Live Video: HAERTS

At KEXP, we like to brag a little bit that we were among the first radio stations to express undying love for HAERTS. After "Wings" dropped at the beginning of 2013 and we put it on repeat for weeks, we knew we had to grab them later in the year at CMJ. But just a few weeks ago, HAERTS finally embarked on a headlining tour in support of their full-length debut, and before they tore the roof off the Crocodile, they played a session for us in the KEXP studio to show off a couple favorites from the new record. Much like "Wings" and the Hemiplegia EP, the eponymous LP finds a perfect balance between bright indie synth pop and soaring 80s textures and makes for some of the most delightful forty minutes you'll put in your ears.

Even compared to their CMJ performance last year, it's incredible how HAERTS' live dynamic has grown into the headlining feel. Not only does the band sound incredible, but they play and move and groove together like they've been together much, much longer. The band's texturing and mix both sound fantastic, and Nini Fabi's vocals could seriously cut steel if you put them to the test. Lucky for us, the band brought along maybe the best deeper cut on the record - the heartbreaking and lush ballad "Call My Name". The more we get to know them, the more we fall head over heels for HAERTS, and this lovely session is no exception. Watch individual songs below, or watch the full performance to hear the band's interview with Troy Nelson (and check out that Glass Candy shirt!).