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.
Khruangbin – "A Love International”
Grab yer wigs, it’s Khruangbin time. The celebrated Texas instrumental outfit is back with a brand new album of highly-refined, guitar-forward psychedelia. Khruangbin’s music is so easy to love, a groovy “soundtrack to your life” suited for almost any mood or occasion, and this latest single stays consistent. Hit play for their signature vibe enhanced by a banana boat story to get your travel bug wigglin.’ And sit tight for more — the full album, A LA SALA, comes out April 5.
Faye Webster – “Lego Ring (Feat. Lil Yachty)”
Worlds collide in this kickback collab track from effortlessly cool singer-songwriter Faye Webster and rapper Lil Yachty. Faye brings her Muppets-gone-bad vocal style and heavy fuzz riffs to the table, and invites her childhood pal Yachty to play along for a sticks n’ slams feature in playful auto-tune. Faye’s been steadily on our radar — 2021’s “Cheers” is a big fave — and this latest offering suggests a deepening of her unique style and commitment to an inventive alt-indie sound that the scene just really needs, man… Thanks Faye.
Buck Meek – “Cuero Dudes”
Here’s a track that leaves the porch light on. Warm, friendly, but not lacking in depth, it’s a solid hang of a tune, here to offer you a beer and give ya a lift at the end of the night. Buck Meek plays guitar for Big Thief, but this single, a bonus release rework from his third solo album, seems the clearest reflection of his internal jamboree. Come and hang, dudes!
Mexican Institute of Sound – “Stop! (Feat. Ceci Bastida)”
Vamanos a CDMX! Electro-project Mexican Institute of Sound is known for grinding out a most excellent clash of contemporary club and traditional Mexican music, lead by producer Camilo Lara, and for highlighting rising Mexican stars and legacy artists alike. This latest blaster features queen of mexican punk Ceci Bestida, making commands to “stop” over mexican folk instruments and call-outs all soaked in a heavy layer of fuzz and spooky echo.
The Jesus & Mary Chain – “Chemical Animal”
Resurrect your inner goth with this brooding new single from legendary alternative rock band The Jesus & Mary Chain. Featuring a hypnotic backtrack and darkly expressive lyrics ripe for lip-syncing, this moody single’s gonna help you rid your demons under cover of a midnight sky. And there’s more coming: JAMC’s new album, Glasgow Eyes, is out March 8.
