Song of the Day: FKL – Different Street

By Beverly Bryan

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 FKL's “Different Street,” from the album Out of Tune on Orphan Records.

FKL – Different Street (MP3)

Seattle-by-way-of-London electronic duo FKL (nee Funktionslust) came back strong in 2017 with their first full-length Out of Tune, co-produced by DFA Records co-founder Tim Goldsworthy.  “Another Street” is a low-end heavy standout from the LP.  As in all of the musical partnership between Joe Gillick and Sage Redman, avant electropop beats and keenly observed, emotionally honest lyrics combine into a flawless, futuristic whole.

The feel is hyper-modern yet this jam is built to last well into whatever future is to come. With a sturdy beat and a honey-sweet hook, “Another Street” has more pop appeal than most of the rather-experimental Out of Tune -- plus it's got a winning retro streak. (Think the Eurythmics dropping a dance single with up-to-the-minute sonics.) Though it's easily the most lightweight and danceable track on a dark and clubby album, there is an unsettling undertow to the lyrics.

Redman knits a net of paranoia as she sings, “I heard you talk behind my back on a different street,” before adding, “In my dreams.” Suddenly nothing is as it appears, but the tables flip by the next verse when she taunts, “I’ve snuck into your head now you can’t sleep.” It's a dystopian treat made for these electronically mediated, socially distanced times when the line between our anxiety dreams and reality can seem very slender indeed.

You can follow them on Facebook and watch their video for "Violence" below.