Today's Song of the Day, as chosen by Kevin Cole, host of Drive Time on KEXP, is "Yalniz Olu Baliklar Akintiyi Takip Eder" by Lalalar, from the 2022 album Bi Cinnete Bakar on Bongo Joe Switzerland.
This week's Songs of the Day were selected by KEXP DJ Kevin Cole, host of Drive Time, spotlighting artists playing Tremor Festival, March 28 to April 1, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. Check out their wonderful and wildly eclectic line-up of experimental and groundbreaking bands and artists across genres here.
Lalalar are currently Turkey’s buzziest band and for good reason. The trio’s fusion of 70’s Anatolian rock and 80’s dark wave with a punk attitude make for an intoxicatingly fierce and innovative sound. While the band has only been around since 2018, Ali Güçlü Şimşek, Barlas Tan Özemek and Kaan Düzarat are established members of the Istanbul music scene so it was an almost-inevitable meeting of minds and an exciting one for those familiar with their prior work.
Last year they released their debut album Bi Cinnete Bakar, a 70-minute epic journey of head-bopping soundscapes. Our Song of the Day “Yalniz Olu Baliklar Akintiyi Takip Eder” was originally released in 2019 on the split 7” Isyanlar. One of the most psych-infused tracks on the record, the band amps the fuzz up to 11 with an explosive meandering guitar line that cools to let Şimşek recite his spoken word lyrics only to burst again when he steps off the mic. It’s a dynamic thrill ride that’s only a small portion of what Lalalar excels at.
To get a taste of Lalalar’s riveting live shows, watch a performance of Bi Cinette Bakar opening track "Isyanlar" below.
