Song of the Day: Allah-Las - Could Be You

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, selected by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is “Could Be You” by Allah-Las, from their 2016 album, Calico Review, on Mexican Summer Records.Allah-Las - Could Be You (MP3)The California garage rock scene is strong and only gets stronger with old soul revivalist groups like Allah-Las. On their third full-length album, Calico Review, the LA quartet have continued to turn down the volume on their Greenhornes-esque surf rock and turned up the strawberry fields psychedelia and subtle twang to make a Thirteen Floor Elevators meets Kurt Vile meets 60s rock three-headed beast. And now the beast is a little more tame with polished tones, modest reverb, and more backing vocal coos.

The comparisons to predecessors aren't meant to be glib - in fact, three of the four members of Allah-Las just so happen to have been working at the indelible Amoeba Records when they started the band. Being surrounded by great music all day certainly manifested in the great music they've created, the perfect listening for a no-plans, sunny afternoon. Having released their first, self-titled LP back in 2012, Miles Michaud (vocals, guitar), Matthew Correia (percussion), Spencer Dunham (bass), and Pedrum Siadatian (lead guitar) quickly garnered attention from music tastemakers across the Web.

Being one of the more upbeat numbers on Calico Review, today's featured song, "Could Be You", harnesses the vintage allure of Loaded-era Velvet Underground (most specifically "Rock & Roll") rolled up in the same joint with Parquet Courts. Throughout the song, clean-bending guitar riffs complement Miles Michaud's textured and carefree crooning. "Could Be You" is an all-seasons kind of jam, but it's also a fitting segue into the relaxed and free feeling start of Fall.

You can catch Allah-Las are playing here in Seattle tonight(!) at Neumos. Ticket information can be found here. They also have a whole string of shows in California, the UK, Europe, and Mexico. You can check out their tour dates and more details on their website and Facebook page. For now, catch the music video for "Could Be You" below.