Song of the Day: The Acid - Fame

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 Morning Show with John Richards, comes from Australian electronic group The Acid. "Fame" is one of the lead singles from their debut LP Liminal, out now on Mute.

The Acid - Fame (MP3)

Ry X and the Acid made a very unique entrance into the pop fray this year with Liminal. While nearly every track has a memorable and catchy skeleton, the band tends to hug the edges of the sonic spheres encircling acts like SOHN, the xx, and even alt-J. Balancing brilliant use of space with off kilter melody and Ry X's unmistakable voice, the band is a breath of fresh air on the scene. Now if only we could convince them to tour in North America, we'd be in great shape.

Whether you heard it on Liminal or the earlier self-titled EP, "Fame" is the first of the Acid's tracks to really make your jaw drop. Elsewhere, the Acid dance around the idea of emotion, never really letting on how they feel about it (see: "Animal" or "Creeper"). But "Fame" is a real head-first plunge under the surface with no holds barred. Creeping synth arpeggios barely cut above the silence, while a heartbeat drum beats forward for Ry X's doubled vocals to have a foundation under them. By the time the guitars and chimes drop, you are already sold. But when the Acid break into an emotive and flourishing chorus, it will put chills up and down your spine in an instant. While Ry X's vocal inflection rarely reveals itself, the alien groove finds a way to communicate deep longing without it. "Fame" is an unapologetically unique pop offering, but anything less than the sum of its parts would be a drastically separate concept. Here, the Acid win over your heart in a way you might not quite understand, but you'll love them all the more for it.

The Acid will be performing in Seattle at the Paramount Theatre on October 15, opening for Alt-J. That will be a show not to miss. Look for more dates and music on their website and Facebook page. For now, check out the gorgeous video for "Fame" below.