Kevin Bronson on March 27th, 2026

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Well, what fun.

Greatest Hits … This Week (Vol. 380) samples from new album releases by the likes of Cannons, The Pretty Flowers, Robert Francis, Big Harp, Gregory Uhlmann and Uni Boys — plus, we’re featuring new singles from Towa Bird, Johanna Samuels, Cheekface, Livingmore, Forest, Valley Boy, Gelli Haha, Beatrix, Runnner, Stella Lefty, Lindsey Troy, Cole Berliner, Empress Of and a bunch more. Don’t miss the Career Woman cover as the cherry on top.

Previous Buzz Bands LA playlists, with liner notes, here.

Anita Mills contributed to this roundup.

■ Towa Bird, “Dirty Habit” — Breaking news: Towa Bird’s sophomore album “Gentleman” drops May 15 via Interscope Records. Bird says: “If the last album was a pub, this is a cocktail bar. If the last album was a white tank, this is a double-breasted suit.” “Dirty Habits” is a synth-forward, high-energy track, following the title-track. Watch the music video featuring high-quality camera work here.

■ Livingmore, “Undone” — “Undone” is the seventh single released by Livingmore (Spencer Livingston and Alex Moore) since their 2024 album “The Garden.” While each release has plumbed a slightly subgenre of pop-rock, “Undone” returns to the affecting but energetic indie-pop of their song “Away Away Away.” Both appear on the self-titled album “Livingmore,” out in May.

■ The Pretty Flowers, “Never Felt Bitter (We Burn)” — Friendly reminder that “Never Felt Bitter,” the third full-length from the Pretty Flowers (Noah Green, Sam Tiger, Jake Gideon and Sean Johnson) is out today. Its muscular indie-rock is informed by ripped-from-the-headlines anger and malaise, as well as the belief that the sting of a riff or the force of a hook or the turn of a phrase can be a salve. See “Came Back Kicking” and “To Be So Cool,” and work up a sweat to this one. Live tonight at Healing Force of the Universe.

■ Johanna Samuels, “White Limousine” — Folk-pop enchantress Johanna Samuels has released “White Limousine,” produced by Jonathan Rado, her first single since 2024. The song, she says, was inspired by her first panic attack. “It was in a white limousine. A friend had rented one for her 15th birthday and I felt a pressure rising within myself to be inauthentic that night. I felt a sense of dread come over me, like I was unsafe. I could feel myself growing apart from myself. I have found that in the pursuit of art in my adult life, the market-ization of the medium and the social setup of the musical community has brought this same feeling up again and again.” Watch the video by Norma.

■ Robert Francis, “Midnight on Mulholland” — Today brought the release of Robert Francis’ “Phantasmagoria,” his first album in six years and a true long-player. It deviates (beautifully) from the folk singer milieu he inhabited on his first eight LPs, owing to the miasma of analog synths — instruments he inherited after his sister Juliette Commagere and her husband Joachim Cooder moved after their home was damaged in the 2025 fires. The single “State Line” introduced the album; “Midnight on Mulholland” simply puts you there.

■ Stella Lefty, “Boston” — The follow-up to “The Kills,” “Boston” is the new single from Stella Lefty (Stella Lefkofsky) Live May 13 at the Moroccan Lounge (headlining) and April 23 at the Greek Theatre, opening for Tucker Wetmore.

■ Big Harp, “Runs to Blue” — “‘Runs to Blue’ is a parent-child relationship song, although I think it could apply to other relationships as well,” Chris Senseney says of the title track to Big Harp’s first album in a decade, which is out today. “It can be hard to watch the painful process of growth, and to watch people wrestle with the certainty of sorrow and grief and disappointment. All you can do sometimes is love each other the best you can, even when your best doesn’t feel like enough.” Senseney and wife Stefanie Drootin have crafted a big-hearted record that almost makes you feel like you’re part of the family. Live (and a listening party) April 3 at Deadly Wax, 17820 Chatsworth St., Granada Hills.

■ Beatrix, “My Angel” — Beatrix (Arielle Kasnetz) follows “Class Reunion” with “My Angel,” off her new album “We Swallowed the Sky,” out April 24 via Nice Life Recordings. Beatrix says: “I was crying when I heard it back for the first time. The guitar solo Harrison Whitford takes at the end does it for me every time.” Watch the whimsical music video here. Live April 4 at Healing Force of the Universe.

■ Runnner, “Cowboy Cologne” — The follow-up to “Branch Bent,” “Cowboy Cologne” is the latest single from Noah Weinman’s solo project Runnner.

■ Lindsey Troy, “Six Shades of Grey” — “‘Six Shades of Grey’ is a song that explores my very personal and painful experience living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which I’ve struggled with since the age of 14,” Lindsey Troy (ex-Deap Vally) says of her third solo. single. “I wrote this song during one of my darkest hours struggling with this mental illness. … I’ve come so far, but still it’s a daily struggle.” Live May 24 at Oblivion as part of the Arroyo Secodelic Festival in Highland Park.

■ Cole Berliner, “The Black Door” — Composer Cole Berliner has signed to Drag City Records, which will release his debut album, “The Black Door,” on May 29. The gently rolling title track (sepia-toned video here) gives you an idea of Berliner’s “instrumental parlor music” — “an ode to the sweetness and darkness of memory, both in one’s immediate life and in the context of history,” the songwriter says. Live June 3 at Zebulon.

■ Nymphlord, “Emptiness” — Singer-songwriter Nymphlord drops “Emptiness,” a moody guitar-driven track following “Garden.”  Her debut album “Shedding Velvet” drops May 15 via Lauren Records. Nymphlord says: “The song is a downer but the process of making it was more playful and cathartic, a much needed release.” Watch the music video shot on Sony handy-cam here. Live March 28 at Permanent Records Roadhouse.

■ Uni Boys, “Look on the Bright Side” — Power-pop fans, rejoice: Uni Boys (Reza Matin, Noah Nash, Artie Fitch and Michale Cipolletti) today released their new self-titled album. Clean, chiming guitars, soaring melodies, boys-next-door harmonies (including background vocals on four tracks by the Lemon Twigs’ Michael and Brian D’Addario) — it’s all happening.

■ Cannons, “Carousel” — “Everything Glows” is the title of the new album (out today) from pop trio Cannons, and that’s some truth in advertising. Following effervescent singles “Light As a Feather,” “These Nights” and “Starlight,” “Carousel” is the release-week single. Live July 19 at the Hollywood Bowl, with Bob Moses.

■ Valley Boy, “Evan in My Japanese Beer” — The heart-rending story of a life lost in a drunk-driving accident, “Evan in My Japanese Beer” is the follow-up to “Diana Gets an Email” and the latest single from Valley Boy’s album “Children of Divorce,” out May 1. On the LP, Valley Boy — aka songwriter-producer James Alan Ghaleb — puts to music vignettes from kids like him, children of divorce, and the new single is all raw emotions.

■ Gelli Haha, “Klouds Will Carry Me To Sleep” — Angel Abaya’s bubblegum-spiked-with-acid pop shone on her debut album, “Switcheroo,” a disco free-for-all co-written with and produced by Sean Guerin (De Lux) and released last June. Turns out there’s more from the “Gelliverse.” The kaleidoscopic “Klouds Will Carry Me to Sleep” is the new single, and there’s David Gutel’s video (and Taylor Nicholson’s production design) to give you an eyeful as well as an earful. Live May 20 at the Constellation Room.

■ Cheekface, “Black Site”— Let’s face it: “I got soul / but I’m not Korea” is the cheesiest chant ever chanted by characteristically enchanting L.A. trio Cheekface. It’s from “Black Site” (video), the L.A. trio’s new single, which has the usual Cheekface attributes: a point and a sense of humor. Arriving as the follow-up to “Hostile Street,” the song introduces the band’s sixth full-length, “Podium,” out July 28. Live Oct. 24 the Teragram Ballroom.

■ Empress Of, “Dream House” — Solo artist Empress Of (aka Lorely Rodriguez) drops the quality pop track “Dream House,” following “Blasting Through The Speakers.” Rodriguez says: “I wrote ‘Dream House’ in Norway on a fjord after my house had burned down. My childhood best friend moved there and in an attempt to find a home anywhere outside of LA, I flew there and spent a couple of weeks making music. It felt jarring and lonely, not exactly the comfort I was hoping for, but one afternoon I made a little voice memo while playing a piano mumbling the phrase….i wanna build a dream for you. That’s when this whole thing kind of started. Like a little spark. Someone said a phoenix isn’t born it’s remembered and in making this I remembered why I make music.”

■ Monster Rally, “If You Want It” (feat. Miles Michaud of Allah-Las) — Ted Feighan, aka Monster Rally, is known for his mellow, instrumental tropicalia. Until today. His 10th album, “Echoes of the Emerald Sands,” has arrived, boasting 12 tracks featuring 12 guest vocalists, including TV Girl, Jordana, Toledo, Munya and more.

■ IAMEVE, “Stardust Apocalypse” — Layered with vocals, dappled by synths and sprinkled with, yes, stardust, “Stardust Apocalypse” is the latest single from songwriter-producer Tiff Randol’s art-pop project IAMEVE. The new album “Legacy” is out May 15. Live April 11 at the Hotel Café Second Stage.

■ Scott Fisher, “Dangerous Game” — Cut from the fabric 1970s AOR, “Dangerous Game” is the second single from folk-pop artist Scott Fisher’s forthcoming album “A Billion Suns” (release date TBA). The LP was made with collaborators including Tim Lefebvre (bass) and Joey Waronker (drums).

■ Forest, “Whore & Savior” — Siena Forest (aka Forest) drops “Whore & Savior,” a crunchy, unapologetic alt-anthem about sexual exploration, following “Prosthetic Stars.”

■ She Wants Revenge, “Sarah Says” — L.A. duo She Wants Revenge have unveiled the expanded, 20th anniversary edition of their self-titled debut album, which features the previously unreleased “Sarah Says,” along with remixes and alternate versions of songs from their breakthrough LP. Live April 23 at the Wiltern.

■ Death Lens, “Debt Collector” — “Debt Collector” (you bet there’s a video) is the latest two minutes of fury from punk quartet Death Lens’ forthcoming album “What’s Left Now?,” out April 24. Live Saturday at the El Rey, supporting White Reaper and Drug Church.

■ Clarion, “Cover Me” — Today brought the release of “Blue Fairy,” the sophomore EP from bold noise-punk Clarion (Saya Oliva, Anthony Sanchez and Javier Flores). Live May 6, May 7, May 13 and May 14 at the House of Blues Anaheim, opening for Panchiko. Headlining date June 5 at the Paramount.

■ Zephyring, “Smashing” — Friendly reminder that “Hydraphantasy,” the first studio release from Zephyring, has made its way to streaming services. As the lead single “Find My Way” portended, it’s muscular alt-rock recorded with producer Steve Albini before his passing in May 2024. Live (free show) on April 4 at the Viper Room.

■ Julez and the Rollerz, “I Don’t Know You” — “I Don’t Know” introduces the new album from Julez and the Rollerz, “Dirty Little Rock ’N’ Roller,” out June 26. Live April 2 at the Constellation Room, supporting SWMRS.

■ Arcane Grace, “Addicted To” — Arcane Grace combines the talents of Andrea Leigh, Ryan Bale and Matt Tucci, who debuted their riffy rock in early 2025. “Addicted To” is their fourth single, anchored by Leigh’s soulful vocals and spiced by Bale’s guitar solo.

■ David Haerle, “Tucumcari Tonite!” — “Tucumcari Tonite!,” the new single from L.A. singer-songwriter David Haerle, arrives with a surreal video directed filmmaker Sabrina Doyle, who incorporates AI to add some stunning effects to a magical road trip. Watch it here.

■ Satya, “Project 10” — Oakland native Satya Hawley (just Satya when she’s releasing music) has announced that her debut albu, “Yellow House,” will be out June 5. She unveiled the title track last month, and now “Project 10” is the latest sampling of her warm R&B-meets-dream-pop.

■ Angelo De Augustine, “Empty Shell” — “Empty Shell” is the latest single from Angelo De Augustine’s forthcoming album “Angel in Plainclothes,” out April 24. The single is accompanied by the release of a short film titled “Can I Come Back to Earth?,” directed by Ramez Silyan.

■ Gun Outfit, “So Easy To Love” — Gun Outfit drops “So East To Love,” following “Unfelt Loss,” from their 80-minute double-LP “Process & Reality,” dropping May 27.

■ Integra Pink, “Spiderman Piñata” — Genre-blending Chicano band Integra Pink (Leo Mendez, Bardo Mendez, Roman De La Fuente, and Nick Jauregui) release the stand-alone single “Spiderman Piñata” via Futureless Records. Pegged as cumbia meets punk meets disco, it’s their fourth single since release their debut “Mall Grab” in 2024. The band says: “Sonically, the song is scattered and bounces around, but I think lyrically it’s more pointed.”

■ Crimes of Passion, “Control” — Crimes of Passion is the solo project of producer Robert Ruby (born Robert Maule), who debuted last month with the single “Delirium.” Crimes of Passion’s first EP, “Coasting,” is on the way.

■ Jenevieve, “Waiting Room” (feat. Jordan Ward) — Jenevieve Johnson is a Miami-reared neo-soul artist who was nominated for this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards for Best New R&B artist. “Waiting Room” is a slow-grooving stand-alone single that features the hip-hip stylings of Jordan Ward.

■ Nick Flessa, “Ira Louvin’s Inner Child” — Nick Flessa’s instrumental album “A Different Kind of Energy” arrives April 17. The new single tells a big story in a 2-minute span: “‘Ira Louvin’s Inner Child’ is an ode to the more unhinged Louvin Brother,” Flessa says. “More stripped down than some of the other tracks on this record, it consists of just pedal steel and acoustic guitar. The melody and chord progression are based on ‘Are You Washed in the Blood?,’ a hymn from the 1800s by Elisha Hoffman, notably recorded by the Louvins. … Ira Louvin led a violent and painful life, but wrote and performed beautiful music. Beaten senseless as a child, prone to anger and drunken violence throughout his life, nearly shot to death by his wife, and ironically killed by someone else’s drunk driving, I think of this recording as my tribute to the light, playfulness and intelligence at the core of his work. That said, the title is sort of tongue-in-cheek. The idea of applying contemporary pop psychology to a figure like Ira is in some ways deliberately incongruous.”

■ Gregory Uhlmann, “Days” — Stretch out with another instrumental track — this from guitarist, composer and sonic explorer Gregory Uhlmann. His solo debut LP, “Extra Stars,” is out today, and the expansive, twinkling “Days” seems to transport you to another dimension.

■ Career Woman, “Game of Pricks” — And now for our playlist-ending cover song: Last summer, L.A. native Melody Caudill released her debut album as Career Woman, “Lighthouse.” Now the indie-pop artist is back with her version of Guided By Voices’ “Game of Pricks.”