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 Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Secrets” by Silver Swans from the 2010 EP Secrets on Twentyseven Records.
Though they probably don’t have superhuman strength or the ability to communicate with birds, San Francisco’s Silver Swans do have one thing in common with the comic book characters that share their name: there’s something eerie about their music. This supposed dream pop duo has more in common with The Knife than Beach House, and not just because they wrote a song called “Heartbeat.” Since 2007, vocalist Ann Yu and multi-instrumentalist Jon Waters have crafted pop songs of the murkiest, bleakest order, and “Secrets” is no exception. Indeed, Yu’s echoing voice – backed by a spare guitar line and gauzy synths – has the power to make stones shiver.
Unfortunately, Silver Swans are not currently touring, but you can find out more about them on their Facebook page. For now, check out this video cover of The National’s “Anyone’s Ghost”:
