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.
Dent May – "One Call, That’s All”
Dent May’s here 4 u, girl. That’s the simply sweet message in this plucky indie pop-rock track from LA artist Dent May. With spirited guitars, bright keys, and layers of singalong vocals, this track is an amalgamation of vintage inspo, indie sensibilities, and a pure ‘n’ simple love song. Paired with an “As seen on TV” video that’ll have you swimming in ‘90s nostalgia, this is your sign to pick up the phone and make that call.
Cuffed Up – “Little Wins”
Missed your window to grab a partner during "cuffing season?" Jamming out with LA’s Cuffed Up is the next best thing. The trio showcases some refreshingly straightforward (yet somehow, wholesome) rock 'n' roll antics with a video that finds them playing in their favorite LA spots. Plus, all reports indicate they crushed it at School Night last week. That’s a big win, but little ones are just as good. It’s cool if you broke your new year’s resolutions already, let those small daily achievements fill you up.
bad tuner – “24 hours”
We found the fountain of youth. This track and its underground video vibes will have you transported to a time when your friends were family, the corporate “man” was the enemy, and the future was yours for the taking. Blending UK electronic influences from drum ‘n’ bass, ‘90s techno, and industrial — this high-octane dance track from Brooklyn-based electro outfit bad tuner is a shot of pure asphalt-scented adrenaline.
Folly Group – “Pressure Pad”
UK foursome Folly Group found a gap in the market. Their sound is all their own: definitely experimental, kinda chaotic, and post… post-everything. You may question whether all of the elements within this crash-bang single belong together — it can have the impression of two different audio assets accidentally playing at once — but you keep your ears on the wider soundscape. The controlled-chaos effect is enhanced by a multi-screen music video that'll properly scatter your brain. No pressure, just hit play.
Canty – “Follower”
The time is right for a fully-realized UK art-rock vision and Canty’s serving it up. Taking cues from new wave heroes like Robert Smith and Morrisey, this is the mournful, meaningful soundtrack for all of your future brooding. Featuring slow-like-honey guitar riffs, gorgeous vocals, and compelling percussion — this one’s a fascinating turn down a dark alleyway.
