It’s time for Your First Listen, where we show you songs you need to discover this week!
This Indie88 feature is presented with Bay Bloor Radio.
Each week we feature five remarkable songs that you need to hear on Your First Listen on air. In case you miss them on air, you can catch up on the weekly tracks right here. Your First Listen airs every day in Indie88 beginning at 10 a.m.
Online, we expand the list with a couple more tunes. This week, we’ve got new tracks from The National, Pierre Kwenders, Bully, Stars, and more.
Check out seven songs you need to discover this week below.
The National – “Eucalyptus”
The National has released a third new track, titled “Eucalyptus” ahead of its upcoming album First Two Pages of Frankenstein. According to a release, the new track came together during a soundcheck prior to a show at the historic Capitol Theatre just north of New York City in Port Chester.
Pierre Kwenders – “SMT”
2022 Polaris Prize-winning artist Pierre Kwenders has announced a deluxe version of his record José Louis And The Paradox of Love, out June 30, 2023 on Arts & Crafts. The announcement arrived with a new song, “SMT,” which is one of three new cuts expected on the forthcoming album.
Panda Bear & Sonic Boom – “In My Body”
Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) and Sonic Boom (Pete Kember) announced their first North American tour dates this past week, while unveiling a new music video for “In My Body,” directed by Marcus O’Kane.
Stars – “Back To The End (Yumi Zouma Remix)”
Montreal’s Stars released Yumi Zouma’s new remix of their From Capelton Hill original, “Back to the End” as part of the band’s forthcoming From Capelton Hill Deluxe LP set for an April 21, 2023 release via Last Gang Records/MNRK.
Bully – “Days Move Slow”
“Days Move Slow” is the latest single from Bully’s upcoming album Lucky For You, due June 2, 2023. The song is a tribute to Alicia Bognanno’s late dog, Mezzi.
“As someone who has spent the majority of my life feeling agonizingly misunderstood, there is no greater gift than experiencing true unconditional love and acceptance. I waited my whole life for the bond and irreplaceable companionship I had with Mezzi,” Bognanno said in a release. “She was my best friend and my only constant through some of the most pivotal moments and phases of my life. I was a stranger to the level of love I now know exists because of Mezzi. Love you forever; I’m lucky for you.”
GROUPLOVE – “Hello, All!”
Atlanta-based indie outfit GROUPLOVE have unveiled a double single for “Hello/All,” along with a video featuring the two tracks. The “Hello” portion is one of the newest songs to be featured on-air at Indie88.
Chromeo – “Words Without You”
Chromeo have returned with a new single, “Words With You,” their first proper studio release since 2018’s Head Over Heels.
“For all intents and purposes, this is the first official Chromeo single since our last studio album,” the duo said in a release. “It’s a statement: a mix of new and familiar. The new: the horn section and live instruments, played throughout, from the drums to the bass to our array of synths. The familiar: the groove and the tone, two signature things that we’ve been honing for almost 20 years now. The idea was to come out with something that felt sophisticated and slick, with just enough swagger and wit to make you smile. So come over and lend an ear…we’d like to have a word with you.”
