I've just got to say it right here at the top... Naked Giants is one of my favorite bands. Anywhere. The fact that we get to claim them as our own here in Seattle just makes it all so much better.
On October 4th Naked Giants release their third album Shine Away. You can celebrate with the band that night when they perform in store at Easy Street Records. I cannot suggest strongly enough that you go enjoy this show and get a copy of Shine Away. Naked Giants is one of the most fun live bands in town and their new album is fantastic from start to finish.
We have been playing the first three singles "Apartment 3", "Bad Guys Win" and "Did I Just Die" on Locals Only for weeks now. On Sunday October 6th Naked Giants will join me on Locals Only from 7-9pm to play their new album in it's entirety. Not only will you hear the whole album on Locals Only but you will also hear their song "Bad Guys Win" all month long on The End because Naked Giants are our Locals Only Artist Of The Month.
If you are unable to make it to Easy Street Records on October 4th you can also see Naked Giants when they perform at The Crocodile on November 7th.
Learn more about Naked Giants below:
When Naked Giants formed in 2014, the Seattle trio—vocalist/guitarist Grant Mullen, bassist/vocalist Gianni Aiello and drummer Henry LaVallee—were all 18 years-old, and full of the reckless, restless energy of youth. The band have evolved from their youthful, high-energy beginnings to a more introspective and mature sound. Shine Away reflects this journey, showcasing a blend of raw rock energy with deeper musical and lyrical exploration.
“Our first record was still running on fuel from starting the band as 18-year-olds with a rock’n’roll dream,” Mullen reflects. “Since then, life has changed. We all got day jobs or went back to school, and really grew into ourselves individually. Before, we were anxious to express ourselves in whatever way we could through music. Now, we have more to say, and I think we’ve made a record with more meaning and purpose.”
Produced by Dylan Wall at Seven Hills Studio in Capitol Hill, Seattle—the same studio where their journey began—Shine Away retains Naked Giants' signature impetuous urgency while delving into new depths of musicality and intentionality.
From the angular awkwardness strains of opener “Apartment 3” to the lackadaisical catchiness of the title and closing track, Shine Away demonstrates the musical chemistry the trio have, as well as their shift into making music with more meaning, consideration and intention. In between, these songs take the listener on a journey of emotional (self-)discovery via a slew of sounds that range from deliberately awkward indie-rock that takes influence from (among many others), the likes of Jonathan Richman, (good era) Weezer, Joyce Manor and even Daniel Johnston. At the same time, these songs sound less like anyone else than just the current iteration of Naked Giants, and of where and who they are these days. It’s certainly a more positive place–even on the more delicate and gentle anti-ballads, these songs radiate with a fuzzy, sunlit warmth. Indeed, even just the concept and image of shining is in direct contrast to the overriding themes of the previous record, and the troubles the band encountered both in the run-up to making it, and after.
Bassist Gianni Aiello adds, “We’re carrying the typical garage-rock ‘throw it at the wall and see what sticks’ ethos with us to this new phase of life. This time around, there’s room in the music (and in ourselves) not only for the young raucous kids we used to be, but also for the fully emotional people we’re becoming.”
Shine Away is more than an album; it’s a testament to Naked Giants' resilience and their dedication to authentic rock music. The album invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and musical exploration, embracing both youthful exuberance and the emotional depth that comes with maturity.