Song of the Day: Desert Mountain Tribe - Feel the Light

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 Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is "Feel the Light" by Desert Mountain Tribe from their 2016 album, Either That or The Moon, on Metropolis Records.

Desert Mountain Tribe - Feel the Light (MP3)

Ever wish for the dark psychedelia of The Black Angels without all the anachronistic Vietnam War stuff? or for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club with a bit more balls-to-the-wall Capsula-like rock bombast? Then you're ready to join Desert Mountain Tribe. The young London-based trio has been kicking up dust since forming in 2012, turning their very real love for The Black Angels into a new reality. Bandmates Jonty Balls, Felix Jaun and Philipp Jaun began playing together in a group named for one of their heroes' songs, Young Men Dead. They've since taken their own ride as Desert Mountain Tribe, releasing a debut EP in 2014, and now aiming skyward with their first full-length, Either That or The Moon. Today's featured song, "Feel the Light", is the LP's opening salvo, which, after a literal countdown, ignites into a glorious 7-plus minute, reverb-drenched exaltation, inviting listeners to feel, rather than see, the light in the band's dark, swirling melodies. It'll come as no surprise that, while the album was recorded to tape in London, The Black Angels had a direct hand, as their sound engineer, Brett Orrison, mastered the tracks. Take a Ride, Feel the Light, Runaway, Leave It Behind - whatever you have to do, just do it with Desert Mountain Tribe.

While you might have missed your chance to join Desert Mountain Tribe during their brief U.S. promotional tour last month, and their stop through Seattle at Black Lodge, you'll likely get another chance as they expect to return later this year. Until then, look for more music and tour dates on their website and Facebook page, and blast off with the recently released official video for "Enos In Space":