FREAKS ONLY playlist: May 16, 2023

FREAKS ONLY superfriends Nation Of Language are on the road ahead of their forthcoming third LP — Strange Disciple, due September 15 via PIAS. While in LA for a nearly sold out show at the Fonda, the band found time to make their debut as the first FREAKS ONLY live in studio guests. Cozy up to your speakers for this easy chatter (complete with new song recs) among pals.

Lead singer Ian Devaney thinks of the band’s music in relationship to transportation: Their debut, Introduction, Presence is a “car” record; sophomore LP A Way Forward is Krautrock inspired, and therefore “train music;” Strange Disciple is “ambulatory” which according to NOL’s synth-maestra Aidan Noell means it’s meant for strutting down city streets. Click in for perhaps the strutiest song off of Strange Disciple that we’ve heard yet, “Stumbling Still.” And stay tuned for each band member’s guest DJ pick, featuring stone cold jams from Sextile, Mega Bog, and another long time KCRW favorite — Westerman. Also stay tuned to find out if Devaney’s dad really is the number one Car Seat Headrest stan.

Plus, first listens are the name of the game throughout this edition of FREAKS ONLY as we bring you the Braxe + Falcon remix of Phoenix’s “Winter Solstice” which won’t hit DSPs until next week, AND the world premiere of Daniel Avery’s “Going So Low (Feat. Georgia).” More Truth — the 7-track collection of new singles, B-Sides, and bonus material from the Ultra Truth sessions — is out now, but you heard it here first.