Song of the Day: Moses Hightower - Mjóddin

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 Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is “Mjóddin” by Moses Hightower from their 2017 album, Fjallaloft, out now on Record Records. 

Moses Hightower - Mjóddin (MP3)

KEXP loves Iceland, and for good reason. Every year, the Iceland Airwaves Festival in Reykjavik presents us with tons of new Icelandic artists to adore. One of 2013's highlights was Moses Hightower, a four-piece from the country’s capital who dazzled audiences with their fusion of jazz, soul, and R&B. While the group was probably new to festival visitors, locals in the audience had probably already heard Moses Hightower’s dynamic music. The band earned plenty of buzz back home after the release of their 2012 album, Önnur Mósebók, which earned the group nominations in six categories at the Icelandic Music Awards. Singles from the album spent entire seasons at the top of the national charts.

Earlier this year they released their third album, Fjallaloft. From the album’s first song --the glitchy swagger of “Trúnó” -- to its last -- the swelling and cathartic “Gætur” -- Fjallaloft is a shining gem of modern soul. Listen close and you’ll hear traces of some of the most beloved musicians in contemporary soul fused with something entirely new. Today’s Song of the Day, “Mjóddin,” traces back most directly to the music of neo-soul savior D’Angelo. Complete with light jazz chords, slight horn stabs, and sweet, subtly sexy vocals, it would pair well on a playlist with nearly anything from Voodoo. Influences aside, the song travels far in few minutes. A laid-back groove rises into a jubilant soul blowout before a clavinet confronts the horn section in a funky call and response. Grab your headphones, plug in your speakers, or do whatever else you need to do to prepare yourself: Moses Hightower is here.

Moses Hightower’s next gig takes place on September 22nd in, of course, Reykjavik. If you’re not ready to invest in a trip to the land of fjords and excellent music -- fair enough -- keep up to date on the band on their official website and facebook page. Luckily, you don’t have to travel anywhere to hear the band’s adventurous Scandinavian soul. Check out Moses Hightower’s KEXP session at Kex Hostel in Reykjavik during Iceland Airwaves 2016 below.