Song of the Day: Midday Veil - Babel

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 “Babel” by Midday Veil from the 2015 album This Wilderness on Beyond Beyond Is Beyond Records.

Midday Veil - Babel (MP3)

"The Wilderness" doesn't seem to be a very fitting album name for a band that makes self described "cosmic synth rock," but for Seattle group Midday Veil, it works. Midday Veil's songs explore the sonic wilderness of electronic music with vocals that often tackle the spirituality of humanity and its relation to the earth, addressing a philosophical wilderness few dare to explore. Their music is easy to get lost in but also provides enough funky step to easily imagine legend Bernie Worrell riffing along on the keys. And on today's featured day, "Babel," that is exactly the case. The Worrell-featuring track starts with a veil of wavering synth splashing into a bubbling melody. Emily Pothast's soothing vocals carry you through the maze of sound, which escalates with interchanging instruments throughout. Horns and funky guitar riffs sound equally at home on the track as does the electronic instrumentation, and no one sound takes the forefront for too long. It's a seamless track that also excels at being refreshingly random, a fine example of what an adventure into Midday Veil's wilderness promises for you.

At the moment, Midday Veil doesn't have any announced Seattle shows, but keep an eye on the band's Facebook and website for news. In the meantime, check out Midday Veil perform "Babel" live at the KEXP studio below: