Song of the Day: Silver Torches - Woman In Rust

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 DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Woman In Rust” by Seattle's Silver Torches from the upcoming self-released album Heatherfield.

Silver Torches - Woman In Rust (MP3)

Erik Walters, the former frontman of The Globes, makes wonderfully hushed music under the pseudonym Silver Torches. It's music that is hard to tie back to The Globe's spin on indie rock, until you consider the strong songwriting found in both projects. And with the more stripped back sound of Silver Torches, the Seattle artist's songwriting is given an even bigger spotlight. The Living Fact, his debut album as Silver Torches, is full of melancholy bliss, brought on by intricate acoustic guitar and Walters' unique, slightly raspy, voice. It is also undeniably a record out of the Pacific Northwest, not only in terms of sonic aesthetic but in the many local guest appearances it boasts. While many songs on the album share the theme of being stuck, Walters music certainly doesn't seem to be, and KEXP is happy to premiere Silver Torches' new song, "Woman In Rust", which will appear on the upcoming LP Heatherfield. The track features acoustic guitar layered with the restrained, soft tones of its electric counterpart. The drizzle of a rainy day can be felt in Walters' voice, which gently crescendos into a subtle harmony as the song comes to an end. At under the minutes, the song feels to short, but Silver Torches is tangible proof that sometimes less is more.

You can catch Silver Torches live at The Neptune on September 12 in support of Noah Gundersen. Keep an eye on his website and Facebook page for updates on Heatherfield, and watch a live performance of the song "Hades' Black Rattle" below: