For the third year in a row, Adult Swim has launched their Singles Program through which they reveal new tracks for 12 straight weeks. So far in 2012, we’ve already heard from Unknown Mortal Orchestra and The Hives. Today brings us another new single, “Spiral,” from Baltimore duo Wye Oak, who last year released a great record in Civilian.
If you’re already familiar with Wye Oak, then “Spiral” may seem like a different flavor from what you’re used to tasting – but that’s not a bad thing at all. Vocalist/guitarist Jenn Wasner’s vocals are riddled with reverb while she plays guitar riffs that are jangled and have clean tones, reminiscent of the British mid-’80s era. The electronic, programmed beats are paired with the heavy bass (supplied presumably by drummer/keyboardist Andy Stack) to create a brooding and sinister rhythm section. The song is then rounded-out and closed with a polyrhythmic combination of a vibraphone and marimbas, played by Wasner’s roommate, Rod Hamilton.
With the electronic element added to the track, it may at first seem like a song from Wasner’s solo project Flock of Dimes. But the dynamic nature is signature of Wye Oak and it’s a song full of different layers and rhythms that shows that they continue to push and expand their sound by incorporating the unfamiliar. When a band experiments with their sound to display a side that’s never been seen before and pulling it off quite incredibly, that’s when you know you have a talented band.
