Brittney Bush Bollay

Seattle’s country rockers North Twin dropped by KEXP to play four songs from their latest and second album, Stronger at the Broken Places, on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters. Singer and guitarist Tony Fulgham, along with Rebecca Young (bass), Tim DiJulio (guitar & vocals) and Rick Cranford (drums), lean a bit more heavily on the “alt-country” sounds of bands like Drive-by Truckers, Old 97s and the Bottle Rockets than do many of their fellow roots-leaning Northwest peers (The Moondoggies, The Maldives, Fleet Foxes, etc.), but there’s a certain energy, highlighted by Fulgham’s clear, cutting vocals, that transcends the genres and makes a song like “Fool” as accessible to indie hipsters as to the country boot scooters. Check out three songs from the session, including the barn burner “Clear As Day” in its live debut, and download one more song, “Hope It Goes Away,” by subscribing to KEXP’s Video of the Week podcast.

Brittney Bush Bollay

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. Every Friday, the Song of the Day podcast spotlights local musicians.Today’s featured selection, chosen by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is “Clear As Day” by North Twin from their self-released album Stronger at the Broken Places.

Seattle’s own North Twin recently released their follow up to their 2007 debut, Falling Apart, with an album that leans even more heavily on their alt-country (and less rock) roots. Stronger at the Broken Places centers around the themes of fear of death and love-as most of the songs came out of the ashes of bassist Rebecca Young’s bout with breast cancer. Lead singer/songwriter Tony Fulgham’s songs capture lonliness and ferocity at and gives power to his characters with his gravely voice. Today’s featured song, “Clear as Day,” tells the story of a man who contemplates the choices he made and deals with the regret of not making the right decision when he had the chance. You can catch North Twin at Neumos with The Dusty 45’s and Brent Amaker & The Rodeo on February 28th. You should also check out Tony’s solo set at The Sunset on March 4th. Their myspace page has more Seattle dates.

Here’s a clip of North Twin covering Bob Dylan’s “Obviously 5 Believers,” showcasing their dynamic stage presence and affinity to have a good time: