Spiral XP share "Faith Electric" single ahead of Blue Earth EP

Seattle-based grunge-pop ensemble Spiral XP is poised to make a significant comeback with the release of their new EP, Blue Earth, scheduled for October 16, 2026. This marks their first offering since their 2024 album I Wish I Was a Rat, concluding a two-year hiatus from the recording scene.

The forthcoming EP introduces notable changes within the band’s lineup. Founding member Max Keyes and bassist-vocalist Lena Farr-Morrissey remain at the core, now joined by guitarist Che Hise-Gattone, formerly of TV Star, and Bryan Coats, who handles vocals and drums. Coats and Hise-Gattone previously collaborated with Spiral XP on the 2024 joint EP TVXP, an engagement that likely influenced their integration into the group.

Ahead of the EP’s full release, Spiral XP unveiled “Faith Electric,” the second single following the title track shared last month. The single is distinctive for its bifurcated structure: the opening segment features Keyes’ vocals with an intense, cult-like fervor, while the latter half transitions into a dreamlike atmosphere, highlighted by Farr-Morrissey’s rich and ethereal vocal delivery. This duality reflects the band’s evolving sonic palette and willingness to explore contrasting textures.

Production for Blue Earth was helmed by JooJoo Ashworth, known for work with artists such as SASAMI and Dummy. Ashworth’s approach encouraged the band to experiment freely and embrace unconventional methods. His use of intricate signal chains and a proclivity for sonic adventurousness pushed Spiral XP beyond their previous boundaries, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to creative risk-taking.

The writing and recording process itself was marked by spontaneity and literary inspiration. Farr-Morrissey sourced lyrical material directly from books during sessions, while Keyes revisited incomplete compositions to develop new arrangements. This blend of structured and improvised techniques under Ashworth’s guidance underscores the EP’s eclectic yet cohesive character.

The title Blue Earth carries a deeply personal significance for Spiral XP. It references a harrowing experience the band endured on their inaugural tour when they sought refuge from a tornado in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Forced to turn back amid the storm’s eye, the group found shelter in a gas station, an event that left a lasting impression and strengthened their bond. The emotional aftermath of this event is encapsulated in the EP’s title track, with Farr-Morrissey channeling the experience into the song’s lyrics as a form of catharsis.

Following the EP’s release, Spiral XP plans to perform at Seattle’s Tractor Tavern on October 23, sharing the stage with Dummy and Golomb. This show represents an opportunity for the band to present their revitalized lineup and new material to their hometown audience.

Blue Earth is set to be released via Danger Collective Records and Den Tapes, signaling a collaborative effort between labels and a potential strategic move to broaden the band’s reach. While details on the full tracklist and thematic exploration remain limited, the available singles and background information suggest a project rooted in resilience, transformation, and sonic exploration.

Spiral XP’s reemergence with Blue Earth demonstrates both continuity and change within their artistic trajectory. The infusion of new members, the embrace of experimental production, and the personal narratives embedded within the music collectively point to a band engaging deeply with their past while charting new creative territories. Music enthusiasts and followers of the Seattle scene will likely find this EP a compelling addition to the evolving landscape of contemporary grunge-pop.