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 selection, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is “Telling Lies” by Evans The Death from the 2012 self-titled release on Slumberland Records.
London band Evans The Death, named after the undertaker in Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood, is made up of guitarists Dan and Olly Moss, vocalist and keyboardist Katherine Whitaker, Rob Mitson on drums, and Lan McCardle on bass. Their sound comes from a strong desire to disregard what’s currently fashionable in music, says Dan Moss. Rather, the band pulled from what they grew up on and crafted their work based on love. Thankfully, it worked out pretty well for them, because Evans The Death is simply delightful.
“Telling Lies” is a summery single that’s coming at just the right time. Whitaker’s vocal melodies are warm and rich and accent the bright indie rock vibe of the backing track instead of soaring over top. Using fuzzy and unintuitive lead guitar lines a la Surfer Rosa era Pixies, the two and a half minute track keeps things fresh and original up until the end of the track. Lyrically, Moss describes the track as an exposé of our day-to-day face-work. It talks about the lies we tell to people to make us feel better about ourselves, even if their end result is of little to no importance. It’s a perfect theme for the tune, which itself doesn’t heavily rely on overproduction. Rather, “Telling Lies” is a great addition to your summer BBQ playlist that is as fun as it is thoughtful.
Currently, only a few UK dates are listed on Evans the Death’s Facebook page. Hopefully, their recent release will be followed by a U.S. tour. Until that happens, download “Telling Lies” above and check out the quirky, albeit strangely violent, video for the song below:
