Song of the Day: Strange Wilds - Pronoia

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 Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is “Pronoia” by Strange Wilds from the 2015 album Subjective Concepts on Sub Pop.

Strange Wilds - Pronoia (MP3)

With Subjective Concepts, Olympia, Washington, band Strange Wilds created a work that gives clear nods to the most legendary of the Pacific Northwest music misfits. Comparisons to Nirvana are easy, but only discussing Strange Wilds in terms of past greats does an injustice to the band. The trio does not shy from its roots but does take full advantage of having been able to witness the evolution of the PNW and Sub Pop sound. Album opener "Pronoia" immediately shows this to be true. The quiet-loud-quiet formula is present, as lead vocalist Steven cooly sing talks before boiling over into rage filled "no way"'s. But as furious drums battle a menacing bass line and distortion on the hardcore guitar riffs cuts in and out, it is clear the band made no effort in fitting into any one mold, instead using the best of traits of multiple ones. The result is a track that simultaneously celebrates and continues the evolution of the long championed Seattle sound.

Strange Wilds played earlier this month in Seattle and are heading out on a cross country tour, so you wont be able to catch them again locally for a while. In the meantime, keep up with the band on their Facebook and Bandcamp and watch their video for "Pronoia" below: