Album Premiere: The Shivas - You Know What To Do

Local Music, KEXP Premiere
10/20/2014
Janice Headley
photo by Adam Blackman

Ever since Portland band The Shivas blew us all away at the 2013 MusicFestNW broadcast, we've been eagerly awaiting a follow-up to their outstanding release, White Out, on K Records. Today, KEXP proudly presents an online stream of their latest album, You Know What To Do — and the title says it all. One listen to their energetic, surf-rock sounds, and you will know exactly what to do: dance.

On their fourth release, The Shivas continue their revival of '60s sounds, giving it a psychedelic vibe with more of the charming boy/girl vocal interplay we've come to expect from frontman Jared Wait-Molyneux and drummer Kristin Leonard. The album was recorded and mixed on tape by local legend Calvin Johnson, who gives it the perfect touch of lo-fi garage rock love. Molyneux tells us:

We lived in Dub Narcotic Studio while recording. Sleeping on the floor, our alarm each morning was Calvin putting on rock and roll records while he calibrated the tape machine. It was the first time we recorded and mixed an album without the use of a computer, which was fun, but also challenging. For instance, one reel that had a few of our songs on it began to disintegrate mid-way through the project — but we were able to improvise.

You Know What To Do officially hits stores on Tuesday, October 28th, via K Records. The Shivas will be playing Saturday, November 15th with La Luz for the Short Run Comix & Arts Festival Beach Party at Washington Hall. This show is 21+, and open to the public. So, you know what to do: check out the album below, and ride the wave that is The Shivas.

Related News & Reviews

Local Music KEXP Premiere

Song Premiere: Lost Lander - Walking on a Wire

When Lost Lander's Matt Sheehy sings, "It feels like we've been walking on wire," we can relate. It's a tightrope act with the band Lost Lander, a tension created by catchy loops, and layered lyrics, either of which are all too easy to get lost in. "Hold onto that thread," Sheehy advises, and he's …


Read More
Local Music Song of the Day

Song of the Day: Eggshells - In the Background

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 song, featured on The Morning…


Read More