Song of the Day: FKL - Elliott

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 Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Elliott” by FKL, from the 2016 single on London based club night and record label GETME!.

FKL - Elliott (MP3)FKL, short for Funktionslust, is a duo from South London whose name aptly reflects their sound. Their powerful and dominant beats fused with cold and remote vocals constructs pretty dark, lusty pop. The brains behind FKL, Sage Redman and Joe Gillick, met during their first year of university in Britain, and has been releasing music intermittently for the past two years. Despite meeting in London, Redman originally grew up in Seattle listening to grunge mixtapes, and Gillick was born and raised in London on grime bands.

Both of these rougher influences combine to make FKL's extremely sleek and ultramodern tracks like “Elliott," or the B-side to their latest single “On the Water”. Starting with wavering synth and a quick percussion line, the electronics command full attention until Redman’s chilling voice comes into play. Redman’s slinky vocals concoct an ominous lullaby about a certain playground paranoia, recalling a specific event from Gillick’s childhood school days that crept its way into adulthood. Gillick, growing up in South London, attended school where many great musicians went, such as members of The xx and Hot Chip. FKL is no exception to this list of greats, crafting otherworldly atmospheres and moods in the scope of each three minute song.

Although there are no plans for a live show to enter FKL's galaxy right now, watch their Bandcamp and Facebook page for news. For now, watch the video for “Elliott” below.