Song of the Day: Go!Zilla - Pollution

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 Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Pollution” by Go!Zilla from the 2014 self-released album Magic Weird Jack.

Go!Zilla - Pollution (MP3)

The Firenze trio Go!Zilla's name is one of the most spot-on descriptors of their sound: massive, imposing, and just goofy enough to ensure that their grimy garage rock isn't taken too seriously. Go!Zilla was formed in January of 2012, but the current lineup of Lando (guitar/vocals), Fausto (drum/vocals) and Mattia (guitar/vocals) wasn't solidified until two years later, when the band's international touring began to ramp up. Since then, the Italian band have extensively toured Europe in support of 2014's Magic Weird Jack and this year's Sinking In Your Sea. "Pollution" appears on both releases, with the Magic Weird Jack version being the slightly looser, more unhinged version. In either case though, the song's scuzzy appeal is front and center, with the trio tumbling through one scratchy, distorted chord progression after another with scorching pace. Even though they're thousands of miles away from the San Francisco garage scene that "Pollution" is completely in step with, Go!Zilla's grasp of what makes immediate, great rock and roll (namely volume and speed) places them in the same conversation as any of those bands or any of their other acid-tinged contemporaries.

Go!Zilla just embarked on a North American tour in support of Sinking in Your Sea, and will play a pair of shows in Seattle on October 29 and 30 at Lofi and Generator Party, respective. Keep up with the band's travels and any announcements at their website and Facebook page. For now, check out the band's video for "Melting":