Song of the Day: Geowulf - Saltwater

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, unrealeased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear.  Today’s song, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “Saltwater” by Geowulf from the 2016 compilation Odd Numbers Volume 1 released by 37 Adventures.

Geowulf - Saltwater (MP3)As we fully enter autumn in the Northwest, it’s still a good time for some summer sounds.  New duo Geowulf have released “Saltwater” as a reminder that sunshine and ocean are internal states of being regardless of season changes.  Star Kendrick and Toma Banjanin are based between London, Gothenburg and Berlin, by way of Australia.  This sunny, dream-pop duo looks to bathe the listener in warm, hazy tones and it’s easy to give in.

Synths, chiming guitars and a straight forward beat anchor “Saltwater” in its groove, yet allow plenty of room for Kendrick's strong, sugary vocals.  One can imagine a particularly memorable sunset in Geowulf’s home country of Australia as the track gets in rhythm.  The band makes pure comfort music in the vein of Mazy Star, Starflyer 59 and echoes of Mojave 3.  With their combination of keyboards and reverby guitar riffs they create melancholy, sunshine rock that isn’t afraid of reaching for large soundscapes. The healing nature of the sea is apparent in these and so many other artistic works.  Geowulf bring us to that simple joy and contemplative peace that comes to us through the ocean.

Geowulf are just getting started and have very recently signed to the label 37 Adventures. The track is pulled from the recently-released 37 Adventures compilation, Odd Numbers Volume 1, but hopefully we'll be hearing more from Geowulf soon. It’s gonna be fun to see what they have to offer us next. Look for any upcoming news on their Facebook page and check out the video for "Saltwater" below.