Mother’s Day weekend may be in the rearview, but the gifts keep on coming. This week’s instalment of What’s Going On is loud, proud, and ready to get you back on your feet after a Sunday brunch hangover. We’ve got a largely rock-leaning lineup that’s equal parts catharsis and chaos, perfect for blasting with the windows down or awkwardly sharing with your mom, if she’s into fuzzed-out guitars and songs about emotional girlfriends. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
The Ataris – Attention millennials! The Ataris are back with new music. “Car Song,” the poignant lead single from their first full-length since 2007, recently dropped, and it needs to be on your radar. Steeped in analog warmth and vintage tones, the track is a tribute to frontman Kristopher Roe’s late father William, who passed away in 2014 and was a constant pillar of support. In his honour, proceeds from the 7-inch of the song will benefit Shatterproof, an organization aiding addiction recovery efforts. The veteran punk band also released a fun pop-culture video for the single, showcasing Roe’s prized possession, Walter White’s Volvo from Breaking Bad.
Watch the new music video for “Car Song” by The Ataris below.
Kadavar – After a triumphant return to U.S. stages at Austin Psych Fest, Kadavar roar back with their hard-hitting new single “Scar On My Guitar.” A raw, emotionally charged anthem from their forthcoming album I Just Want To Be A Sound (out May 16th), the track captures the chaos, beauty, and scars of life on the road. Fueled by sweat and distortion, it marks a sonic reinvention for the Berlin-born rockers. Kadavar just wants to rock louder and freer than ever. And we’re so here for it!
Listen to Kadavar’s new single “Scar On My Guitar” below.
Dead Tooth – Are you into rodeo-core? New York City’s rodeo-core outfit Dead Tooth announced their self-titled debut album, due July 18th via Trash Casual. Led by songwriter Zach Ellis, the band kicks off the rollout with “You Never Do Shit.” The track is a swaggering, dark disco single about a frustrated musician-turned-criminal, complete with a tongue-in-cheek boy band-style dance video, that premiered via FLOOD. I’m still confused about what exactly makes it rodeo-core or what exactly that sound entails, but the track’s snarling charm has me intrigued to hear more!
Watch the music video for Dead Tooth’s “You Never Do Shit” below.
Naomi Westwater – Naomi Westwater (they/them) is out now with “Mama Run,” a powerful track from their newly released album Cycle & Change. The haunting track stands as an anthem of autonomy, coming amid escalating attacks on reproductive rights in America. Westwater’s album Cycle & Change is a deeply spiritual and enriching listen, blending introspective folk, subtle nods to jazz, and earthy organic instrumentation. Recorded in a historic church, the album merges personal transformation with political urgency, allowing listeners a space for healing, rebellion, and reclaiming one’s truth in a world still telling us who to be.
Listen to Naomi Westwater’s new single “Mama Run” below.
Royel Otis – Beloved indie duo Royel Otis return with their irresistible new single “moody” (out now via OURNESS/Capitol Records), a sun-drenched, slacker-pop gem co-written with hitmaker Amy Allen and produced by Blake Slatkin. Blending late-’90s groove with breezy melancholy, this ode to having a moody girlfriend is tailor-made for summer night drives. To celebrate, the duo packed out two sold-out shows at LA’s iconic Troubadour, previewing material from their forthcoming sophomore album. With their newly announced meet me in the car tour hitting major U.S. cities and the festival circuit, Royel Otis is clearly in the driver’s seat for a big year ahead.
Listen to Royel Otis’ new single “moody” below.
