Song of the Day: Holiday Ghosts - Paranoia

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 song, featured on The Morning Show with John Richards, is "Paranoia" by Holiday Ghosts, from the 2017 album Holiday Ghosts on PNKSLM Recordings.

Holiday Ghosts - Paranoia (MP3)

A title like "Paranoia" couldn't be any more timely, but Holiday Ghosts' scrappy, snappy rock 'n' roll feels almost timeless. Hailing from Falmouth, England, the garage rock band take plenty of cues from cult favorites like The Modern Lovers and The Velvet Underground, drawing out savory hooks from minimal arrangements.

The band -- which began as frontman Sam Stacpoole's solo project -- just released their self-titled debut on September 22 via PNKSLM Recordings. The album represents a full-on collaboration between Stacpoole, drummer Katja Racking, and guitarist Charlie Murphy; they all share songwriting duties and time at the mic.

But "Paranoia" is Stacpoole's baby, his Jagger-esque yelps popping out from under Racking's steady, swinging beat. "I don't know what to say/I guess I'll do it anyway," he snarls with an air of nonchalance, backed up by Murphy's playful harmonies. Though the rhythm remains urgent and taut, the guitars stay jangly and loose. By the time Stacpoole breaks into a sticky, bluesy guitar solo, the band taps into the raw, electrifying energy of rock 'n' roll back from back when it was still called rhythm and blues.

No U.S. tour dates on the horizon, but get a taste of their live sound with this performance filmed at Troubadour Studios in Falmouth. (And you can follow them on Facebook for future announcements.)