photo by Hilary Harris
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 Morning Show with John Richards, is “Lights” by The Shackeltons from their 2012 self-released EP, Mum.
Hailing from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, The Shackeltons made a big local splash throughout 2005 and 2006 with a string of EPs and energetic live performances. The national and local press quickly caught on, and the five-piece began to make even bigger waves, embarking on longer tours and even contributing a rendition of “Your Movement” to Live at KEXP Volume Three. It was an exciting time for the band and fans alike, but after the release and tour behind their 2008 self-titled debut, The Shackeltons became relatively quiet. Three years later, the band is back with the Mum EP. Today’s featured song, “Lights,” the fifth track on the seven-song EP, is a chilling, gutwrenching slow burn. As post-punk guitar lines propel the song, singer Mark Redding moans, “these cold nights/could use a little light” until the musical tension erupts, only to bring the song back into an icy groove. Whether this a slowing down -- or even a “maturing” -- of Redding’s previously manic song structures remains to be seen, but “Lights” promises an interesting new chapter in The Shackeltons’ story.
The band doesn’t have any dates currently booked, but track them on their website and Facebook. Soon enough, they’re likely to return to Seattle, but until then, if you’re looking for another taste from the new EP, watch the video for “The End” here:
2 Comments
beautiful video. thank you.
sometimes a song just hits you in the gut. thanks.