Song of the Day: Miami Horror - Real Slow

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, is “Real Slow” by Miami Horror from the 2015 album All Possible Futures on Dine Alone Records.

Miami Horror - Real Slow (MP3)

It didn't take long for producer Benjamin Plant's dance remix persona to turn into a full-on disco and house-influenced dance band dubbed Miami Horror. The Melbourne producer's early remixes eventually gave way to original work, including the buzzy Australian track "Sweaty Wet/Dirty Damp" with Gameboy/Gamegirl. Not long after the release of that single, Plant released his debut EP as Miami Horror and gathered a live band – guitarists Josh Moriarty and Aaron Shanahan and bassist/keyboardist Daniel Whitechurch – to take the songs from the EP and his debut album, 2010's Illumination, on the road. For the second Miami Horror LP, Plant brought the band into the collaborative process, resulting in the 2015 disco-leaning All Possible Futures. Just like Miami Horror aren't actually from Miami, "Real Slow" isn't the least bit slow: it's a uptempo, celebratory burner that captures the joyous spirit of early Italo-disco tunes. Featuring a subtle, silvery guest vocal performance from Sarah Chernoff, the tune's stacked synths play off each other like disco ping pong: when space in one keyboard line opens up, it's brilliantly rallied by another counter line. "Real Slow" doesn't take long to connect with the dancefloor, but in headphones, it's an even more intriguing listen, filled with plenty of effervescent layers to unpack.

Miami Horror will bring All Possible Futures to Seattle on Friday, May 29th, as the perform as part of KEXP's Hood-To-Hood Day in West Seattle, joining John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats, Hop Along, and Telekinesis for a free outdoor celebration. Miami Horror will also play at the The Crocodile later that night. Get tickets to that all-ages show here, keep up with the band at their Facebook and website, and watch the borderline-NSFW video for "Real Slow".