Song of the Day: Ski Lodge - Anything To Hurt 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, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, comes from New York band Ski Lodge. “Anything To Hurt You” comes from the band's LP Big Heart, out now on Dovecote Records.

Ski Lodge – Anything To Hurt You (MP3)

Andrew Marr’s project as Ski Lodge has really grown some wings this year. His sugary 2011 debut EP introduced us to his pop sound, sprinkled with bits of shimmering 80s and nodding to east coast surf, but Big Heart is a record that could really set Marr on the path to widespread recognition. With producer Lewis Pesacov (who also produced for Best Coast) at his side, Marr recorded a solid group of tunes, playing almost every instrument himself in the studio. On the road, Ski Lodge is a full-fledged four piece, giving full life and breath to Andrew’s sound.

“Anything To Hurt You” is the opener on Big Heart. Right from the get go, we have a strong guitar and bass dynamic to guide the track forward as Marr’s bittersweet vocals put the icing on the cake. For as bright as Ski Lodge’s sound is, the lyrics and themes create a nice contrast of darkness. “Pray to anything you’ve got”, Marr sings, hoping no harm upon the subject of interest. This contrast is a common theme in Marr’s tunes, making for handful of pop songs you can dance and jive to, but also giving you plenty to process when the catchiness dies down. “Anything To Hurt You” has the perfect contrast of hot and cold to lead us out of summer and into the fall.

Ski Lodge does not have any West Coast dates at this time, but their next show is on September 21st at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Check their website and Facebook page for any updates. For now, here's their video for the fun-loving "Boy", also from the new album: