Song of the Day: Prism Tats - Pacifist Masochist

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 Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Pacifist Masochist” by Prism Tats from his 2016 self-titled debut, out now on ANTI-.

Prism Tats - Pacifist Masochist (MP3)

Two months ago, we premiered the video for a song called "Pacifist Masochist" by sometime Seattle resident Garett van der Spek, known musically by his project Prism Tats, and it's been inked in our brains ever since. We offer it now as a free download through our Song of the Day podcast because we're sure you'll find the same multi-faceted allure in van der Spek's hook-filled garage-rock-meets-power-pop sound. Spritely energetic, "Pacifist Masochist" is hardly punishing at all to hear - only the volume gain you continue to add while you play it back over and over on your stereo has any power for pain. Otherwise, the song is blissful fun, and even though van der Spek seems to feel a vague need for suffering and self-seclusion ("Sometimes I'd rather lose myself / rather than prove myself"), you can't help but want to feel his pain.

The only reason to beat yourself up, though, is if you miss Prism Tats when he's in Seattle, opening for Nada Surf at the Neptune Theatre on May 18. Don't miss out - get tickets here, and look for more shows and more music on his website and Facebook page. For now, check out another punchy new song, the lovable "Creep Out // Freak Out", also from his self-titled debut: