Song of the Day: Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Julie's Place

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 DJs think you should hear. Today’s selection, featured on The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Julie’s Place” by Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, a 2016 single via Sub Pop.

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Julie's Place (MP3)Just when you start to think Melbourne couldn’t put out any more stellar rock bands, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever emerges. Comprised of brothers Tom and Joe Russo, cousins Joe White and Fran Keaney, and Marcel Tussie, the quintet juggles songwriting and singing, with four out of the five singing on tracks on their first record. Beginning in jam sessions in Keaney’s bedroom, the band fine-tuned their sound through playing live shows throughout Melbourne, quickly becoming a diamond among gems in their local scene.

Since signing to Sub Pop, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever have released the first follow up to their 2016 “mini-LP.” The single, “Julie’s Place,” combines the ripping lead guitars from their debut with a rhythm section that does not let up. Also continuing the dizzying distortion from their first record, vocalist Fran Keaney laments about youthful late nights, creating a humming tune that exudes warmth during these dreary winter days.

There aren’t any official dates for Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever to come to the U.S. yet, but they have said on their Facebook page that they’ll be returning to Chicago in 2017, and given that they're now on Sub Pop, they're sure to make the rounds. While waiting for the Seattle date (also check their website for those), be sure to check out the video for “Julie’s Place” below.