The first composite solid rocket fuel that eventually launched spaceships was made with asphalt, effectively paving the way to the moon. Dashboard Heat (due out on September 26th on Share It Music – PRE-ORDER), the newest record by Seattle stalwarts Smokey Brights, embodies this funny little fact, using tough truths to slip the surly bonds of earth and, through hardship, touch the stars. Members Kim West (vocals/keys), Ryan Devlin (vocals/guitars), Luke Ragnar (bass/vocals), and Nick Krivchenia (drums) have crafted a ramshackle rocket of a record that touches upon cars, celestial forces, childhood homes, light and hope, darkness and grief. Produced by Andy D. Park in exchange for Ryan painting his recording studio, the album sees the band sonically shooting for the solar system while staying true to their grounded take on songcraft that has made them a mainstay of the Northwest scene.
Smokey Brights have no intention of slowing down for the release of their fifth LP, Dashboard Heat. Recently, they filmed a stripped-down, sold-out two-night stand at Seattle’s Rabbit Box Theater, debuting the new record in its entirety. Even the physical record of Dashboard Heat is ambitious, stretching the terrene boundaries of vinyl into the celestial. The cover art from Brazilian surrealist illustrator Bruno Cesar features an Easter Egg for every song on the record, while the accompanying lyrical comic book sees Cesar sending the band on a trip through the silver age stars. Smokey Brights will be supporting all this astral ambition with terrestrial touring, hitting both coasts, the Southwest and the Northwest in fall 2025.
In alignment with Share It Music’s mission, a portion of the album’s proceeds will benefit the band’s chosen charity: The Vera Project, an all-ages nonprofit space committed to fostering personal and community transformation through youth-driven engagement in music and art.
Today, Glide is premiering the video for the standout track “Reaction,” an urgent and dreamy rocker brimming with atmospheric sounds and a big soaring chorus. The song walks the line between vulnerability and toughness. It’s an emotional anthem about navigating self-doubt and love, and learning to trust yourself. Featuring heartbreaking lyrics from vocalist Kim West, and an explosive drum performance from Nick Krivchenia, Reaction typifies Smokey Brights’ indelible blend of indie storytelling, pop hooks, and passionate playing. The fantastical music video captures the expansive scope of the song and its arena-ready sound, building even more excitement around getting to see the band’s new songs performed live.
WATCH:
