Song of the Day: The Heavenly States – The Race

photo by Scott Steinbright

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 featured selection, chosen by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is The Race by The Heavenly States from the forthcoming album Delayer.

First appearing on a split 7-inch with Coldplay and Postal Service in 2003, THS has remained under the radar yet garnered much acclaim for their sound. The Oakland quartet balances garage-rock with power-pop, utilizing such instruments as the violin and the flute to alleviate their fiery political rants. The band drew a lot of attention following their 2005 album Black Comet on which they became the first rock band to tour Libya, a long-negotiated event that may yet lead to a documentary film. While the long-awaited follow-up to Black Comet is slated for early 2008, the band has kept busy touring, recently appearing at the NW edition of Download Festival and Portland’s NW Musicfest. As all signs suggest an album well worth the wait, I suggest you keep tabs on the band’s MySpace page. Too good for MySpace? Check out this video for the song Pretty Life: