Song of the Day: Cayucas - Cayucos

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 comes from California band Cayucas. "Cayucos" hails from their 7" single "Cayucos"/"Swimsuit", out now on Secretly Canadian.

Cayucas - Cayucos (MP3)

Listening to Cayucas, you get a more drifting, classic reinterpretation of 60s surf rock than the fuzzed out stoner jams of Wavves and Best Coast. They put forth an interesting mix: squeaky clean instrumental production while the vocals are underwater. But it works to their favor. Together, they create a vibe perfect for beach life - bright and busy but always laid back and relaxed.

"Cayucos" is a perfect pop single in nearly every way. It is a tribute to the Californian city (seen heavily in the Wes Anderson style music video below) and a love letter to the beach. Band leader Zach Yudin's lyrics keep it simple, but the atmosphere created in "Cayucos" is totally engulfing. It's a bright winter tune to give those of us here in the Northwest a bit of sunshine amidst cloudy days. And with its captivating pop melody and Pet Sounds gongs, "Cayucos" will have you hitting repeat more than once.

Check out the "Cayucos"/"Swimsuit" 7", out now on Secretly Canadian. Also, make sure to catch Cayucas on their tour opening up for Ra Ra Riot in the upcoming months! Cayucas will be at the Seattle show at Neptune on February 8. It will be one heck of a good time. Check the band's Facebook page for more dates and music and watch the video for "Cayucos" here: