Every Monday, Add of the Week unveils all the new songs going into the 88Nine on-air playlist, with one hand-picked selection put in the spotlight by a member of our music team.
Squirrel Flower’s new album Tomorrow’s Fire — like its name suggests — holds fiery moments, both in smoldering and blazing form. The Chicago indie-rock outfit led by singer and guitarist Ella Williams definitely upped the heat levels on her latest work by dishing out distortion and feedback, backed by lyrics that burn with quiet rage.
She pulls the listener in close (uncomfortably close, at times) only to let her voice soar sky-high, creating otherworldly harmonies that then push the listener into an expansive, almost euphoric space. It’s this push and pull that keeps Tomorrow’s Fire in a dynamic state all the way throughout.
One of the most realized songs, “Full Time Job,” although built on a mess, is naturally pretty tidy in its song-conclusion, serving as a quick take on Williams’ current state as an artist and musician (and human):
Doing my best is a full time job
But it doesn't pay the rent
No, it doesn't pay the rent
No, it doesn't pay
Williams self-produced Tomorrow’s Fire at Drop of Sun Studios in Asheville, N.C., working with engineer Alex Farrar, who has collab’d with artists like Wednesday, Indigo de Souza and Snail Mail. To get that full sound she sought, Williams enlisted studio time with a roster of musicians that included Matt McCaughan (Bon Iver), Seth Kauffman (Angel Olsen), Jake Lenderman (MJ Lenderman, Wednesday) and Dave Hartley (The War on Drugs). The sound they collectively capture is, as they say, fire.
You can listen to “Full Time Job” here and on 88Nine by tuning your FM dial in Milwaukee, or by streaming worldwide on our website and mobile app.
This week’s other adds
- Alice Russell, “Rain”
- J Mascis, “Can’t Believe We’re Here”
- Noah Kahan (feat. Hozier), “Northern Attitude”
- Hovvdy, “Bubba”
