Over 600 submissions came in for this week’s Five Songs list. After much sifting, winnowing, and filtering, these five tracks emerged victorious. Thoughts on any of them?
1. The Warning, Qué Más Quieres
Keep Me Fed (Lava/Republic Records)
Recommended If You Like: Women who rock
You may have already run across this rock sister trio (the Villarreal Vélez sisters) from Monterey, Mexico, who have been working in the power rock are since 2913. They’re generating a huge buzz ahead of their fourth album, which is coming June 28. It’s rare that a Spanish-language rock song generates this much hype, yet here we are. And it’s more evidence that rock is once again on the upswing.
2. Been Stellar, Sweet
Scream from New York NY (Dirty Hit Records)
RIYL: The middle 90s
Been Stellar sounds like they should have been around in about 1996, playing dreamy melancholic songs that feature polyrhythms and layers of guitars. Although they do have an English sound about them, they’re actually from Michigan although they’re now based out of NYC. The full album will be available June 14. They could be one of the breakout bands from this year’s Lollpalooza. Again, another reason to feel good about rock’s prospects.
3. The Big Special, Black Dog/White Horse
Postindustrial Hometown Blues (SO Recordings)
RIYL: Poets
This is an interesting project consisting of poet/frontman Joe Hicklin and his mate drummer Callum Maloney. Together they create songs about class struggle, the sense that Britain is in decline, and general desperation. If you’re into artists like Soul Coughing and John Cooper Clarke, you might want to dive into this album, This is one of the singles.
4. GXTP, Leather & Lace
Single (NFAFTAM/CO5 Music)
RIYL: Edmonton rock
Before we begin, you should perhaps know that “GXTP” stands for “Guns and Toilet Paper.” No, really. And yes, the name (and the trio) was conceived during that weird time during COVID when some people felt it necessary to hoard toilet paper. Despite the jokey nature of the song, this is a nice slice of indie rock that’s now getting some traction in parts of North America
5. Blonde Diamond, I’m So F**king Happy
Single (High Tide Music/Fontana North)
RIYL: F-bombs, but in a loving way
Blonde Diamond is a Vancouver-based group is making a Song of the Summer play with this single that oozes good vibes and sheer happiness. If you’re feeling particularly good, you might find yourself singing along with Alexis Young. The group has already toured with Broken Social Scene, Portugal.The Man, Bishop Briggs, and Mother Mother.
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