Another solid Five Songs You Must Hear list with plenty of Cancon, something to help Ukraine, an amazing track from Zambia, and the very, VERY screamy Jehnny Beth.
1. Yukon Blonde, Adore You
Friendship & Rock’n’Roll (Dine Alone)
Recommended If You Like: Solid Cancon
With a new album coming September 19 and with Canadian dates scheduled for this summer (and a whole lot more for the fall), Yukon Blonde has a new single that they say is “about leaving it all on the stage and showcases the rawness and electricity of their rock ‘n’ roll live show.
2. The Lazys, Hot Under the Collar
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Rockin’ Aussie bands like Jet and those AC/DC fellows
They may be from Sydney, Australia, but there’s a lot of Cancon to this track because it was co-written by Ian D’Sa of Billy Talent. The producer is Dave Schiffman, who has worked with Adele, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and System of a Down. Watch for Canadian dates through July.
3. The Yagas and Gogol Bordello, Chevona Ruta
Single (Independent)
RIYL: Slava Ukraini!
The Yagas are fronted by Vera Farmiga, the Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress, who is of Ukrainian heritage. Gogol Bordello is the awesome Ukrainian punk band with an international following. This is their official studio version of a popular Ukrainian love song that was released in time for the country’s annual solstice celebration earlier this month. Proceeds are going to UNITED24 which supports medics in the war against Russia.
3. WITCH, Kamusale
SOGOLO (Now-Again)
RIYL: African rock
And now for something completely different. WITCH was formed in Kitwe, Zambia, in 1971 and had a good run that lasted until 1984. They reunited in 2011 and picked up where they left off. . There have been tons of releases—they’re part of a scene called Zamrock—with this track coming earlier this month. This is outstanding fuzzy stuff.
5. Jehnny Beth, Broken Rib
You Heartbreaker You (Matador)
RIYL: The need to scream
Jehnny Better (actually Camille Bertomier) was born in France and set up in England where she became the frontwoman for the English band Savages. She’s got fans and collaborators in Noel Gallagher, Idles, Primal Screen, Gorillaz, and more. She’s also managed by the same people who look after the Foo Fighters. This will be here second album. It’s due in August.
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