Song of the Day: Francisco the Man - Loaded

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 “Loaded” by Francisco the Man from the 2014 album Loose Ends on Fat Possum Records.

Francisco the Man - Loaded (MP3)

Loose Ends might sound like the final album title of a band capping off their vast discography. Instead it graces Francisco the Man’s debut LP. Despite the album's freshness, these Los Angeles guys have been around for years. Loose Ends catapults Francisco the Man over the occasionally ham-handed debut phase with its confident, familiar, shoegaze-y warmth.

Today's featured song, "Loaded", serves as a hungover retrospective on a relationship run its course. “Love is like cancer” sings Scotty Cantino, painfully reflecting on a young romance over hiccuping, poppy beats that trip over themselves in the best way possible. One of the more low-key songs on the album, "Loaded" rides a steady wave of soaring guitar riffs and catchy melodies. Being a mere listener doesn't quite cut it with this song. Confidant seems more appropriate since you find yourself caught in the middle of this relationship's tribulations. As for the resolution at the end of the song — well, there are no answers... might as well get loaded and drift off with the song.

Francisco the Man recently performed in-studio at KEXP, so keep an eye out for videos from that session soon. In the meantime, check the band out on Facebook and Twitter. Watch the new video for "It's Not Your Fault" from Loose Ends below: