Song of the Day: The Wytches - Digsaw

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 Morning Show with John Richards, is "Digsaw" by English psych-rock band The Wytches from their 2014 debut LP, Annabel Dream Reader, out now on Partisan Records.

The Wytches - Digsaw (MP3)

For a young band, The Wytches are already well on their way to having all the right cards in their hand. The band's ramp up to a full-length was well played with a series of 7" singles showing off instant classics like "Beehive Queen", "Crying Clown", and "Gravedweller". Debuting these in singular fashion was a great plan, as each packs enough punch to keep you busy for weeks. But stringing together the best of their work thus far plus a couple excellent new numbers, Annabel Dream Reader makes for a killer of a debut, and there's no doubt you'll be seeing a lot more of the Wytches in coming months and years. The band's furiously unique, dark take on surf rock is a romp you don't want to miss out on.

You're in luck, because "Digsaw" is one of the absolute best cuts from Annabel Dream Reader, and shows off everything that makes the Wytches an all-round blast to listen to. The track explodes out the gate with a surf rock guitar hook over thunderous drums and bass. Kristian Bell's half-predator, half-prey banshee scream makes for a bizarre and unnerving siren navigating this dark and watery track. You can hear a bit of the Pixies in there, and the rest is cryptic 70s art rock magic. "Digsaw" is a merciless trip from beginning to end. Part surfing movie and the rest acid nightmare, it's a wonderful romp for moving into the fall.

Catch The Wytches live at the Barboza on November 4! Judging by their performance with Cloud Nothings a few months ago, you won't want to miss it. Tickets are available here. Look for more dates and music on their Facebook page. For now, here's the fuzzy official video for today's featured song: