Neal Casal and Johnny Irion, courtesy.

Young punks The Linda Lindas, a lost (and found) track by Neal Casal and Johnny Irion, the prog-heavy guitar riffs of Pink Mountaintops and the genius lyrics of Kathleen Hanna, Erica Dawn Lyle and Vice Cooler make up our favorite tracks of the week. We round out this list with new releases from Florist, Pond, Queen Kwong and Lalande.

Neal Casal and Johnny Irion, “No Hard Feelings” — This is one of those nearly too perfect stories. Two artists meet up at Johnny Irion’s uncle Thom Steinbeck’s house (yes, the son of the John Steinbeck) in 2011. They write a song. Casal sends back the demo post-surfing, and then it’s forgotten about.  Sadly, Casal took his life in 2019. But this found track is a gem.

“No Hard Feelings” is raw and stripped down. With light guitar strumming and lyrics that are achingly heartfelt, the song soars. Casal’s vocals have a yearning and sadness, yet with Irion on backing vocals, they create a warm melody. Add in some pedal steel. The song was released for Mental Health Awareness Month. Proceeds go to the Neal Casal Music Foundation and will be shared with nonprofit Sounds of Saving.

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Erica Dawn Lyle, Vice Cooler and Kathleen Hanna, “Mirrorball” — Bikini Kill guitarist Erica Dawn Lyle and The Raincoats drummer Vice Cooler  wrote all the music LAND TRUST: Benefit for NEFOC during the pandemic. Then they found the seminal women of punk to be guest vocalists. All of the proceeds benefit Indigenous-led organization Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust (NEFOC).

“Mirrorball” is the first single from the album and features riot grrrl Kathleen Hanna. Punk, feminist and in your face, Hanna commands an audience. On her first song in nearly five years, her vocals are still a gut punch. Lyle’s guitars sear with riffs galore, along with the brash drumming of Cooler. They are the perfect complement to Hanna’s ferocity. Bikini Kill comes to Oakland this July!

The Linda Lindas, “Why” — If you’re confused with this video, featuring artist of the week Kathleen Hanna, it’s time to rewatch “The Decline of Western Civilization,” L.A.’s legendary punk documentary from the ’80s by Penelope Spheeris. Hanna, as the interviewer, captures the film to a T. Add some fast punk riffage, hard-hitting vocals and pop-friendly melodies, and end with a fiery The Linda Lindas track. These teen (and pre-teens) ladies seriously rock. Just don’t call them “cute.” Be sure to catch them with Bikini Kill in Oakland.

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Pink Mountaintops, “Nikki Go Sudden” — Pink Mountaintops is a supergroup featuring Stephen McBean of Black Mountain and members of Melvins, Redd Kross and many more. Nikki Sudden was the singer-guitarist of the late Swell Maps and Jacobites. He passed away far too young at 49. “Nikki Go Sudden” is a tribute with wry nursery rhyme lyrics. Power chords galore, soaring guitars and drumming that comes at you like a force. The song is anthemic and makes you want to join in with your own air guitar. The real beauty here are the harmonies, but those weirdly catchy lyrics will stick with you: “Hush baby-bay now don’t you die.”

Florist, “Spring In Hours” — Florist, once the moniker of Emily Sprague and now a quartet, released the most beautiful song of 2022. The accompanying video uses staggering footage from 125 collaborators. A sax seems to float into the video from nowhere. Guitars and synths drift in and out of the song. Sprague’s vocals are ethereal. There’s such a sense of serenity as the music ebbs and flows. “Spring In Hours” is one of those songs you can listen to on repeat. At nearly seven minutes, it still feels far too short.

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Pond, “Hang a Cross On Me” — Pond announced the deluxe edition of album 9, and it sounds pretty luxe, indeed: metallic silver 180-gram double-LP. Much like its Perth, Australia counterparts Tame Impala, Pond seems to have jumped on the more dance-friendly electronic beats. No more five-minute songs, just a three-minute prog-heavy ’90s-rave-influenced banger. “Hang a Cross On Me” is bringing back the Madchester baggy scene; hopefully not the fashion. Add a bit of the psychedelic sounds, some disco balls and four-to-the-floor electronic beats and be prepared to let go. If raves are coming back, one can only hope The Haçienda will have a resurgence as well.

Lalande, “Liquid Time” — Changing it up from the wall of sound of noise-rock band A Place To Bury Strangers, drummer Lia Braswell has released her first track as Lalande. The woozy and hypnotic “Liquid Time” brings together psychedelic vocals with dreamy keyboards. The song explodes with a throbbing bass riff and wild percussion. Oh, and this is a collaboration with Braswell’s brother, Ark Visser, who also produced.

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Queen Kwong, “On The Run” — Calling all “Bachelor” Nation fans, this one is for you. Well, perhaps not. Angeleno Queen Kwong, (Carré Kwong Callaway), made a perfect video for the latest iteration of “Bachelor in Paradise.” With subtitles from episodes of what “contestants” actually said, Queen Kwong creates a romantic ballad that’s anything but. The video doesn’t end well for the contestants, but the song is heartfelt and self-aware. You can slow-dance to this! The song also features keys and synths by Roger O’Donnell of The Cure.

Rachel’s Pick: With so many artists donating proceeds to brilliant charities, it’s hard to pick just one song. It’s also not a coincidence that I chose songs with Kathleen Hanna, an icon for grrrl power. So donate to any charity you fighting to protect women’s rights.

Sadly, I know a few people who have taken their own lives, and “No Hard Feelings” spoke to me. From the opening lines, the song pulls you right in. Perhaps it’s Casal’s vocals, soft and tender; but the song frees you.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.

Follow writer Rachel Goodman at Twitter.com/xneverwherex and Instagram.com/xneverwherex.