Song of the Day: Hanssen - We Went Too Far Forward

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is “We Went Too Far Forward” by Hanssen from the 2016 album, Transit, on DJ Alex's Hush Hush Records.

Hanssen - We Went Too Far Forward (MP3)

DJ Alex's Hush Hush record label can do no wrong when it comes to ahead-of-the-curve electronic producers, and having just ushered in Hanssen's 2016 sophomore album, Transit, that statement only gets stronger. Seattle-based producer Brit Hansen debuted her moniker Hanssen with her 2014 release, Seven Years Week, but she's no novice to electronic scene given her past work as a club DJ and in the glitchy, eccentric house collaboration, Jacob London, with Dave Pezzner.

Having gradually morphed into a new sonic being, Hanssen represents a more ambient-heavy, downtempo vibe with songs off Transit averaging almost six minutes to bliss out to. Compared to Jacob London, these numbers are more viscerally caressing and cinematically tender, but bettingly have evolved with the musical taste of the same dance-fanatic demographic. Moreover, you have songs like "We Went Too Far Forward" that'll have you snapping your fingers and slowly throwing your body around in sync with the submerged synth melodies, swerving laser accents, undulating layers of subtle effects, and a beautiful female vocal coming in and out of focus. The aperture of Hanssen's music, especially on "We Went Too Far Forward," lets in a lot of golden hour energy and takes you on an episodic dream throughout its multi-part song structure. With a name like Transit, no wondering the songs get you moving.

It doesn't look like there are any new live sets coming up for Hanseen yet, but definitely make sure you listen to her full-length, Transit, which you can find through her Facebook page. Also, you can listen to the track "Coconut Palm Forest", another crowd pleaser from her 2016 album, below.