Jay’s DJ Pick of The Week is “Payphone” by Illiterate Light!
Illiterate Light is a genreless duo formed in 2015 by Jeff Gorman and Jake Cochran. Their music is as fluid as their talents, both Jeff and Jake being multi-instrumentalists who opt to actualize their complex studio arrangements without tracks, a show of their commitment to the roots of the band and the bond shared by the members. Central to the band are their live performances, having earned them a cult following. “Payphone” is their most recent release, coming in anticipation of their third full length studio LP.
“Payphone” features a nostalgic bounce, sounding straight out of the end credits of a 00s coming-of-age film. The song hits the gas from the get-go and doesn’t let up. Riffs that crush and sweep follow breezy, airy chorus passages. Peeling back the layers leads to constant surprises, revealing quirky synth lines and vocal harmonies. Typical of the duo, the sound is much bigger than what two people should ever be able to make alone. Though payphones don’t quite exist anymore, the crisp production of this one is timeless.
The band’s fabled live show brings itself to Tennessee this weekend, with a kick-off performance at Kimbro’s in Franklin before they hit the stage at Pilgrimage Festival on Saturday. Illiterate Light is touring their upcoming album, Arches, which will feature “Payphone” among other singles. “We’ve always been shape shifters,” the band said. Arches will reinforce that very statement, with the group continuing, “We care less about genre and more about feeling.” Preorder the LP today, and listen to Lightning 100 to hear “Payphone” all week!
Tune in to 100.1 FM or lightning100.com all day to hear “Payphone” by Illiterate Light, Jay’s DJ Pick of the Week! Share your thoughts on the track by tagging #L100DJPicks on Twitter!
