It’s that time of year again, where we re-think and dissect every local song that we’ve come across organically or via submission. This is our fourth year counting down our top songs and this year, like every other year, has been difficult to whittle down. Like we always remind people, this list is subjective and not the end-all be all. I am sure there are amazing local songs that aren’t on our radar, but from what we have heard, we as a group have determined as the blog are our favorite songs of 2015.
Here are five great songs ALMOST made our top 20.
The Slums – “Plain Pine Box”
The Slums always deliver the perfect thrash song but “Plain Pine Box” might be the most perfect yet. “You can call me first and final nail in a plain pine box, I said I’d keep you separate but I guess that I forgot”, frontman Steven Floyd sings, offering a vaguely haunting comparison to a casket that hangs over the entire tune. With piercing guitar tones, heavy bass lines and a cutting scream to boot, all two minutes and forty-three seconds are raw and potent. Even at such high intensity, this song manages to have really well balanced dynamics throughout, making it a satisfying listen overall. – Shauna K. Presto
Saint Opal – “Glass Jars”
This chill-inducing song makes use of both somber and sultry tones to capture your attention in a bewitching kind of way. Though I truly feel like Saint Opal has created a unique sonic identity of her own, I can most closely compare her sound to a marriage of Little Dragon and Jhene Aiko. It’s an incredibly eerie brand of neo-soul that still gives listeners smooth vocal lines and a good beat to hang onto. If this is how powerfully enchanting her first release is, I am unbelievably stoked to hear what else is in store. – SKP
Tomoreaux – “Bennington”
Tomoreaux floated into Buffalo’s music scene this year with the ambient swell of “Bennington.” From the ashes of Yesterday vs. Tomorrow, Tomoreaux (see what they did there?) has crafted an epic six minute jam full of shimmery guitar work, rumbling double bass, and rhythmic, almost chanted vocals. “Bennington” is best enjoyed in isolation, so find a dark room, put on your headphones, and open your mind. Their words, not ours. –Nicholas A. Sessanna
Super American – “Nevermind”
Super American emerged from the ashes of I Can See Mountain and Thick Winter Blud, two acts that were synonymous with Buffalo’s rising emo resurgence (moreso Mountains than Blud, due to Blud only being a project for the first half of 2015). Lead singer Matt Cox is a gifted lyricist and front man, telling a story which on surface level is non-sense, but beyond the topsoil there is always an intricate story. Super American’s debut single “Nevermind” takes a pulsing rhythm and imbues it with clever wordplay. Cox is an expert at polishing his emo politics into sharp, golf-pop gems. –Michael J. Moretti
M.A.G.S. – “Lay Low”
M.A.G.S., the musical brainchild of Buffalo renaissance-musician Elliott Douglas, hit the scene early on this year with the fun and hook-heavy EP, Cellophane. “Lay Low” represents all that is infectious on the EP–slick and confident guitar work, a move-your-ass chorus, and a sonic symbiosis that just won’t quit. One listen and this indie-pop banger will be swimming its way through your neurons all day long. – Ronald S. Walczyk