Hey! Did you know that there’s an entire aspect of KCRW music discovery that you might be missing out on? Fear not, because our 5 Songs to Hear This Week newsletter is now a weekly feature on our website. Watch this space for rundowns of the five songs that you need in your life immediately, curated by KCRW Music staff. Don’t want to wait for your latest taste of fresh tunes? Sign up for the Friday newsletter here, and always be the first to know.
Bethany Cosentino – “It’s Fine”
With everything going on in the world these days, it’s pretty hard to be… unbothered. But when the time comes that you’re ready to toss all your grudges out the window, this track’s your anthem. With classic indie-rock-country strumming, big ‘90s vibes (Sheryl Crow anyone?), and lyrics hailing the personal practice of moving on by choice, this shining single is the first from Cosentino’s debut solo album, Natural Disaster. If you liked her as one half of local rock duo Best Coast, you’ll love her here: actualized, evolved, and yes, fine.
The Hives – “Bogus Operandi”
OMG: The Hives. Swedish “rock is back” heroes of the early aughts return with their first new album in 11 years. The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons isn’t out till August, but we’re already moving furniture to make room for the mosh pit. Thrashy, loud, confrontational, and topped off by a zombie horror music video with Spaghetti Western-style violence (but make it Scandinavian), this track is everything we’ve been waiting for this past decade plus. Sick of some B.S. currently messing up your life? Click play on this triumphant return to let it ALL out. We’ll see you in the pit when the boys play The Troubadour(!) on Tuesday.
Daymé Arocena – “Para mover los pies”
Say it loud, Puerto Rico! Afro-Cuban soul singer Daymé Arocena recently moved from her native Cuba to the Caribbean island, and found a whole new sound there. Deeply felt and sparkling with reinvention energy, this feet-movin’ track is a testament to island magic. Featuring Latin beats, a brass chorus, and explosive energy, it’s one to heal your wounds. Says Arocena of her love for San Juan and PR: “...one love does not replace the other, but Cuba is a love that hurts and Puerto Rico is a love that heals." If you’re moved by Arocena’s powerful vocals — and who wouldn’t be? — don’t miss her appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk from back in 2016.
Evangeline – “Hermione”
Say hello — or maybe, wassup — to Evangeline, a vibe savior for all the millennial indie music nerds who’ve worn out their highschool-era mix CDs and need some new fuzzed-out alt-rock with a touch of headbang to fill the void during their workweek commute. This track, which, yes, refers to the Harry Potter canon, was written and produced in collaboration with Marinelli, an LA-based musical cohort of Billie Eilish and spill tab. The final product is a good-feel fuzz with a whistling garnish, worthy of a turn-it-up singalong. Bonus: fisheye fun in the music vid.
Synthia – “So Low (Feat. Clairo with Leon Michels)”
Start your healing journey with this steady, simmering support track from electronic duo Synthia (Matt Hope and Angus Paterson) and featuring soft-pillow vocals by our girl Clairo. Modern yet vintage, heartfelt and true, this synth-n-samples production is another great daily life film score for anyone afflicted with main character syndrome. Come for the big feelings, stay for the sax solo.