Song of the Day: The Wild Reeds - Only Songs

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 Morning Show with John Richards, is “Only Songs” by The Wild Reeds, from their 2017 album, The World We Built, on Dualtone Records.

The Wild Reeds - Only Songs (MP3)In the wake of National Women’s day and other pro-woman demonstrations earlier this year, female voices in the midst of struggle are a powerful undercurrent to the context that brings us to the powerful female voices present in the three strong female voices that power roots rock group The Wild Reeds. This Los Angeles quintet has created a masterful understanding of lyrical and musical punches to the face and kisses on the cheek. From the latest addition to their catalog, "Only Songs" gives a solid and hopeful destination to the closeness and heartbreak of the past. The track starts with Mackenzie Howe, one of the band's three female leads, coyly referencing the personal events that laid the foundation for their last records, and then undercutting them. At the song's crescendo, she proclaims that the only way to respond to any of this love and loss is to continue deeper and harder into music.

Given their musical dexterity, Howe and her co-frontwomen, Sharon Silva and Kinsey Lee, backed by a rhythm section of Nick Jones (drums) and Nick Phakpiseth (bass), constantly swap instruments at their live shows and sessions, adding even more to their harmonies and raw power, making them a superhuman collection of artists. Yesterday, the band kicked off their national tour with a collection of SXSW dates, followed by a pace over the East Coast, leading into the Midwest, before lining down the West Coast and finishing off in their hometown of Los Angeles. They’re gracing Seattle with a performance at the Tractor Tavern alongside Blank Range and Izaak Opatz on May 15th. Look for more information on those dates and for more music on their website and Facebook page. In the meantime, check out their live performance of "Everything Looks Better (In Hindsight)", from the band's 2016 EP, Best Wishes: