Mondo Cozmo, courtesy.

This week on Tuesday Tracks, we’ve got an epic anthem from Mondo Cozmo, chill shoegaze by Miki Berenyi Trio, Southern blues rock by The Cold Stares, funk empowerment from Kossisko, folk by Bonny Light Horseman and pop from Valley.

Mondo Cozmo, “Angels” – Josh Ostrander has had a No. 1 hit (“Shine”) and opened for countless huge American bands, but he’s still not as big as he should be. Maybe this sweeping, epic, Springsteen-esque tune will get him there. With big strings reminiscent of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” it’s perfect for a drive with the top down or a party on the rooftop. Hopefully, this single release means there’s a new record on the horizon, but in the meantime, you can catch him at BottleRock Napa Valley on May 25!

***

Miki Berenyi Trio, “Vertigo” – Perhaps best known as the bassist for Britpop band Lush, Miki Berenyi first put her trio together to play on her book tour in 2022 (her memoir is titled Fingers Crossed; get it here). She plays guitar, with her Piroshka collaborators Kevin ‘Moose’ McKillop on guitar and Oliver Cherer on bass. This track has major Cocteau Twins/Massive Attack vibes. The Miki Berenyi Trio will be on tour this summer, and playing Great American Music Hall in June!

The Cold Stares, “Coming Home” – This Southern blues rock stomp is full of vitality (and dobro). Frontman Chris Tapp sings about the enduring advice of his father: “My Father said, ‘son don’t forget to pray/ ’Cause you know there will come a day/ When this old world turns against you/ You better have a plan to make your way.” Their seventh album, The Southern, is due out on Sept. 6.

***

Valley, “When You Know Someone” – Canadian band Valley has been nominated for JUNO awards and opened for artists like Lennon Stella, Dermot Kennedy and the Band Camino. It used to be a quartet, but when one member left, it caused remaining members Rob Laska (vocals), Alex Dimauro (bassist) and Karah James (drummer) to grapple with feelings of abandonment. Working with long-time friend Chase Lawrence from COIN to get their feelings out, the powerful result is “When You Know Someone,” which has got a Killers-ish arena vibe and harmonica.

Bonny Light Horseman, “Old Dutch” – Bonny Light Horseman, comprised of Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson and Josh Kaufman, recorded upcoming album Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free live at Levis Corner House pub in Ballydehob, Ireland in front of its patrons and staff. You can see some of the process in this video; the small crowd gets really into it! It looks like a really special experience to have heard these beautiful harmonies in person. You can hear the whole double LP when it’s out on June 7.

***

Kossisko, “Finally Free” – GRAMMY-nominated artist Kossisko brings us a funky anthem of empowment. You might have seen Kossisko on HBO’s “Euphoria” or Netflix’s “Sex/Life.” After a health scare, Kossisko, a frequent G-Eazy collaborator, decided to pivot away from their misogynistic rap persona (they were formerly known as 100s) and embrace their true self. “Finally Free” is all about not caring what others think of you and not being marginalized by your challenges. Kossisko’s disco and glam R&B-infused album, Slayerz Ball, is out June 7.

Rachel’s pick: I just don’t get why Mondo Cozmo isn’t bigger. He has it all – electric live performances, catchy choruses – and even the Boss has given his stamp of approval. I am now driving the Mondo Cozmo bandwagon for anyone who wants to jump aboard!

Follow Rachel Alm at Twitter.com/thouzenfold, Instagram.com/thousandfold, and on Bluesky at @thousandfold.bsky.social.