Song of the Day: Dead Leaf Echo - Act of Truth

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part 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 comes from Brooklyn shoegaze band Dead Leaf Echo. "Act of Truth" comes from the Greenfuse Records split 7", sharing space with Slowness tune "Race To Mars".

Dead Leaf Echo - Act of Truth (MP3)

If you haven't caught it yet (and seriously, pat yourself on the back if you did), Dead Leaf Echo take their name from the famous quote by Nabakov. In this vein, Dead Leaf Echo mix a heavy visual aesthetic with dark melancholy to create their own handsome take on shoegaze. After opening for the likes of Chapterhouse and Ulrich Schnauss last year, the band had 4AD producer John Fryer (Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, NIN) on board with 2010 EP Truth and some work in the future. The choice is a good one - while Dead Leaf Echo's melodic tendency may be a bit brighter than Fryer's past work, the druggy sense of nihilism and creepy visuals are nothing new at all. A dark and seductive journey, Dead Leaf Echo certainly bring something fresh to the crowded table of shoegaze revival.

"Act of Truth" is a great introduction to Dead Leaf Echo. Right off the bat, you get a sleepy, reverberated guitar singing you off into wonderland as Ana's sultry coo shapes each phrase. LG's vocals and lyrics are equally melancholy, but the dreamy context of the track keeps it from descending into downer territory. It's not the friendliest dream - more like a pop landscape shrouded in shadow. But Dead Leaf Echo lead the way and will no doubt entice you into listening further.

The "Act of Truth"/"Race To Mars" 7" is out now on Greenfuse Records. Check out the pill-poppin' video for "Act of Truth" below, filmed on gorgeous 8mm.