KCRW's 5 Songs To Hear This Week

Adrian Quesada

The talent and musicality is seeeeeping out of this deep-hearted groove from Adrian Quesada, founder of Black Pumas and celebratory bicultural artist. Quesada’s latest album is a direct sequel to 2022’s Boleros Psicodélicos, both volumes of which pay homage to his Latin roots and cultural heritage — not just the stuff in history books, but the sights and sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s. And it’s worth noting the fact that great artists always seem to have a knack for identifying their peers; “Afuera’s” troubadour style vocals are contributed by Chihuahua superstar Ed Maverick. LA folks take note, you can catch AQ live at Grand Performances on August 2nd.

Afuera (feat. Ed Maverick)

JayWood

Canadian artist and producer JayWood brings his whole damn self to this rich and playful single. Citing struggles with his “crippling imposter syndrome” as the song’s central theme while showing up boldly with a funk/hip-hop/psychedelic blend that you won’t soon forget — the artist proves himself worthy then skirts the track to a whole new sound in the bridge… just to back himself up. If you have feelings about ‘90s kids TV then you're really gonna appreciate the surreal DIY-flavored playscape of a video. P.S. Fans of DRAM, this one’s especially for you.

ASSUMPTIONS

TOPS

Moody grrrls gather, this is your bedroom-punk-shoegaze single of the summer. Montreal’s TOPS cite hardcore punk as a central inspiration for this minor-chord-laden track. It’s sweet and scary at the same time, like Winona Ryder in combat boots. Click play for scowling guitars delightfully paired with gauze-light vocals. Plus, the menacing mid-track slowdown will have you aching for fall. Get even more from TOPS when they play The Bellwether on September 20th.

Falling on my Sword

Peretsky

Step off the beaten path with this experimental track from conceptual artist Peretsky (government name Max Alper) who has also released work under the online moniker La Meme Young. This provocative and mesmerizing single comprises piano, vocals, and a sonic presence that’s easier categorized under sound art than music. Arresting, thoughtful, and sobering — this track deserves your focused attention and then some. Immerse yourself further into Peretsky’s world by queueing up the full LP It Doesn't Get Cold in October Anymore.

I Felt A Way

Andy Boay

Stay left of center with this booming, poetic, mellotron-fueled single that’s guaranteed to feed your head. Andy Boay brings a deeply artistic spirit to this starkly composed single, which contains echoes of Brian Eno and perhaps a bit of Bowie. Boay, who toured with Mac Demarco for six years on guitar, recorded and filmed this track in his “room at the New York Center for Creativity & Dance” — a move which suggests an artist-in-residence lifestyle that totally suits his creative needs.

One & One