Seattle’s Smokey Brights have accumulated a sizable following in their hometown over recent years, but their next move will see them significantly expanding their reach—Levitator, the quartet’s fourth studio album, is set to arrive on June 2 through Austin-based label Nine Mile Records. Produced by Andy D. Park, who’s worked with everyone from local PNW legends like Death Cab for Cutie to global hitmakers such as Noah Cyrus, the new LP will carefully examine the tumultuous era we’re living through, all the while remaining conscious of the silver linings to be found in community spaces.
The news of the new record arrives alongside the lead single “No Getting Out,” a fairly upbeat take on unquestionably harrowing subject matter. “I know, I know, there is beauty all around us—people perform incredible acts of love every day, our state has legal weed,” says vocalist Kim West. “But at the same time, like, what the fuck? We are in the midst of a global extinction event of an almost incomprehensible scale. Our summers have turned to smoke. Species are disappearing. The water is running out. Our time is running out. Yet, in a moment where we all know, at our core, we gotta figure it out, those at the top of the heap inflame the anxious masses with ever-evolving conspiracies about drag queens, trans youth, unhoused people, or whatever other marginalized population they choose to scapegoat next.”
With all this in mind, “No Getting Out” is far from a doom-and-gloom acceptance of this fate, but instead a glistening indie-rock anthem for sorting it all out. West’s vocals are bolstered on the chorus by her backing band, as if to signify the solidarity they’re looking to convey with the track. “‘No Getting Out’ is a call out,” West adds. “It’s a battle cry. It’s a self-help anthem for those of us who know we gotta figure it out and that we can’t wait for anyone else to do it for us. Raise my hands to the sky, tonight I refuse to burn.”
The track comes with a video that sees West looking lost before ultimately finding community with another individual. Check that out below, and pre-order Levitator here.
