Song of the Day: Gabriel Mintz - Castles Fall

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 DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, selected by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is “Castles Fall” by Gabriel Mintz from the 2013 album Future Wars on Versicolor Records.

Gabriel Mintz – Castles Fall (MP3)

Originally from Maryland, Gabriel Mintz has performed all across the country, but, lucky for us, he chose our city to be the home base for his electrifying music. The singer/songwriter debuted with a bang when he self-released his first album Volume One back in 2010. That collection showed his versatility and each song shed light on a different facet of his talent. Mintz' style can't be labeled, but his voice does give off this amazing 70s/Iggy Pop vibe. He has definitely grown as an artist over the last three years and this is very evident in his latest collection, Future Wars, which dropped earlier this year. There's a refreshing bit of blues and soul in the album's instrument heavy track "Castles Fall". The dulcet tone of his voice almost serves as the backup for the incredible guitar rifts and pounding percussion. Don't underestimate his vocals though. When you hear him expressively croon, "desert heat Lord it's beating down," I swear you can feel the sun on your back.

Gabriel Mintz has several performances lined up for next month, but unfortunately those shows are way down south in Atlanta. If you want to stay up to date with the latest info and performance schedule check the his website and Facebook page. Watch him perform the song “Safeway” below (yes, it's about the grocery store).