Song of the Day: Gibraltar - Cold

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 “Cold” by Gibraltar from their 2017 self-released album, Let's Get Beautiful. 

Gibraltar - Cold (MP3)

Seattle indie rock band Gibraltar have never been afraid to go all in. To chase the sing-it-to-the-rafters chorus, to push the tempo one tick beyond what most consider sane, to slam a ferocious guitar riff into a full band stop. In other words, Gibraltar commit to their music completely. What’s more, they haven’t let up on the throttle. John Richards described their debut 2012 EP, Storms, as a “raw mix of emotion and heartfelt energy.” Five years later and they’ve lost none of that spirit. Their 2017 album, Let’s Get Beautiful, holds fast to that sense of urgency that first caught our attention.

Today’s Song of the Day Podcast, “Cold,” is a power-pop pick-me-up as energizing as a double shot of espresso (adjust metaphor to your personal level of caffeine addiction). It’s got all the right ingredients to get you through the day: a foot-stomping chorus, a screaming guitar solo, and background vocals so sweet you might get a cavity. Frontman Aaron Starkey sings about being tired, but never sounds it. Lines about exhaustion (“The years are short / The days are long”) broadcast with a thrilling sense of fourth-quarter determination reminiscent of The Hold Steady’s ever-earnest frontman, Craig Finn. If you’re down and out, on your way down, or just want to hear some fine songwriting, give Gibraltar a listen. Wherever you’re at, “Cold” will lift you up.

Gibraltar have no upcoming dates currently listed, but that could change at any moment. Word on the tour section of the band’s website is “more soon!” and we certainly hope so. Join us in checking the band’s official site and facebook page for updates and, until then, enjoy a performance of "Cold," below.