Song of the Day: Aan - Spiritual Provisions

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, featured on The Morning Show with John Richards, is “Spiritual Provisions” by Aan, from the 2014 album Amor Ad Nauseum on Party Damage Records.

Aan - Spiritual Provisions (MP3)

Even though the Latin reference to amor ad nauseum ("love to the point of sickness") in its name suggests an air of pretension, Portland's Aan approaches conventional elements of pop and indie rock with a curiosity that could only come from a group of unabashed fans. Formed as a bedroom project by singer Bud Wilson, Aan soon became a more serious endeavor with the addition of guitarist Reese Lawhon and drummer Jon Lewis, scoring touring slots with The Smashing Pumpkins and Built To Spill while sporadically releasing material digitally and on 7". In late 2013, the band began sessions on their first full-length, which was released early this year on the eve of a trek to SXSW. Buzzing with high-treble, Sleater-Kinney-style guitars, "Spiritual Provisions" skates along with a laser-precise approach, building tension that Wilson gradually and tantalizingly releases. Built on a consistent pattern from Lewis' razor-sharp drumming, Wilson's nebulous vocals crackle through the layers of distorted guitars, and even though his lyrics are barely distinguishable, it adds an element of allure to the song. Its hooks are less pronounced and more rhythmic than melodic, but that's what makes "Spiritual Provisions" as ghostly and compelling as its title suggests.

Aan don't have any announced gigs at the moment, but keep an eye on their website and Facebook for any new gigs or updates on album #2. Below, watch the band play the Amor Ad Nauseum track "I Don't Need Love" live on KEXP in June 2013.