piano-laden “Golden Days.” Pairing H Y D E S’ penchant for emotional electronica and Cuesta Loeb‘s lilting presence, we think there’s something here for everyone to enjoy (especially the monster hook of the chorus). Check it out below. Keep up with H Y D E S here and Cuesta Loeb here.

Spooky Cigarette – “In Due Time”

Spooky Cigarette got together over a love of synths and new wave music. Their latest jam is “In Due Time,” a song about “the exasperation, the wishing for a change, all the while knowing that change takes time.” We’re certainly smitten by the squiggly organ and upbeat punk/doo-wop jank, but the juxtaposition of classic and modern together is the real game changer here. Have a listen for yourself via the widget below. If you like what you hear, add “In Due Time” to your Spotify playlist.

Tonight: Bayside

Legendary punk act Bayside is making a special acoustic appearance tonight at The Tralf. After the success of their first acoustic EP (released over 10 years ago now!), Bayside has returned with a fresh new batch of acoustic takes on both fan-favorite songs and a few deep cuts. Rather than a simple acoustic take, fans should expect a complete re-imagining of these songs. Joining them tonight are special guests, GOLDS. Tonight’s show is $25 at the door. Doors open at 8pm, music starts at 9pm. This particular show is 21+, but 16+ can get in with a parent.

West Ferry – Bit

Sure, the four-song Bit may have come out in July… But what really matters is that West Ferry is back, and they’re ready to hit the ground running now. This emoish/pop-punkish quartet is touting a fresh new lineup and a batch of songs that were recorded by Paul Besch at Quiet Country Audio. There’s certainly a drunk, sad-boy rock approach here (their terms, not ours), but there’s also a surfy, 00’s garage-rock tinge to their songs. It’s an interesting juxtaposition – one that’s certainly worth 15 minutes of your time. “Weed Rage” encapsulates the prototypical twenty-something rage, in this case, induced by a weed coma. Despite the marijuana haze, it’s a surprisingly upbeat guitar-driven number about almost getting in a fight, but bailing at just the right time. Title-track “Bit” is also an EP highlight; again, West Ferry utilizes bright, major chords, complimentary lead guitar riffs, and some bass solo theatrics to get[...]

Tonight: Druse

Sugar City is being savagely taken over by Rochester tonight, featuring a double-whammy headliner via post-hardcore act DRUSE and mathy-emo kingpins Taking Meds. They will be joined by the equally excellent California Cousins and the swimmy, shoegaze-tinged Carpool; both bands have been making waves lately in the emo scene (see our album of the week nods here and here). Tonight’s show is at Sugar City – get there by 7pm to catch all of the bands. We couldn’t find a price, but we’ve provided a link to the Facebook event here. A friendly reminder that Sugar City is an all-ages, drug and alcohol free space. My Moon is Always Full Promo by Taking Meds

Rosemary Fairweather – “MTV”

Rosemary Fairweather is a dreamy alt-pop artist whose “MTV” has been making waves in all the right ways lately. An irresistible bassline provides a funky back beat as Rosemary’s lilting voice lulls you into a dreamy daze. About the song, Rosemary says, “‘MTV’ was written very late at night, after I had been watching hours of footage from programs past like Post Modern. I was particularly excited to find one of my idols – Andy Partridge of XTC – hosting an episode, and felt there was a pop song sitting in that feeling.” Keep up with Rosemary’s goings-on via her IG.

Felines – “Too Tight”

Copenhagen-based trio Felines combine dreamy pop elements with driven, garage-rock tones on their latest offering, “Too Tight.” A driving bassline forms the backbone of this song, peppered with mysterious vocals, and what can only be described as bursts of chaotic noise. The lo-fi aesthetic is what really drives this one home – have a listen for yourself below. Felines’ latest album, Saying it Twice Makes it Real, is out now via Crunchy Frog and Burger Records. Saying It Twice Makes It Real by Felines

Tonight: Honey COMA

Honey COMA is hosting an evening of what promises to be very emotional music tonight. The trio specializes in dark, brooding indie rock with painfully introspective lyrics – case in point, debut EP 7 Songs. Joining them tonight are alt-punk, queer-core trio Tina Panic Noise and a performance from San Antōn (aka Tony Flaminio of Lemuria, Failures’ Union, and Mallwalkers fame). Tonight’s show is at Mohawk Place – doors are at 8pm. Bring $5. 7 Songs by honey COMA

Elemantra Releases Trippy Music Video for “Such Tiny Fish”

Salamanca quartet Elemantra channel the spirit of post-rock bands like Sense Field and Appleseed Cast and mix it with an alternative 90s sound that evokes Smashing Pumpkins and Sunny Day Real Estate. Their latest release is the full-length To Know Better, which features the single, “Such Tiny Fish.” In the seven-plus minute song, the group spans the gamut from riff-rock to subtle ambiance, accompanied by a soothing (and vaguely trippy) music video featuring a serene aquarium. Elemantra aims to please, and there is certainly something here for everyone – check out the music video below. Elemantra’s debut album, To Know Better, is available now on Bandcamp.

Luc – “Don’t Hide Away”

Synth duo Luc took a more upbeat approach to their third single of the year. Eschewing their typical dark, cinematic aesthetic, “Don’t Hide Away” is a danceable groover, combining a throbbing bass line with undulating synth lines and a buttery smooth vocal delivery. Definitely worth a listen – check it out via the widget below. Luc’s got you covered – check out all the ways to consume “Don’t Hide Away” here.