Spirit Award - Lunatic House (2021)

Seattle-based 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 at times seem to be no calculable formula to their writing style. Composed of Daniel Lyon and a cast of rotating musicians, their goal to create a project with grit and authenticity is clearly evident throughout their music.

Spirit Award’s third LP, "Lunatic House" was in part a collaboration between Daniel and Producer Trevor Spencer (Fleet Foxes, Valley Maker) and Drummer/Engineer James Barone (Beach House, Tennis, Nathaniel Rateliff). The idea was to create a vibe through the record; aggressive, noisy, and pulsating.

And while "Lunatic House" does resemble a haunted house of everyday horrors, there is a hope and light at the end of the hallway - a call to others to get active and motivated to make positive changes in themselves and in communities around them. While the band's purpose is to make music, Daniel is very vocal and committed to helping social, racial and economic injustices. For this record, they have chosen to support the ACLU - an organization helping to fight for individual rights and liberties.