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 “Guests of the Government” by Admiral Fallow from the 2012 album Tree Bursts in Snow on Nettwerk.
To fans of Scottish groups like Frightened Rabbit and The Twilight Sad, Admiral Fallow isn’t a hard sell. The Glaswegians are distinctly Scottish in their accents, their driving guitar lines and anthemic melodies, and the emotional intensity of their lyrics. On their second album, Tree Bursts in Snow, though, Admiral Fallow set themselves apart with a softer, richer, folkier sound that recalls at various times The Middle East, early Snow Patrol and Elbow. In fact, frontman and principle song writer Louis Abbott seems a close analogue to Guy Garvey and shares a similar manner of songwriting that taps into both direct personal experience and open-eyed observation, making today’s featured song, “Guests of the Government” close kin to “Leaders of the Free World.” But whereas Elbow might be the cousin who crosses his arms during the dinner prayer, Admiral Fallow is the one who hums his outrage softly to himself.
You’ll be able to catch Admiral Fallow in Seattle next month as they play the Tractor Tavern on October 11th. Find more tour dates and information on their website and Facebook page, and check out this video for today’s featured song:
