The first composite solid rocket fuel that eventually launched spaceships was made with asphalt, effectively paving the way to the moon. Dashboard Heat, 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 music scene.Smokey Brights have no intention of slowing down for Dashboard Heat. Even the physical record is ambitious, stretching the terrene boundaries of vinyl into the celestial. The cover art from Brazilian surrealist illustrator Bruno Cæsar features an Easter Egg for every song on the record, while the accompanying lyrical comic book sees Cæsar 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.
