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 Tuesday newsletter here, and have ‘em delivered directly to your inbox.
Leyla McCalla – “Love We Had”
This one’s got roots. Haitian-American artist and cellist Leyla McCalla plays folk music that’s an energized and joyful homage to the human triumphs that got us here; an “African Diasporic declaration of sonic freedom” from the imagined boundaries that keep us apart. You won’t exactly hear that in these lyrics, though — this cheerful love song is a cover, originally written and performed by Ethiopian artist and activist Ali Mohammed Birra, and the love he expresses through McCalla’s rich alto is for us all. The album, Sun Without The Heat, is out this Friday (April 12).
Porij – “Unpredictable (Live From KCRW)”
Manchester four-piece Porij has enjoyed plenty of air on KCRW lately due to their utterly excellent chunes — including this performance of the drum ‘n’ bass-infused dance track, “Unpredictable,” Live From KCRW HQ. Porij is fresh on the scene to offer their alt angle on certain established genres as we know them: indie, electronic, and dub. They’re as “one to watch” as it gets, so pay attention and get your pre-order on… The band’s debut LP, Teething, is out on April 26 via PIAS.
Justice – “Saturnine (Starring Miguel)”
Skin shivers and bodies quiver: Justice is back, baby. The French electro outfit who ruled the mid-aughts to mid-teens with their stacked synths and brain-rattling basslines are making a triumphant return to the limelight this month with their first full-length album in seven years; and this single, with vocals from KCRW fave Miguel, is a great f*ckin’ start. Sexy, refined, and deeply cool, this track hits that coveted space between laid-back and fired-up and contains surprising samples and effects that show the duo have tons of tricks up their sleeve. We. Can’t. Wait. Hyperdrama drops on April 26.
P.S. Be sure to tune into Morning Becomes Eclectic on Wednesday, April 17th for Justice’s guest DJ set.
Shannon & The Clams – “Real Or Magic”
Ready for a full-on fantasy? The latest offering from Oakland 4-top Shannon & The Clams is worthy of the last slow dance at the imaginary prom of your dreams. Playing their unique blend of vintage R&B, surf rock, and 1960s doo-wop, S&TC here hold true to their musical and visual identities while growing and glowing up their sound and style. Featuring over-the-rainbow level longing, glittering chimes and Shannon’s signature rough-edged belted vocals, this track will have you under a spell. Want more? Grab the LP, The Moon Is In The Wrong Place, out May 10 via Easy Eye Sound.
Jordan Rakei – “Learning”
Let’s end on one to set your spirit alight. The latest single from neo-soul mega-talent Jordan Rakei pulls out the big guns: a heart-tugging orchestral section, haunting choral backup, big-statement lyrics, and a musical twist to keep you on your toes in the final bars. Rakei’s vocals will give you goosebumps — but you ain’t even ready for what the choral embrace will do to you, sneaking up from behind with swelling strings, an immensity of sound representing the gravity of Rakei’s latest venture, which inspired this track: fatherhood. We want more — thankfully, The Loop will be delivered on May 10.