Seattle-based three piece Spirit Award are known for their unique mix of sprawling stereo guitars, stunningly moody soundscapes and a driving drum and bass foundation. While Spirit Award are aptly capable of generating catchy psych moments, there seems to be no calculable formula to their writing style. Comprised of Daniel Lyon, Chris Moore and Terence Ankeny, the trio’s mutual goal in creating a sound with grit and authenticity is clearly evident throughout their music.
Following on the heels of their acclaimed 2018 album Muted Crowd (produced by Trevor Spencer [Father John Misty, Fleet Foxes]), which centers around themes of homelessness, greed, and the wealth gap, Spirit Award has returned exceedingly focused with this two-song single, titled Currency. And when the band heard the idea of teaming with Share It Music, a Seattle nonprofit label that gives a portion of proceeds to a charity of the band's choice, they knew it was a no-brainer.
For Currency, Spirit Award has chosen to donate to Mary's Place in Seattle, an organization that "provides safe, inclusive shelter and services for women, children and families on their journey out of homelessness." To that end, Currency is comprised of a pair of songs that revolve around the themes explored on Muted Crowd. The A-side track "Mountain" asserts the message to the 1% that "in the end you will die like the rest of us, just bound to your golden chains". The B-side piano-driven track "Is It Enough?" is a bit of a departure from Spirit Award's previous work. But its spacey guitars and sparkly keys give it a slight psychedelic treatment.
The Currency physical 7" is a super-limited pressing of 200 white vinyl, manufactured by Third Man Pressing. Currency was recorded at Electrokitty Recording Studio in Seattle.
