Song of the Day: Dot Comet – Shut Eye

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 “Shut Eye” by Dot Comet from their 2017 self-released self-titled debut.

If practice makes perfect, then Dot Comet have their eyes on the prize. The Seattle indie rock quartet makes it a point to unite every day in their Pioneer Square practice space to rehearse their expansive, guitar-heavy jams. It’s impressive enough having that much commitment to your craft, but the band demonstrates just how valuable it is with their final product. Earlier this year they released their self-titled debut, an extension of their mission to “create an explosive and lush experience.” Perhaps no song on the record shows just how meticulous they are then the single “Shut Eye.”

Opening with the jangle of guitars over pensive and rumbling bass tones, the song quickly starts to take shape when vocalist Brannen Graves comes in with a steady coo. The band slowly starts to up the dynamics, adding new layers and upping the ante on each instrument. They coalesce into a hypnotic, energizing chorus as Graves belts out, “When the storm lets out, come tell me your dreams.” The song effortlessly transitions in some psychedelic elements in the bridge with a swath of woozy guitars bouncing around the sturdy rhythm section. The elements they’re holding together here could fall apart in lesser hands. Dot Comet prove themselves to be able to experts handle all these moving parts, putting all that practice to good use.

You can catch Dot Comet this Sunday night at The Crocodile Back Bar with New Uniform and The Salmonberries. You can keep up to date on the latest happenings with Dot Comet by following them on Facebook and Twitter. In the meantime, check out the video for “Shut Eye” below.