photo by Natalia Stuyk
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 “Even The Blind” by Echo Lake from the 2012 album Wild Peace on Slumberland.
Formed in late 2010 by singer Linda Jarvis and guitarist Thom Hill, London’s Echo Lake combines ethereal melodies with shoegaze atmospheres to make a enveloping mix of hazy jangle pop that lies somewhere between Isn’t Anything and Heaven or Las Vegas. The lead single from their debut album, “Even The Blind” summarizes all of the elements of their debut in one five-minute song. Opening with a soft keyboard line over a Beach House-esque drum machine, Linda Jarvis’ coo soon comes in trickling over Hill’s metallic guitar line. Drums and a second guitar arrive in an interlocked groove soon after, as Hill’s production layers each element in a swirling haze. When it all builds into a thick, angelic chorus, it’s Jarvis who takes the spotlight among all the noise as she backs herself with her own choral harmonies. It’s a shimmering slice of wintery dream pop from the English duo that transcends the English music press’ claim that they’re “London’s answer to Beach House.”
Due to the recent death of their drummer Will Hayes, Echo Lake don’t have any dates booked at the moment, but you can keep a tab on their website for any future dates. Watch the Natalia Stuyk and Alex Oliver-directed video for “Even The Blind” below.
