Song of the Day: Ages and Ages - Divisionary (Do the Right Thing)

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 is “Divisionary (Do the Right Thing)” by Ages and Ages from their upcoming 2014 album, Divisionary, on Partisan Records.

Ages and Ages - Divisionary (Do the Right Thing) (MP3)

Portland, OR, band Ages and Ages follow their critically acclaimed 2011 debut, Alright You Restless, by giving linguistic innovation a go on their upcoming sophomore album, Divisionary. The title, a blend of "visionary" and  "division," is defined by the band as representative of the inner-struggle many have with making the right choice. Ages and Ages' inspirational new single of the same title explains this concept better than any potential dictionary entry.

What begins as a simple vocal reminder from frontman Tim Perry to "do the right thing" is gradually joined by piano, drums, and the signature harmonies of the 7-piece band to create a full-on choral anthem. The motivating track offers clear lyrics with a simple, repetitive chorus that will stay in listeners' heads long after the final string notes fade out, holding them morally accountable for as long as it sticks. The accessibility of the lyrics allows Ages and Ages to fully utilize their 7-piece outfit of three percussionists, two guitarists, a bassist and a keyboardist. However, rather than a bombardment of sound, the band subtly builds the track to a crescendo. The subtlety of the song's substantial escalation prompts multiple listens just to identify at which point the song becomes so powerful. "Divisionary (Do the Right Thing)" is the perfect single to hook people onto the full Divisionary concept, making us curious which ethical dilemmas the rest of the album will confront us with.

Ages and Ages have yet to announce any Seattle tour dates, but they are scheduled for a series of shows in California with Mirah in 2014. Follow the band's activity on Facebook and look for Divisionary in stores on March 25. In the meantime, here's another super-catchy song by Ages and Ages, which we recorded back in 2010: