Vagrant Sabbatical – “past mary”
Beyond the crushing, stripped-down simplicity of "past mary," Vagrant Sabbatical has an amazing backstory. Having been sent from "Hawaii to Queens to Vermont to California" over the past few years and holding three different jobs, he simply hasn't had the time or the...
Gabe James – “FLICKER”
Viral TikTok sensation Gabe James struck it big with a flip of Olivia Rodrigo's smash single "good 4 u..." Now he's trying his hand at his own stuff and it's going remarkably well. "FLICKER" is our latest recommendation - beyond the flashy music video treatment and...
Abbreviations – “Turn On You”
Dallas-based quartet Abbreviations nailed it on this hush-hush indie rocker they're calling "Turn On You." Rather than stick to a traditional love ballad, this is a song about realizing you have feelings for someone else outside of your relationship... Or as they put...
Varsity Star – “Pipes”
There's something to be said about a visceral song like "Pipes" by Varsity Star - rather than try to make a melodic/traditional song, "Pipes" is all about being an "extremely physical" listen. The textures in the song seem to pop out of the speakers; Varsity Star...
VANT – “All I Need To Get By”
There's something delightfully raucous about the latest offering from VANT - "All I Need To Get By" is an ode to OCD, addictions, and insecurities set perfectly to a chaotic-but-enjoyable palate of synths and guitars. For all the pre-existing VANT fans out there, this...
Dave Monks – “Can’t Put My Fire Out”
Buffalo is a Tokyo Police Club town, so hopefully our friend Dave Monks needs no introduction - he's here with a super-catchy solo-outing called "Can't Put My Fire Out." This one has a lot of positive, upbeat energy, starting in the jaunty-but-simple guitar backbone...
Sam Wright – “Closer”
Sam Wright is here crafting the kind of swirly, lo-fi pop that truly matters - case-in-point, the groovy whirl of "Closer." Jangly guitar stabs; noodle-y bass lines; and spiraling riffs are jam packed into this tune... Fans of Crumb, TOPS, and and Unknown Mortal...
Air Devi – “Air of a Masterpiece”
It's been a bit since we've heard from Philly-based artist Air Devi (we previously featured singles "No Clearances" and "Mosquitos in the Backyard") - we're excited again about their latest single, "Lint of a Masterpiece." Mixing equal amounts slacker rock and dream...
Runners Club 95 – “Apricot”
Runners Club 95 bring their end-of-summer vaporwave aesthetic to a new jam they're calling "Apricot." While this Swedish duo typically sticks to a more effervescent feel, "Apricot" finds them experimenting with a more vintage pop appeal this time around... There's a...
Freedom Fry – “Be Your Man”
Our friends in Freedom Fry are no strangers to buffaBLOG - we've previously featured the LA duo's work in articles about "Party Down" and "Smile" respectively. They're back with more of the excellent, nu-disco tinged synthpop we've come to love, this time in the form...
Steven Bamidele – “Other Side”
We've been loving the latest offering from UK-based singer/songwriter Steven Bamidele. "Other Side" is a neo-soul/bedroom-pop hybrid, full of airy oohs, a tight drum sound, and Bamidele's omni-pleasant vocal delivery. "Side" is super chill with a deep, deep groove...
Malcolm Forbes 70th Birthday Party – “Heppy”
The tellingly-named Malcolm Forbes 70th Birthday Party have created something that should be played at parties for the rest of eternity. "Heppy" is a squiggly banger, full of wiggly synth leads, disco beats, and a charmingly upbeat vocal performance. They describe it...
No One and the Somebodies – “Break it Down”
Sometimes you need something raw and raucous to kick off your day, so our latest recommendation comes from Bronx-based quartet No One and the Somebodies. "Break It Down" sounds like a band who just doesn't care what you think - rough and tumble indie rock with...
Hands Down – “Never Been That Happy”
Hands Down (aka songwriter/producer Filip Sjörgren) caught our ears with the melancholy indie pop of his latest creation, "Never Been That Happy." Falsetto vocals that would make Thom Yorke blush carry this one along - they sit atop Sjörgren's epic brand of dark...
Bjorn Rydhog – “Let’s Not Get Old”
Our Swedish friend Bjorn Rydhog is known for his uplifting indie-pop tunes - we'd like to draw your attention to one of our new faves, a tune he likes to call "Let's Not Get Old." Rydhog is expanding his sound by experimenting with a more electronic-based feel......
Basement Revolver – “Transatlantic”
Are you paying attention?! We're very clearly obsessed with our Canadian friends in Basement Revolver (we most recently shared their previous single, "Skin" back in August). They're back with another amazing dream-pop reverb-fest, this time called "Transatlantic."...
Shower Curtain – “You Make Me Feel”
If you're looking for a chill and introspective swirler - we recommend this fuzzy one from Shower Curtain. "You Make Me Feel" has all the hallmarks of a downtrodden, lovelorn anthem... Forlorn lyrics, aloof-but-hurt vocals, and a mid-tempo trod that is as...
Thyla – “Gum”
UK-based indie rockers Thyla are shrugging off the weights of the world with their new single "Gum." It's an upbeat but raucous tune that showcases a dancy, disco-esque beat with emotional vocal melodies and bombastic guitars. The whole affair feels swirly and just a...
Maria Taylor – “It’s Coming For You”
By now, you probably recognize Maria Taylor from her tenure with the legendary Saddle Creek label crew... She's back with a new jam called "It's Coming For You" that we've been really enjoying as of late. Jangly guitars, a driving drum beat, and Maria's reverbed-out...
Golding – “Boxing Underwater”
Australian duo Golding have teamed up with US-based singer Cailin Russo to bring this swimmy sensation from across the pond... Last time we checked in with these two, they were collab-ing with BOO SEEKA on their electropop anthem, "Don't Waste Your Love..." We think...
Pale Moon – “Strange Days”
Last time we checked in with Icelandic/Siberian act Pale Moon, we were excited about the nostalgic, 70s-influenced sounds of their single "Parachutes." This time around, we're highlighting another gem, "Strange Days," which still plays with the Fleetwood Mac-esque...
monmoi – “Dream On Baby”
The last time we checked in with monmoi, we couldn't get enough of their then-single "Eyebrows." They're (aka George David) back with another taste of dreamy bedroom-pop with a tune they call (aptly) "Dream On Baby." This time around, they've injected a bit of...
The Kite Society – “Oxford Jelly”
We're loving the spunk on the new single from The Kite Society - you might also recognize singer/songwriter Donald Campbell from his work in The Easter Island Statue. "Oxford Jelly" is a Blur-ish, guitar-driven single with lots of unique hallmarks - think flutes,...
Petite Amie – “Elektro”
Here's a cool one from Mexico City's Petite Amie - we've been enjoying the woozy electropop sounds of the fittingly-named "Elektro." Swirly synths, futuristic vibes, and super-pleasant falsetto crooning pushes this one into near-psychedelic territory without ever...
Johnny Hart and the Mess Release New Single, “Get Lost Living”
Buffalo-based rock n' rollers Johnny Hart and the Mess recently released a new song called "Get Lost Living." While showcasing Johnny's soaring vocals and riff-based, guitar-driven style, the band dives deep lyrically on "Living." About the song, they say: "This song...
Lazy Daze – “Two Hands On The Wheel”
LA-based indie rocker Lazy Daze hit our inboxes with the beachy "Two Hands On The Wheel" and we've been hooked ever since. Wavy guitars and an ever-present halo of reverb help to propel this toward that hazy (pun intended) end-of-summer vibe that feels so fitting this...
Paul Whitacre – “90 Down 40”
We can all agree 2020 was a mess, right? Singer/songwriter Paul Whitacre's last year was rough too - as evidenced by his ode to his lost 2020 tour, "90 Down 40." In the song, Whitacre comes to terms with his doomed tour through a dirge-y tempo, electronic flourishes,...
Neon Cathedral – “Drab”
Oklahoma City duo Neon Cathedral recently released their debut EP, Velvet - it's an onslaught of shoegazy, fuzzed-out songs led by lead single "Drab." There gothy vibes and a reverb-soaked atmosphere here set off by strong melody and lovelorn vocals - fans of...
Spritely – “Imma Buy A House”
Digging this pop-grunge tune from bedroom-popper Spritely - "Imma Buy A House" is a "cheeky declaration of independence" from a long-distance partner who was expressing some iffy-ness about Spritely moving across the country to be together... She tells them off with...
Dead Emerson – “Eleventh Hour”
Last time we checked in with Dead Emerson, we were jazzed on their latest single, "Sucker Punch." The one-man-show is back again with another indie-pop banger called "Eleventh Hour." Emerson recently dealt with some pesky bouts of disassociation, where he felt...
The Day – “Empty”
We've raved about Netherlands-based dream-pop duo The Day before - both in their cover of The Lemonheads' "Tenderfoot" and their ethereal indie rocker "We Killed Our Hearts." They're back with another stunning slice of indie pop, a song called "Empty." With strong,...
HotKid – “Letter”
HotKid is the work of multi-talented Canadian producer/singer/songwriter/guitarist Shiloh Harrison... We've been jamming on their latest offering, "Letter" all week. On the surface, "Letter" is a crunchy indie rock tune that highlights a jangly approach and Harrison's...
Wilco & Sleater-Kinney at Artpark (8/26/21)
Last Thursday, Wilco and Sleater-Kinney shared the stage for a fantastic show in Lewiston. Artpark provided the perfect scenic backdrop for a great end of summer show. Chicago based multi instrumentalist NNAMDÏ kicked the night off, performing a short but sweet...
I Know Leopard – “Day 2 Day”
Here's a spicy one from Sydney-based trio I Know Leopard. "Day 2 Day" is an ebullient indie-pop jam driven by a bouncy piano backbone. They explore themes of self-doubt and uncertainty through a neon-lens, bringing to mind Caribou, Passion Pit, and The Avalanches with...
Frogs Show Mercy – “Hereditary”
Here's a cool one all the way from Miami from emo band Frogs Show Mercy. "Hereditary" is a jaunty, oddly-timed tune with lots of 90s influence - think somewhere between Cap'n Jazz, American Football, and The Dismemberment Plan. You can expect jazzy drumbeats, twinkly...
Laundry – “Commercials”
Oregon-based act Laundry are here with a springy new single in the form of "Commercials." The band's gloriously happy and melody-soaked music brings to mind Vampire Weekend, The Shins, and Ra Ra Riot - expect lots of la-la-las, ooh-ooh-oohs, and tightly wound...
Foyer Red – “Slander”
We've never heard anything quite like "Slander" by Foyer Red... Their songs are playfully chaotic - featuring plucky guitar riffing, squiggly synth arrangements, dueling vocals, tempo changes, and even a bit of whistling. The first single from their upcoming EP Zigzag...
Nxghtshade – “Death By Desire”
It's not often we get an emo house tune in our inboxes, but LA-based producer Nxghtshade has done it with their latest single, "Death By Desire." Carried by itchy guitar stabs; a super danceable synth backbone; and a vaguely love-inspired lyrical package, this one had...
Together Pangea – “Nervous”
buffaBLOG loves Together Pangea - we saw them play Buffalo in 2018 and recently raved over their song, "Nothing To Hide." They're back with another jaunty indie rocker called "Nervous" - the LA rockers have a fantastic ability to inject their songs with the same...
Caleb Peters – “Carousel (Remix by Devault)”
Caleb Peters and Devault teamed up for this spicy collab of Peters' original song, "Carousel." What started as a fun indie pop song by Peters has been turned into a jammy, deep house vibe by Devault. Peters is somewhat of a wunderkind - as just a teenager himself,...
Thunder Jackson – “Colors (The Knocks Remix)”
Thunder Jackson really knows how to write a dancefloor banger - "Colors" is the latest, and wow, does it make us want to move. This particular version, an electric remix by The Knocks, straddles that fine line between indietronica and nu-disco - with galloping...
Connor McCoy – “Geode”
Connor McCoy hit us up with this stunning new single he's affectionately titled "Geode." With unique percussion choices; simple acoustic guitar riffing; and Connor's uniquely ghostly voice, "Geode" stands out with a creative sound that's both gentle and engaging. It's...
Mazey Haze – “Headspin”
Loving this sparkly tune from Amsterdam-based Mazey Haze. "Headspin" lives up to it's name - with a frantic-paced drumbeat; shiny synth plunking; and twirling, twinkling guitar melodies; "Headspin" embodies it's title while also being the perfect vehicle for Mazey's...
red martian – “use”
Red Martian is a unique trio who has been kicking around since 1999 - they've caught our ears with the nu-shoegaze stylings of their latest single, "use." It's a noisy, guitar-driven tune with a bouncing bass line, frantic drums, and far-off vocals. Fans of My Bloody...
FLOWVERS – “Far Away”
It hasn't been too long since we've checked in with Portsmouth-based indie rockers FLOWVERS - we just featured their previous single "When It Comes To It" earlier this month. They're back with another amazing alt-rocker, this time in the form of "Far Away." Propelled...
SPACED – “Spinning”
SPACED is a Buffalo-based hardcore band with a brand new EP that you should be checking out now - they're a veritable supergroup, featuring members of Talking in My Sleep, Funeral Coat, Post Prom, Calloused, and more. They've self-described their new EP as "far-out...
Lauren Dejey – “Just Because You Said You Said You’re Sorry Doesn’t Mean You Are”
Here's a sultry, alt-pop banger all the way from South London, courtesy of 23-year-old singer/songwriter Lauren Dejey. It's a song about avoiding negative energy in your life; conversely, it's also full of expletives and Lauren's dark and moody vocals. It certainly...
Acid Dad – “She Only Eats Organic”
Digging this urgent psych-y rocker from NYC based trio Acid Dad, who has been kicking around the city since 2016. Lyrically, "She Only Eats Organic" is a "tongue-in-cheek look at the trendy vegan/vegetarian lifestyle combined with the day-to-day nonsense you might...
sleepyhead – “Centrefold”
Manchester-based duo sleepyhead (aka Seb Reid and Matt Davies) create urgent indie pop with amazing energy - case-in-point, their latest offering, "Centrefold." Bringing to mind CASTLEBEAT or Say Hi with a hint of The Smiths, "Centrefold" pairs a frantic drumbeat with...
Luxury Mane – “Dumb Luck”
St. Petersburg band Luxury Mane hit us up with this fantastic tune done on a Tascam 388... Maybe it's the reel-to-reel recording, or maybe it's Luxury Mane's fantastic songwriting... But either way, we think their version of "Dumb Luck" turned out stellar. Expect...