Song of the Day: The Redwood Plan - Panic On

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 selection, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, comes from Seattle dance-punk band The Redwood Plan. "Panic On" is the lead single from their upcoming new album Green Light Go, out in February on Fish the Cat Records.

The Redwood Plan - Panic On (MP3)

When The Redwood Plan dropped their debut Racing Towards The Heartbreak back in 2010, it was a pleasant surprise for the Seattle scene. The truth is, there just aren't many bands that sound like The Redwood Plan in Seattle. They take old school punk vibes from the late 70s/early 80s and throw in a synth-twist to make for a pretty quirky little mixture. A bit standoffish at first, The Redwood Plan will grow on you, and if you listen long enough, they'll become one of your local favorites. So far, the new record is building on the inertia of the last couple years and refining the Redwood Plan sound. As we heard on the title track (available for listen and purchase on their Bandcamp), Green Light Go sees The Redwood Plan building more complex hooks and throwing you off a bit more to stay in your head a bit longer.

"Panic On" is anthem track we haven't heard the likes of yet from The Redwood Plan. It kicks off with a big, fat synth lead before blazing into a double time dance-punk throwdown. There are no holds barred on this track. Lesli Wood legitimately panicked. "It's now or never, it's do or die - we need to make our move 'cause we don't a get second try" she belts out on the chorus. She makes you believe it, too! Sure, everybody's a bit more apocalyptic lately, but The Redwood Plan have created an epic, synthed-out punk soundtrack for it with this tune. The track almost feels like it's speeding up as it anticipates the explosion of the final chorus. Altogether, one of the funnest tracks we've seen from The Redwood Pine yet. Lucky for you, you can download it above and play it until the world ends.

Green Light Go is out next month. The Redwood Plan are playing an album release show at Neumos on February 15 with Head Like A Kite, Chaos Chaos, and Vox Mod. Check their website and Facebook page for more information and music. If you want to get a preview of their live show, here's a fan-made video from a show earlier this month at Chop Suey: