Song of the Day: Made Violent - Two Tone Hair

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 Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is “Two Tone Hair” by Made Violent from their 2015 self-titled EP on StarTime International.

Made Violent - Two Tone Hair (MP3)

Rooted in youthful energy, thick melodies, and just enough chaos to not implode, Made Violent's reckless charisma hits like a baseball bat but sticks in your head nonetheless. Based in Buffalo, New York, Justin Acee (drums), Joe White (vocals/bass), and Rob Romano (vocals/guitar) were inspired as teens by the early '00s rock revival (The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), taking those bands' penchant for straightforward force and melody to heart as they bounced between local bands. In early 2013, the band's single "Wasted Days" began to get some traction overseas, which led to the band meeting that buzz with a well-received gig in London and eventually signing to StarTime/Columbia for their debut full-length, which is expected later this year. When they're namechecking the Rolling Stones on "Two Tone Hair", Made Violent call attention to the fact that they're riding a "Rocks Off"-type wave of energy that just begs to be cranked up to 11. Doubling down on the directness of a three chord structure and a crashing shuffle beat, the song's tempo and volume belie the breezy swing that powers the song's howling vocal performance. Half of making a great song is making it look easy, and "Two Tone Hair"'s charmingly knockaround nature sells the idea that this is the kind of song that these guys just knock out on their lunch break.

Made Violent will perform a series of Southeastern dates on their way to SXSW, but beyond that, there's no announced shows at the moment. Keep an eye on their Facebook and website for any news, and watch the video for "Two Tone Hair" below.