Latest Posts

SMUG Drops Music Video for “All Used Up”

July 3, 2018

Buffalo three-piece SMUG is fast, fun, and punk rock, clearly evidenced by their new music video for single “All Used Up.” As a band, SMUG embodies all of the rebellious cornerstones of pop-punk music – a DIY, fuck-you attitude bolstered by open-throated guitars and infectious vocal melodies. In true DIY fashion, “All Used Up” was shot entirely by themselves (and for themselves). The video finds the members of SMUG down on their luck – and whether that means getting beat up or just stepping in something smelly, the sentiment remains the same. All in all, its clear that SMUG had a good time with this one – check out the vid via the widget below. As always, if you like what you hear, be sure to swing by SMUG’s Bandcamp page to show them your support.

Oliver Tree – “Movement (Back Talk Remix)”

July 3, 2018

Back Talk sent us over a phat remix of Oliver Tree’s “Movement” and we couldn’t help but recommend it to y’all. “Movement” is a true party anthem, mixing the fervor of the Beastie Boys’ delivery with modern-day dance-electronica vibes. If you’re trying to get amped, look no further – give Back Talk a stream via the widget below. Back Talk has a lot to offer – check it all out via Spotify.

Cyndy Fike – “Peppermint”

July 3, 2018

You might recognize “Peppermint” from its recent placement in the Facebook show “Strangers,” but we like this cute little jam from LA singer/songwriter Cyndy Fike regardless. Pairing upbeat keyboard chords with Fike’s saccharine lyrics, “Peppermint” is the kind of lighthearted pop jam meant for low-key summer hangs. Cyndy is a pretty prolific artist – check out her discography here.

Say Brave – “Make My Day (feat. Mira)”

July 3, 2018

Upon first listen, you’ll probably recognize the chorus of “Make My Day” from chill electronica act Say Brave. “Make My Day” is a straight-up remake of the unmistakable 1989 classic, “Pump Up The Jam” by Belgian act Technotronic… But Say Brave brings a contemporary, 2018 spin to the track – utilizing blippy drums and a pleasant, tropical vibe. There are lots of different ways to listen to “Make My Day” – check them all out here.

Charles Fauna – “Wait To Come Over”

June 29, 2018

Last time we checked in with Charles Fauna, he was a featured artist on Glassio’s banger “Morning House.” This time around, we’re smitten with his latest offer, “Wait To Come Over.” Fauna pairs his ethereal delivery with ghostly synths and an infectious dance beat… Keep your eyes open for Eulogy, his debut EP, due out August 17th. Need a little Fauna in your life? Check out his Spotify.

Chain – “Colder”

June 29, 2018

Prolific Portland songwriter Teal Bluestone is at it again, this time with a new indie-rock act, Chain. “Colder” is a perfect debut… Reminiscent of Camp Cope, Cursive, or Pedro the Lion, “Colder” combines stark and clean indie-rock guitar work with Teal’s melancholy (yet soothing) vocal work. Teal’s vocal refrain of “You’re not my baby” is sure to haunt you throughout your day. Chain’s EP will be out later this year via Good Cheer Records – till then, check out all the good stuff on their Soundcloud.

Yellow Radio – “Have Some Fun”

June 29, 2018

Yellow Radio know what’s up… The latest single from the French duo, “Have Some Fun,” is a delightfully straightforward rock song about, well, having fun. Pairing an impressive bass riff with ooh-oohs and standard guitar riffage, this is the kind of easily-digestible rock song meant for happy summer afternoons. Yellow Radio has a bunch of content on YouTube too – check it out here.

Ladada – “Heaven On The Rocks”

June 29, 2018

Ladada is the new project from Virginia Beach-dweller Josiah Schlater (who you may recognize from his time in MAE, We Are Trees, and Jake Clemons). Schlater’s “Heaven On The Rocks” is a sunny, garage-pop jam full of wailing guitar leads and jangly rhythm tracks. Inspired by a relaxing tube trip down the James River (occasionally interrupted by a jab from an underwater rock), “Heaven on the Rocks” juxtaposes the idyllic with hints of pain – check it out below. “Heaven On The Rocks” is available now via Gold Robot Records.

Mickey Kojak – “Get Out”

June 28, 2018

Blippy and smooth; retro-esque but contemporary – “Get Out” is a brand new, ear-catching release from Australian synth-popper Mickey Kojak. Featuring 8-bit keyboard tones and a memorable chorus refrain, Kojak is nothing short of slaying it on this tune. Cherry-on-top? The retro synth solo in lieu of your typical guitar solo theatrics. Bravo Mickey, don’t sleep on this one – check it out via the widget below. “Get Out” is all over the interweb – check out the many listening/purchasing options here.

Late Verlane – “Roll Like A Dummy”

June 28, 2018

Swedish wunderkind Late Verlane (aka Viktor Persson) sent over his absolute banger of a debut song, “Roll Like A Dummy.” Paring hazy arpeggios with mid-tempo drums and synth flourishes, the song is an ode to “[the] angst and distress of always wanting to be accepted, but also the struggle of trying to break those chains and enjoy life on your own terms.” Best of all – Persson’s smooth vocal timbre, which ride perfectly on top of the solid mix. Add “Roll Like A Dummy” to your Spotify playlist.

Rochester’s Derelict Vessel Drop Debut Post-Rock EP

June 28, 2018

Derelict Vessel are a newly-minted post-rock band hailing from Rochester, NY. Their debut EP, Skeleton Coast, is a six-song offering specializing in quiet-loud dynamics with poignant flavors of emo, rock, and ambient music mixed throughout. Opening track “Drowned Cities” highlights the group’s penchant for tuned-down guitars, sludgy tempos, and epic moods. They transition into songs like “The Guard” and “Tower of Silence,” a couple of six-minute epics that resolve with borderline heroic climaxes. Album highlight “We Were Here” shows off Derelict Vessel’s surprising range, trading their typical doom guitars for a more ambient approach (concluding, of course, in an explosive ending). Lyrically, this quartet keeps it simple, but poignant – closing track “The Mother” is evidence enough. Skeleton Coast is available now via Bandcamp for a very reasonable rate. Skeleton Coast by Derelict Vessel

Cannons – “Round and Round”

June 28, 2018

Try to imagine a perfect blend of MGMT and early-Grimes… Add a splash of smart pop songwriting and touches of funk; now you’ve arrived at the sound of future-boogie trio Cannons. We’re recommending their latest, “Round and Round.” It’s a bouncy tune, lush with synthy bass and lots of reverb flourishes. Give it a listen and get lost in the washy goodness. Like what you hear? Buy it on iTunes.

Molina – “Hey Kids (feat. Late Verlane)”

June 22, 2018

Copenhagen-based artist Molina just released a mesmerizing music video for her gauzy new single “Hey Kids.” The video features strong ballerina imagery, and finds Molina collapsing into a nirvana-like state. Her strong synth-pop melodies bolster this heavenly imagery – the ever-so-slightly off-kilter synth arpeggios pair well with the washy video treatment. It’s best to see for yourself – check out the video below. “Hey Kids” is out now via Tambourhinocerous.

Humble Braggers Drop Lush New Single, “Reckless”

June 22, 2018

Buffalo’s resident synth-poppers Humble Braggers are gearing up for the release of their fourth EP, Cycle, with a phat new single. “Reckless” is another banger from Tom Burtless & co., anchored by an instantly memorable chorus, electronic drum samples, and lush layers of synth. “Reckless” is a not-so-subtle reminder of the high-quality song crafting that this quartet is capable of (and is a real earworm to boot) – give it a listen via the widget below or stream it on Spotify. Cycle is slated for release via Admirable Traits on 8/31 with an accompanying release show. Until then, be sure to pick up “Reckless” through iTunes.

Elevator Fight Club – “Call Me”

June 11, 2018

Elevator Fight Club are a fresh new act from Jupiter… Florida that is. The four-piece has come out swinging with the jittery indie rock of “Call Me.” Pairing dance-style drums with thumping bass, frantic guitar, and soaring, yelp-esque vocals, these guys remind us of Bombay Bicycle Club or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Give this fledgling quartet some well-deserved support and listen below. “Call Me” is also on Spotify – be sure to add it to your playlist.