Song of the Day: GEMS - w/o u

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 “w/o u” by GEMS from the 2015 album Kill The One You Love on Carpark Records.

GEMS - w/o u (MP3)

Given their name, you wouldn't expect anything less than dazzling beauty from GEMS, and with their recently released debut LP, Kill The One You Love, the LA-via-DC duo certainly delivers. On songs like today's featured podcast, "w/o u", Lindsay Pitts and Clifford John Usher prove just how tantalizing a mood they can make - her with the breathy vocals and him with the atmospheric electronic production - while combining the most alluring elements of trip-hop and synth pop. Their lyrics may be reliably lovelorn and longing, but GEMS' danceable sound is an easy one to keep by your side. And Kill The One You Love is an album you'll want to live with a long time.

You won't have to hunt long for GEMS, as they'll return to Seattle one week from today, on January 18th at the Neptune Theatre. Unfortunately, though, their entire week-long West Coast tour is already sold out. Keep checking with STG to see if any tickets open up and keep up with the band on their website and Facebook page. For now, watch their latest video, for "Soak", another song on the new album, and check out their recent mix for KEXP's guest DJ show Midnight In A Perfect World: