Song of the Day: Ringo Deathstarr - Stare at the Sun

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 “Stare at the Sun” by Ringo Deathstarr from their 2016 album, Pure Mood, on The Reverberation Appreciation Society.

Ringo Deathstarr - Stare at the Sun (MP3)

Part of Austin's fertile psych rock scene, Ringo Deathstarr shift their sound between hazy guitar rock, reverb-drenched harmony and force of their predecessors with a distinct desert tinge. Currently consisting of guitarist/vocalist Elliott Frazier, drummer Daniel Coborn, and guitarist/bassist/vocalist Alex Gehrig, the trio gravitate their sound around shifting textures, honing their boy-girl vocals, layered guitars, and kinetic arrangements across their five albums, including their most recent effort, 2015's Pure Mood. After only a few seconds, it's apparent that "Stare at the Sun" does indeed channel the cascade of light promised by its title. But even though they're filled with rich feedback, Frazier and Gehring's enveloping guitars stop just short of blinding, falling into a swelling groove of gliding chords. Featuring a borderline Madchester rhythm that adds a subtle kick to the tune, Gehring's enrapturing vocal performance tops off a Cocteau-esque swirl that hits early on and stays potent throughout the whole trip. With a top line that's as sweet as its textures are rich, "Stare at the Sun" deftly walks the line between catchy melodies, heady psychedelia, and a rock-steady groove, making it a worthy soundtrack for trips of all sorts.

Ringo Deathstarr take the tour behind Pure Mood to Seattle this Saturday, February 27, when they stop by KEXP for a live in-studio session at 3PM. They'll perform that night at the Sunset Tavern. Get tickets and more info on that 21+ show here, keep up with the band on their website and Facebook, and watch the band play "Kaleidoscope" live on KEXP in 2011.