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 “Awkward Waltz” by Acapulco Lips from their self-titled 2016 album on Killroom Records.
Acapulco Lips - Awkward Waltz (MP3)
The heady buzzsaw riffs of Acapulco Lips don't walk the line between taut garage rock and loose psychedelia as much as they frenetically dance back and forth over it at an acid-burned beach party. The Seattle trio of Maria-Elena Juarez (bass/vocals), Christopher Garland (guitar), and Davy Berruyer (drums) formed the group back in 2012 and have spent the better part of four years as a staple of Seattle's local gigging circuit, and for good reason: the band's music draws liberally from strains of rock and roll that could all fit under the umbrella term "fun". Nervy surf rock, reverb-drenched vocals, early rock and roll melodies, and a well-utilized penchant for playing loud and fast kept the band gigging regularly while working up to their first full-length, this year's self-titled album. "Awkward Waltz", the album's second track, is neither awkward nor a waltz, but the band can be forgiven for thinking that a song titled "Three-and-a-half minutes of fuzzy heaven" would be too on the nose. Both Juarez's vocals and Berruyer's drums bounce along with a spiky sense of rhythm, all while making space for Garland's shrieking guitar lines. Layered with a sun-baked production that brightens the song even further, "Awkward Waltz" is a winning combo of push and pull between the band's energy and textures that's best experienced at a high volume.
Acapulco Lips play their next show at the Funhouse on May 21. Get tickets for that 21+ show here, keep up with the band on their Facebook and Bandcamp, and watch the video for "Awkward Waltz" below.
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, featured on the Morn…
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 Mor…
Sometimes I really wish I could jump in a time machine and visit the Seattle of yesteryear. Not because the traffic was better, and there were fewer condos, and people argued on album covers instead of the Internet, but because I really wish I could witness firsthand the version of this city - and …
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 Aft…
